Most people know that it’s not a good idea to put eggshells down the garbage disposal. But what many people don’t know is why it’s bad to put eggshells in the garbage disposal. Eggshells are sharp and can easily damage the blades of the disposal. When the blades are damaged, they can cause leaks and other problems that will require expensive repairs.
Your loss may not end here once you do that. Keep reading to learn why it’s best to avoid putting eggshells down the machine.
What Happens If Putting Eggshells in Garbage Disposal?
Putting eggshells down the garbage disposal is not a good idea because they can damage the blades, clog the drain, and cause a bad smell.
May Dull Your Disposal Blades
Eggshells are made up of calcium carbonate which is very hard and sharp. When you put eggshells down the garbage disposal, they can cause the blades to become dull and eventually break, resulting in a decrease in its efficiency, or expensive repairs and even replacement of the machine.
May Clog Your Garbage Disposal
Eggshells are a common culprit for clogging the garbage disposal. The thin membrane between the egg white and shell is tough enough to get caught in the teeth of the blades, and can lead to a clog. If you put eggshells down your garbage disposal, be prepared for the possibility of having to get a plumber in to unclog it.
May Clog Your Drain
Eggshells can become stuck on the sides of the garbage disposal and clog the drain. This means that not only will it be difficult to get the eggshells out of the machine, but it could also lead to a plumbing emergency.
Eggshell grit can easily travel through the garbage disposal and into your plumbing system, leading to a drain clog. This type of clog is difficult to remove and may require the services of a professional plumber.
May Cause a Bad Smell
Eggshells are full of proteins and fats, which can release bad odors when they decompose. This smell can linger in your home if you put eggshells down your garbage disposal, and can be difficult to get rid of.
How Can You Prevent These Problems from Happening?
Eggshells are sedimentary in nature, if putting too much in your garbage disposal at one time, it is most likely to cause needless loss.
There are several ways to prevent eggshells from damaging your garbage disposal. The most obvious solution is to avoid putting eggshells down the machine in the first place.
Additionally, you should regularly clean out your garbage disposal and remove any stuck or hardened eggshells.
Finally, it’s important to inspect the blades of your garbage disposal and make sure that they are sharp and in good condition.
Taking these steps will ensure that your garbage disposal is running at its best and will save you from expensive repairs in the future.
What Should You Do If You Have Already Put Eggshells down the Disposal?
If you have already put eggshells down the garbage disposal, it’s important to take action right away.
First, turn off the power (added precaution!!) to the machine and remove any stuck eggshells.
Then, clean out the disposal and inspect the blades for damage. If the blades are dull or damaged, they should be replaced.
Finally, make sure that the drain is clear and operating properly.
So, How to Dispose of Waste Eggshells?
Now that you know why it’s bad to put eggshells down the garbage disposal, what should you do with them? There are a few options for disposing of waste eggshells.
Composting
The best option is to compost them. Eggshells are a great source of calcium and other nutrients, which can help enrich your garden soil.
Deter Pests
You can also use them to deter pests from your garden, since their sharp edges can be uncomfortable for some insects.
Throw Away
If you don’t have a compost pile, you can throw the eggshells in the trash or put them in a sealable container and toss it in the garbage.
No matter what you decide to do with your eggshells, it’s important to remember that putting them in the garbage disposal is a bad idea and can cause big problems down the road.
Take care of your garbage disposal by following these easy steps and you will be sure to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
