Hints from Heloise 2/15/2014

Grounds for Problems

Dear Heloise: In a recent Washington Post article, you stated that leftover COFFEE GROUNDS should never be put down the garbage disposal. Why? Al S., via email

Al, you and many readers were curious, so heres the scoop. Its not that the disposal wont handle them; it does grind up all sorts of food. Its when they go down the drain and supposedly disappear into the sewer system. That black hole in the kitchen sink is attached to the plumbing, and thats where the problem might come up and, well, really stop things up!

Look under the kitchen sink, and you will see a P-trap (I say it looks like a bent elbow). If you dont run enough water (and most folks dont), the grounds can get stuck in there or in the plumbing farther down the line.

Then you add other foods scraped from plates, or you wash a pan that has grease or oil on it. Combine all of these factors, and you just might end up with a clogged drain. My mantra: Its better to prevent a problem than to have to deal with one.

When in doubt, throw it out! If you live in a house, the plumbing can run a long way to the sewer or septic system.

Hope this helps clear up the coffee-grounds question. Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Debra Amos in Moulton, Ala., sent a photo of her blue-eyed Lab puppy, Crystal Dynasty, sleeping wedged between furniture. She was named after her owners alma maters numerous national football championship titles. She is full of personality and has become the ambassador for a nonprofit organization that her owner runs. To see Crystals photo, go to http://www.Heloise.com and click on Pets. - Heloise

YEAR-ROUND LABELS

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Hints from Heloise 2/15/2014