I’m not a coffee drinker but do you know what I love? The smell of coffee brewing. Maybe that’s the reason some people believe in putting coffee grounds in the garbage disposal in their Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home. Doing this supposedly eliminates odors and freshens the scent in the drain. Even if there is some truth to that, Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing wants you to know it is NOT a good idea.
GROUNDS TURN INTO CLUMPS
What’s the big deal you ask? Unlike many foods, coffee grounds clump together in water rather than breaking down. Over time those clumps can build up to create clogs. The safest place for coffee grounds is in the trash. NOTE: Using them as a fertilizer is also a good choice. The coffee grounds add organic material to the soil improving drainage and aeration. Certain microorganisms beneficial to plant growth are also attracted to coffee grounds along with earthworms.
THE LIST GOES ON
Now that we’ve started down this road it’s important to know there are several other types of food that don’t belong in the garbage disposal. The list includes:
- Grease, oil, and fats (remember this includes things like cream)
- Starchy foods including potatoes, pasta, rice
- Fibrous foods like celery, banana peels, fish skins
- Non-food items including metal, wood, glass, and cigarette butts
The best way to avoid drain and garbage disposal problems is to follow a very basic rule: When in doubt, throw it out…in the trash that is.
SIGNS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM
If the deed is already done, here are some of the common warning signs you are dealing with a clogged drain:
- Water backs up out of the sink drain
- Sink drains very slowly
- A noticeable gurgling noise coming from the sink
- Your kitchen drain smells like rotting food
DON’T IGNORE THE PROBLEM
When you notice these symptoms it’s a good idea to call for help. Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has licensed, expert plumbers and technicians to evaluate your kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal. Using their expertise and the proper tools, they can identify the problem in your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home and fix it quickly and efficiently. To learn more about the services offered by Kotz be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
