Did you know that the garbage disposal was invented almost a century ago? Since then it was more and more developed into today's popular use in almost every kitchen. It helps keeping the drains clear from food scraps which otherwise might deliberately be flushed in the kitchen sink. However, only if you use your disposal unit properly, you will have less plumbing repairs with regards to your kitchen sink and the drainage system of your home.

As useful a garbage disposal unit may be as a plumbing product, there are certain food scraps you should absolutely not put in. Why? Because they wouldn't grind into small pieces and cause clogging or even damage to your disposal unit or your plumbing system. Much like all mechanical and electrical items, failure to follow along with its intended use might lead to problems such as clogged drains and and you would have to call a local plumber for help.

Following are a four food items or scraps which you should never put in a garbage disposal unit in order to avoid costly plumbing repairs:

1. Oil and grease

Among the top reasons for drain blockage is grease, and the unit, because it is part of the drain, may also be affected. When it gets cold, grease solidifies and may develop blocking and harm to your drainage system.

2. Stringy veggies and fruits

Banana or orange peels, celery, lettuce, or similar veggies or fruits are also known to cause blockage within the disposal unit. Therefore, put those 'stringy' veggies and fruit waste in the garbage can instead of in your sink.

3. Bones

Even when bones, e.g. chicken bones may look small and thin, a garbage disposal isn't sufficiently strong enough to grind or chop those types of food. Even if bones appear to be in tiny pieces, the disposal can have problems grinding them which can result in some bits of the bones getting stuck within the rotor blades.

4. Rice and grains

Don't flush both cooked and uncooked rice because they continue to grow when place in water and may stick to the inside of your pipes.

So how exactly should you best use your garbage disposal? The most important rule is to always turn the faucet on before you use your garbage disposal and let the water run for several seconds after you turn the disposal unit off. Remember, every piece you put in the garbage disposal goes right into your plumbing system, so it needs some water to wash it down the drains.

Plumbing repairs can be avoided when we can just get rid of our habits to throw every and all food bits into the sink.