Garbage disposals are convenient, but they often become a source of plumbing problems when used the wrong way.
If certain foods go down the drain or if the disposal is run improperly, it can lead to slow drains, foul smells, and full blockages. This guide explains how to prevent garbage disposal from clogging, protect your pipes, and avoid costly service calls.
1. Avoid These 5 Foods That Commonly Cause Clogs
Some foods do more harm than good inside a disposal. The following are common culprits behind most jams and backups:
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus can tangle inside the grinding chamber.
- Pasta and rice swell with water and stick to the pipes, especially when pushed through without enough flushing water.
- Grease and oil may go down as liquid, but they cool and harden inside the drain lines.
- Bones and shells from poultry, shellfish, or even hard seeds are too dense and damage the motor.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells clump into dense sludge that sticks inside the unit or settles in the trap.
Keeping these out of the disposal helps maintain flow and avoid buildup over time.
2. Always Use Cold Water During and After Use
Cold water helps solidify small amounts of grease so they pass through the system instead of coating the pipes.
Run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after using the disposal. This simple step flushes food waste through the system and reduces the risk of anything staying behind.
3. Cut Large Scraps into Smaller Pieces
Before turning on the disposal, cut large food scraps into smaller sections.
Feed them into the unit one at a time instead of pushing everything in at once. This helps the disposal break food down faster and more evenly, which protects the blades and motor.
4. Never Run the Disposal Without Water
Always use running water while the disposal is on. Water helps move food along and keeps the blades cool.
If the unit runs dry, it may seize up, overheat, or leave food stuck inside. Even after the food seems ground up, let the water run for a few more seconds.
5. Avoid Eggshells, Coffee Grounds, and Peels
Some materials cause more trouble than they’re worth.
- Eggshells often contain inner membranes that can wrap around moving parts.
- Coffee grounds settle and form a thick paste that blocks water flow.
- Potato peels, onion skins, banana peels, and pineapple scraps have fibers or starches that gum up the grinding mechanism.
Disposing of these items in the trash or compost bin is a safer option.
6. Use a Jar or Can for Grease Disposal
Fats, oils, and grease—also known as FOG—are one of the top reasons for blocked kitchen pipes. Even small amounts, when poured down the drain repeatedly, create a thick lining in the pipes that traps other materials.
To avoid this:
- Pour grease into a sealed jar or can. Dispose of it in the trash once full.
- Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before rinsing.
- Use a sink strainer to catch solid particles and food scraps before they enter the disposal.
Following these steps keeps your disposal and your entire drain line clear.
7. Never Use Boiling Water or Chemical Cleaners
Boiling water may seem helpful, but it often melts grease just enough to carry it deeper into the system, where it cools and sticks again.
Chemical cleaners like Drano or other drain openers should never be used in garbage disposals. These products can damage metal components and create safety risks.
Instead, use natural cleaning methods or call a professional when the system slows down.
8. Let It Run for a Few Seconds After the Noise Stops
Once grinding stops, keep the water and disposal running for a few extra seconds. This final flush helps push all waste out of the grinding chamber and into the main drain line. Stopping too soon leaves food inside, where it begins to rot and block flow.
9. Know the Signs of Trouble Early
Catch early warning signs before they become expensive repairs:
- Loud grinding or humming with no grinding action could mean jammed blades.
- Persistent odors that don’t go away suggest trapped food.
- Water backing up in the sink may signal a clogged trap or line.
- Slow draining after use means the system isn’t flushing correctly.
Ignoring these symptoms often leads to full blockages or motor damage.
10. Schedule a Routine Check-Up
Even a well-used disposal needs occasional attention. A quick professional checkup can help clear unseen buildup and fix small issues before they cause bigger problems. If you’ve noticed noise, smell, or poor performance, don’t wait until it stops working.
Conclusion
Keeping your garbage disposal working properly doesn’t take much. Small steps like using cold water, avoiding problem foods, and cleaning it monthly can save hundreds in repair costs.
If your disposal is clogged, jammed, or showing signs of trouble, contact our team for a quick, professional inspection. We’ll help restore full flow and keep your kitchen running the way it should.