What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance, but it's not designed to handle everything.
Many homeowners assume that if food fits down the drain, the garbage disposal can handle it. Unfortunately, certain foods and household items can clog your plumbing, damage the disposal, or even lead to sewer line problems.
Knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal can help extend its life and reduce the risk of costly plumbing repairs.
1. Grease, Oil, and Cooking Fat
While grease may go down the drain as a liquid, it cools and hardens inside your pipes.
Over time, grease builds up along the pipe walls and can trap food particles, eventually causing stubborn drain clogs.
Instead:
Let grease cool.
Pour it into a disposable container.
Throw it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds don't dissolve in water.
Instead, they settle inside pipes and can combine with grease to form dense clogs over time.
Compost them whenever possible instead.
3. Eggshells
Many people believe eggshells help sharpen disposal blades.
That's a common myth.
The shell fragments and thin membrane can contribute to buildup inside your plumbing and are better disposed of in the trash or compost.
4. Fibrous Vegetables
Certain vegetables contain tough fibers that can wrap around the disposal's moving parts.
Examples include:
- Celery
- Corn husks
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Onion skins
These materials are more likely to jam the disposal than break down properly.
5. Pasta, Rice, and Bread
These foods continue absorbing water after they enter the drain.
As they expand, they can create thick, sticky blockages inside your plumbing.
Even small amounts can accumulate over time.
6. Bones
Garbage disposals aren't designed to grind large bones.
Attempting to do so can damage internal components or dull the grinding mechanism.
Dispose of bones in the trash instead.
7. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Peach pits, avocado pits, cherry pits, and similar items are simply too hard for most garbage disposals.
They can jam the unit or damage internal components.
8. Potato Peels
Large amounts of potato peels can form a starchy paste that coats the inside of pipes and contributes to drain blockages.
It's best to throw them away or compost them.
9. "Flushable" or Non-Food Items
Your garbage disposal is designed for food waste only.
Never put items like:
- Paper towels
- Plastic
- Twist ties
- Rubber bands
- Glass
- Metal
- Produce stickers
These materials can damage the disposal and clog your plumbing.
10. Large Amounts of Food at Once
Even disposal-safe food should be fed into the unit gradually.
Trying to grind large quantities at one time can overwhelm the disposal and increase the likelihood of a clog.
Garbage Disposal Best Practices
To help keep your disposal operating properly:
Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.
Feed food waste gradually.
Cut larger scraps into smaller pieces.
Clean the disposal regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners.
Simple habits like these can help extend the life of both your disposal and your plumbing.
What If My Garbage Disposal Stops Working?
A disposal that hums, jams, leaks, or won't turn on doesn't necessarily need to be replaced.
Many problems can be repaired.
If your garbage disposal stops working or your kitchen sink repeatedly backs up, a professional inspection can determine whether the issue is with the disposal itself or the drain line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put lemon peels in my garbage disposal?
Small amounts of citrus peels may help freshen the disposal, but large quantities can still contribute to buildup. Always follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I use hot water with my garbage disposal?
Cold water is generally recommended because it helps keep grease and fats solid so they can be flushed through the plumbing rather than coating the inside of the pipes.
How long should a garbage disposal last?
Most quality garbage disposals last 8 to 15 years, depending on how they're used and maintained.
Trust Beebe Drain & Sewer Co.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we help homeowners throughout the Des Moines metro keep their kitchens and plumbing systems running smoothly.
Whether you need garbage disposal repair, drain cleaning, or help diagnosing a recurring kitchen drain problem, we'll identify the cause, explain your options, and recommend the solution that's right for your home.
Preventing plumbing problems is always easier—and less expensive—than repairing them.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
