A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance that helps manage food scraps efficiently. But as helpful as it may be, it’s not a catch-all solution for every bit of waste. Misusing your garbage disposal can lead to clogs, damage, foul odors, and expensive repairs. To keep your disposal in top shape and avoid the plumber’s bill, here’s a list of common items you should never put down the drain—plus some general maintenance tips and the importance of calling in the pros when needed.
What NOT to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat. It may be liquid when hot, but once grease cools, it solidifies and coats your pipes like cholesterol in arteries. This buildup can cause stubborn clogs not just in the disposal, but deep in your plumbing system.
2. Bones. It’s best to avoid putting any bones down the unit. They’re hard, can damage the blades, and tend to just spin around without breaking down, potentially jamming the motor.
3. Fruit Pits and Hard Seeds. Avocado pits, peach stones, cherry pits, and other hard seeds are no match for your disposal blades. They’ll dull the grinding components and strain the motor.
4. Plastic, Metal, or Glass. It might sound obvious, but accidents happen—spoons, twist ties, or bits of packaging can slip down unnoticed. These materials won’t break down and can severely damage the disposal, possibly requiring a full replacement.
5. Toys and Foreign Objects. Kids are curious—and unfortunately, that curiosity often extends to your sink. Small toys, marbles, or coins dropped into the disposal can wreak havoc. Always double-check the sink before running the unit.
Smart Disposal Practices
- Always run cold water when operating the disposal. Cold water keeps grease solidified, so it gets chopped up and flushed away, rather than clinging to pipe walls.
- Break large food scraps into smaller pieces and feed them in slowly. Overloading the disposal can cause clogs or strain the motor.
- Avoid fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins, which can wrap around the blades and jam the unit.
- Freshen things up naturally with a few ice cubes and a small amount of lemon peel—but skip the commercial cleaners, which can be too harsh for your system.
Call a Professional When Necessary
Even with the best care, garbage disposals aren’t invincible. If you notice persistent clogs, unusual noises, water backing up, or a complete lack of power, it’s time to call in a professional. DIY fixes can sometimes make the problem worse or pose safety risks.
A licensed plumber or appliance technician can provide proper repair, maintenance, or replacement to extend the life of your garbage disposal and ensure your plumbing remains in good health.
Your garbage disposal is tough, but it’s not indestructible. By treating it with respect and knowing its limits, you can avoid messes, malfunctions, and major repair bills. Keep those harmful items out of the drain and call the pros when in doubt—it’ll save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Plumbing today for garbage disposal repair.