Garbage disposal clogs are a common kitchen plumbing problem. A disposal can make cleanup easier, but it is not designed to handle every type of food waste. When the wrong materials go down the drain, they can jam the blades, coat the pipe, or create a stubborn clog farther down the line.
Because of that, it is important to know what should go in the trash instead of the sink. A few simple habits can help protect your garbage disposal, kitchen drain, and plumbing system.
Here are 10 things you should never put in your garbage disposal.
What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
1. Vegetable Peelings
Vegetable peelings may seem harmless, but they can collect inside the drain and create a thick blockage. Potato peels are especially risky because they contain starch. As a result, they can turn into a paste-like buildup inside the disposal or drain line.
Instead, place vegetable peelings in the trash or compost when possible.
2. Fruit Pits
Fruit pits from peaches, avocados, cherries, plums, and similar fruits are too hard for a garbage disposal. They can damage the disposal, jam the grinding components, or stop the unit from working.
Therefore, fruit pits should always go in the trash.
3. Celery Stalks and Fibrous Foods
Celery, corn husks, onion skins, asparagus, and similar foods contain stringy fibers. These fibers can wrap around the disposal components and cause the unit to jam.
If your disposal hums but does not spin, fibrous food may be part of the problem.
4. Fats, Oils, and Grease
Grease is one of the biggest causes of kitchen drain clogs. When hot grease is poured down the sink, it may seem to disappear. However, it can cool and harden inside the pipe.
Over time, grease can trap food scraps and debris. This buildup can slow the drain or create a complete blockage.
Instead, let grease cool. Then, wipe it into the trash or pour it into a disposable container.
5. Pasta
Pasta expands when it absorbs water. Because of this, even small amounts can swell inside the drain and contribute to garbage disposal clogs.
Pasta can also become sticky and combine with grease or other food waste. For that reason, it should not be sent down the disposal.
6. Rice
Rice creates many of the same problems as pasta. It absorbs water, expands, and can collect inside the pipe.
Although a few grains may not seem like a big deal, larger amounts can create a clog. So, scrape rice into the trash before rinsing dishes.
7. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds may look fine enough to wash away, but they can collect in the drain like sediment. Once they settle, they can mix with grease and other debris.
This can lead to slow kitchen drains and repeated clogs. Instead, throw coffee grounds away or compost them.
8. Paper, Plastic, Glass, or Packaging
Non-food items should never go into a garbage disposal. Paper, plastic, glass, twist ties, wrappers, bottle caps, and utensils can damage the unit or create a blockage.
If something falls into the disposal, turn the power off before trying to remove it. Never reach into a disposal while it is connected to power.
9. Eggshells
Many people believe eggshells sharpen disposal blades. However, eggshell membranes can wrap around disposal parts, and the shell fragments can contribute to gritty buildup in the drain.
To avoid unnecessary problems, place eggshells in the trash or compost instead.
10. Shellfish Shells and Bones
Bones and shellfish shells are too hard for most residential garbage disposals. They can damage the unit, jam the motor, or leave sharp fragments behind.
Chicken bones, rib bones, crab shells, shrimp shells, clam shells, and similar items should always go in the trash.
Bonus: Never Put Your Hands in the Garbage Disposal
Your hands should never go inside a garbage disposal. Even when the switch is off, the unit can be dangerous.
If the disposal is jammed, disconnect power to the unit first. Then, use tongs or pliers to remove visible debris. If you cannot clear the issue safely, call a plumber for help.
How to Use Your Garbage Disposal the Right Way
Good disposal habits can help reduce clogs and extend the life of the unit. Here are a few simple tips:
- Run cold water before turning on the disposal.
- Keep cold water running while the disposal is working.
- Continue running water for several seconds after turning it off.
- Add food scraps slowly instead of all at once.
- Avoid large amounts of food waste.
- Clean the disposal regularly with small citrus peels or approved disposal cleaners.
Cold water helps keep fats more solid so they can move through the disposal more easily. In addition, steady water flow helps carry small particles through the drain.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal or Kitchen Drain Needs Service
Sometimes, garbage disposal clogs are easy to notice. Other times, the warning signs build slowly.
Call a plumber if you notice:
- The disposal hums but does not spin
- The kitchen sink drains slowly
- Water backs up into the sink
- The disposal smells bad even after cleaning
- The unit leaks under the sink
- The reset button keeps tripping
- The drain clogs repeatedly
These problems may come from the disposal itself, the kitchen drain, or a deeper blockage in the plumbing system.
When to Call Triton Plumbing
If your garbage disposal is jammed, leaking, clogged, or not working correctly, Triton Plumbing can help. Our team provides general plumbing repairs and kitchen plumbing support for homeowners throughout Oakland and Macomb County.
If the problem is related to a deeper blockage, we can also help with drain cleaning to restore proper flow.
Get Help With Garbage Disposal Clogs in Oakland or Macomb County
A garbage disposal is useful, but it needs the right care. By keeping grease, rice, pasta, coffee grounds, bones, shells, and fibrous foods out of the drain, you can reduce the risk of clogs and repairs.
Call Triton Plumbing at (248) 520-0322 or schedule service online for garbage disposal or kitchen drain service in Oakland and Macomb County, MI.