The Hazards of Putting Crab, Lobster, and Shrimp Shells Down the Garbage Disposal

Our Tampa Bay area is a seafood lover’s dream. And with fresh-off-the-boat markets like I.C. Sharks, Good Earth Meat & Seafood, and dozen more, we are able to buy and cook seafood anytime we’d like. But, when it comes to disposing the shells left over from these tasty treats, we need to consider a few things to protect our plumbing. Because, it seems, many people rely on their garbage disposal to handle seafood scraps. However, not all food waste is suitable for this appliance. And shellfish shells, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp, are prime examples of what should never go down your garbage disposal.

So, to avoid plumbing problem in the future, the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber explain why disposing of shellfish scraps down your garbage disposal is hazardous to your disposal unit and your home plumbing.

1. Potential Damage to the Disposal Unit

Garbage disposals are designed to handle soft food waste and small particles. And the hard, tough nature of crab, lobster, and shrimp shells can cause significant damage to the grinding mechanisms within the disposal unit. Furthermore, these shells can dull the blades, jam the motor, or even cause the disposal to break down entirely. And, unfortunately, repairs can be costly and inconvenient, often requiring professional assistance of Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

2. Clogging of Pipes

Shellfish shells do not break down easily. So, when they enter your plumbing system, they can create stubborn clogs. And, unlike softer food waste that can decompose or be flushed through the pipes, these hard shells can accumulate and block the flow of water. Additionally, this can lead to slow drainage, backups, and in severe cases, completely obstructed pipes that necessitate expensive plumbing repairs.

3. Foul Odors

When shells from crab, lobster, or shrimp get stuck in your garbage disposal or pipes, they can start to decompose and emit a foul odor. And this smell can permeate your kitchen and even your entire home, making it an unpleasant place to be. Furthermore, the odor can be difficult to eliminate, often requiring deep cleaning or requiring you to Google plumber near me to get the number of Billy the Sunshine Plumber to come clean it out.

4. Attraction of Pests

The lingering smell of decomposing shellfish can attract pests such as ants, roaches, and rodents. And these pests are not only a nuisance. But they can also pose health risks by contaminating your food and living spaces. So, by keeping shellfish shells out of your garbage disposal you can help maintain a cleaner, pest-free kitchen environment.

Best Practices for Shellfish Waste Disposal

Avoid the hazards associated with putting crab, lobster, and shrimp shells down your garbage disposal. And instead consider these alternative disposal methods:

1. Composting: If you have a compost pile, you can add shellfish shells to it. Because, they will eventually break down and add valuable nutrients to your compost. But, be sure to crush the shells into smaller pieces to speed up the composting process.
2. Trash: The simplest and most effective method is to place the shells in a sealed bag and dispose of them with your regular trash. Because, this prevents them from causing clogs or damaging your plumbing.
3. Burying: If you have a garden, you can bury the shells in your soil. And over time, they will decompose and enrich the soil with calcium and other minerals.

Putting crab, lobster, and shrimp shells down your garbage disposal can lead to a range of problems that require help from Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

But, by understanding the hazards and opting for safer disposal methods, you can protect your home’s plumbing system. So, always remember that not everything can or should go down the drain. But, if you do run into a problem, also remember that Billy the Sunshine Plumber is here to help.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Plus they are open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. So, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always there for you.