On one side of my double-sided sink, I have a garbage disposal and on the other side, it is an ordinary drain with a steel drain cover as well as a small rubber crumb catcher for added protection.
The other day, I caught my oldest son sweeping crumbs down the non-garbage disposal side, and I reminded him to please use the garbage disposal side. He argued that it was just a few crumbs and that it would not affect anything. I explained to him that that was not true and that, over time, it could cause a problem that would require a professional plumber to perform a drain cleaning service, which I would happily have him pay for if he continued. He immediately said, “Fine, I will do it your way.”
A small bread business owner (The Fresh Loaf) shares something I never thought of when rinsing baking utensils off. She writes, “I had to learn the hard way—-when the plumbing backed up and water leaked onto the kitchen flour from the sewer drain pipe. All the books should mention that rinsing out dough bowls and utensils in the kitchen sink is going to stop up your plumbing in about three months time.
I have since read various posts here with some hints on clean up, such as using cold water instead of hot. I wipe everything out rather than rinse. I bought the silicone sink strainers,”.
Furthermore, we also have a well and septic system that we must be mindful of. Despite my ex-husband’s theory of not using the garbage disposal for food waste, I did it anyway. Let’s continue that thought in the next paragraph.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.
What is a garbage disposal used for
I have always had a garbage disposal in every house I have lived in before I got married and bought my first home (which I still live in today). We (my mom and I) would put things like vegetable peels (not too many at once, especially with onions!), meat, fruit peels, scrapings from our plates, etc., and did not have any problems.
In fact, the last time I had my septic field cleaned and inspected by professionals, they said putting vegetables and old meat down the garbage disposal was actually good for the septic system. In a sense, by doing so, I am composting my septic field. However, they did say that grease is the number one offender and that letting it go down the drain should be avoided at all costs.
According to a comprehensive study done by Consumer Reports, below are the foods that can and cannot be deposited into a garbage disposal:
“Yes:
- Fruit Scraps
- Fruit Pits
- Vegetable Scraps
- Corn Cobs
- Cooked Meat
- Small Bones
- Leftovers
- Ice
No:
- Clam or Oyster Shells
- Grease
- Oil
- A Large Amount of Vegetable Peels
- A Large Number of Eggshells
- Corn Husks
- Artichokes
- Any Non-food Items,”.
I forgot that small bones were okay and that fruit peels added a fresh scent to the mix.
How to dissolve food stuck in drain
What happens if my son does not heed my advice and my strong foreboding about not rinsing the crumbs down the drain on the non-garbage disposal side of the sink and there is a backup?
Ever since my oldest was a baby and honestly, a few years before that, I started to be more health conscious about what I eat, cook with, and use to clean my home. I have opted for the more natural and organic route, including how I have unclogged any plumbing. I have been especially careful with the septic system as harsh chemicals are terrible to use and can cause severe damage to not only the septic but also the plumbing.
For a healthier approach to dissolving food stuck in a drain, I like to do the following:
- First, I pour one cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Next, I immediately pour one cup of vinegar down after it. This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids a fun science experiment!
- Afterward, I cover the drain with a stopper and wait fifteen minutes for the mixture to sit and bubble.
- Lastly, I remove the lid and I flush it down with hot water.
Incidentally, when I mistakenly put too many onion peels in the garbage disposal, I have had to use a plunger and slowly run the disposal with smaller amounts of the waste.
Also, if grease inadvertently goes down the drain, I immediately run the hot water for a few minutes and add Dawn dish soap. As the commercial states, “takes grease out of your way”. Since we’re talking about getting grease out of the way, I would like to add that this dish soap is also effective in removing grease from clothing.
Another important factor to consider is the age and material of your plumbing system. Older pipes, especially those made from galvanized steel or cast iron, are more prone to buildup and corrosion. Even small food particles can accumulate over time, mixing with soap scum and other debris to create stubborn clogs. Homes with PVC piping may be a bit more forgiving, but it’s still best to be cautious. I also learned from a plumber that the slope of your pipes could influence how easily food waste washes away—flatter pipes allow more residue to settle and harden.
Additionally, if you use a dishwasher, remember that it often drains into the same pipe system as the sink. So, if there’s already a clog forming from improper crumb disposal, the dishwasher may worsen the issue. A slow-draining sink or dishwasher backup can be an early sign that you need to change your disposal habits—before a costly plumbing bill comes knocking.
Can crumbs go down the drain?
In conclusion, being mindful of what goes down your sink—crumbs included—can save you from costly plumbing issues. With a little prevention and the right habits, you’ll keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid turning a minor oversight into a major household plumbing headache.