How to Properly Use
a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal can be a helpful tool in the kitchen, if you use it the right way.  If not, it can lead to clogged pipes, broken parts, and big messes that cost time and money to fix.  Here’s what you need to know:

Do This

  • Only use the disposal for small bits of food that are left on dishes after you’ve scraped them into the trash can.
  • Always run cold water while using the garbage disposal.  This helps the food get chopped up and move smoothly through the pipes.
  • Let the water run for a few seconds after turning the disposal off.  This helps flush any leftover bits out of the system.

Don’t Do This

  • Don’t overload the disposal with large amounts of food.  Too much at once can cause clogs and damage.
  • Don’t treat the sink like a trash can.  Things like grease, pasta, potato peels, bones, or coffee grounds should never go into the disposal.
  • Don’t put anything in the disposal that doesn’t belong there.  If you’re not sure, it’s better to throw it in the trash.

Taking a little extra care will help your garbage disposal last longer, and help you avoid plumbing problems.  Got a question about home maintenance or plumbing?  Contact us today.  We’re always happy to help!

What NOT to Put in a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are great for cleaning up small bits of soft food, but they’re not meant to handle everything. Some foods can damage the disposal, clog the pipes, or cause bad smells.  Here’s a list of things you should never put in your garbage disposal:

  • Stringy or Fibrous Foods:  Examples:  Celery, corn husks, asparagus.  These foods have long, stringy parts that can get wrapped around the disposal’s impellers and cause it to jam.
  • Bones:  Even small ones like fish or chicken bones.  Bones are too hard and can break or jam the disposal. Always throw them in the trash.
  • Rice, Pasta, and Noodles:  These foods expand in water and get sticky.  They can build up inside the disposal or pipes and cause clogs.
  • Grease and Oil:  Grease might go down as a liquid, but it hardens inside your pipes.  This can cause serious blockages over time.
  • Fruit Pits and Seeds:  Examples: Peach pits, cherry pits, avocado seeds.  They’re too hard and can damage the disposal or get stuck inside.
  • Eggshells:  Some people think eggshells sharpen the blades, but that’s a myth.  Garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades, only blunt impellers.  The thin membrane inside eggshells can get tangled, and the shell pieces can harm your pipes.

Quick Tip:  When in doubt, toss it in the trash instead.  Garbage disposals are best for small, soft scraps only.

Need help with a garbage disposal issue or plumbing repair?  Contact us.  We’re here to help keep your kitchen running smoothly!

When Should You
Replace a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals don’t last forever, but they can work well for a long time, if they’re used the right way.  Most garbage disposals last about 10 years when used under normal conditions. If you’re careful about what you put down the drain (only small amounts of soft food), your disposal might even last longer than that.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Might Need to Be Replaced

  • Burning smell when it’s running
  • Weird or loud noises that weren’t there before
  • Leaks under the sink
  • Frequent clogs that don’t go away with basic cleaning

If you’re seeing any of these problems, it might be time for a repair or even a full replacement.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!  If your garbage disposal needs attention, we can take care of it through our Homeowner Concierge Repair Service Program. We’ll handle the repair or replacement so you don’t have to worry about it.