Plumbing Pumpkin Problems

Ah, pumpkin guts. Everyone’s least favorite part of Halloween cleanup. If you’re a purist, you will have already removed all the seeds for roasting and portions of the flesh to make a homemade pumpkin pie or other seasonal favorite. But now you’re left with the slimy aftermath. Garbage disposal? Toilet? Trashcan? What’s the next step?

It may be most convenient to simply scrape them into the garbage disposal. But trust us when we say NO. Garbage disposals are powerful tools but even the top of the line disposal has been known to have problems with the gristle and slime of pumpkin guts. Here’s a quick list of all the foods that should never go down a garbage disposal or drain:

• Grease of any kind
• Vegetable and fruit skins (including pumpkins)
• Bones
• Coffee grounds
• Pasta and rice
• Egg shells

Over time, these materials will harden and cause major clogs in your plumbing. The same goes for toilets. All your water and refuse go into the same network of plumbing and therefore is subject to all the same problems. If there is any question, opt for the trashcan. If you’re able, composting is also a great alternative for disposing of food scraps – which also leads to rich soil and healthy gardens.

While we’re on the subject, one of the worst items you can dispose of down a drain or toilet is paint. Paint accumulates within the walls of your pipes, coating them with buildup and chemicals that can cause health and environmental hazards.

Save yourself Halloween scares and practice safe drain usage. If you do encounter a plumbing emergency, call Catons at 410-655-5757 or schedule service online for fast, reliable service.