Stop Garbage Disposal Clogs: 7 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain
Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working (and most taken for granted) appliances in your kitchen. It’s designed to handle small amounts of soft food waste, grinding it into particles small enough to pass through your drain lines.
However, the name "garbage disposal" can be misleading. It’s a tool for managing residual food, not a kitchen trash can! Putting the wrong items down your sink can quickly lead to clogs, unpleasant odors, and expensive repair calls.
To help you keep your drains clear, the experts at Superior Services have compiled a list of the 7 worst offenders you should never put down your garbage disposal.
1. Grease, Oils, and Fats (G.O.F.)
The Problem: Hot liquid grease (from bacon, meat, or frying) may flow freely at first, but as it cools in your pipes, it solidifies. This sticky residue acts like glue, trapping other food particles and creating stubborn, hard-to-clear blockages.
The Fix: Pour hot grease into an old can or jar, let it solidify, and then toss it in the trash. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
2. Coffee Grounds
The Problem: Coffee grounds may seem harmlessly small and granular, but they don't break down easily in water. Instead, they compact and accumulate, settling in the P-trap or bends of your pipes and forming a thick, sludgy obstruction.
The Fix: Compost coffee grounds or simply toss them in the trash.
3. Eggshells
The Problem: It's a popular myth that eggshells sharpen the disposal blades. They don't. The thin membrane lining the inside of the shell doesn't break down. Instead, these membranes can wrap around the blades and stick to the sides of the disposal, contributing to clogs.
The Fix: Eggshells are great for composting! Otherwise, throw them in the regular garbage.
4. Pasta, Rice, and Bread
The Problem: These starchy foods are designed to absorb water. Once they hit your drain lines, they expand—sometimes significantly—taking up too much space and creating a thick, gummy paste that easily clogs pipes.
The Fix: Scrape leftovers into the trash can before rinsing your plates.
5. Stringy or Fibrous Vegetables (e.g., Celery, Asparagus)
The Problem: The fibrous strands in vegetables like celery, corn husks, artichokes, and asparagus are tough. The disposal blades can't chop them effectively. Instead, the fibers get tangled around the shredder ring and blades, potentially jamming the unit and causing motor burnout.
The Fix: Toss these fibrous scraps into the compost bin or trash.
6. Fruit Pits and Hard Materials
The Problem: Your garbage disposal is not a rock crusher. Fruit pits (like those from peaches or avocados) and other hard items (like bones) are too dense and hard to be effectively ground up. They will simply bounce around, dulling the blades and potentially causing internal damage to the disposal housing.
The Fix: Always throw hard pits and bones straight into the garbage.
7. Non-Food Items
The Problem: This might seem obvious, but things like paper towels, stickers from produce, rubber bands, cigarette butts, and plastic wrappers frequently end up in the disposal. These items will never break down and will cause an immediate and guaranteed clog.
The Fix: Keep only food scraps (and safe ones at that) near the disposal area. Be especially mindful of stickers on fruits and vegetables!
Keep It Running Smoothly: Professional Tips
Even if you follow these rules, every disposal benefits from good usage habits:
Use Cold Water: Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for at least 30 seconds after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify fats so they can be chopped and flushed away faster.
Feed Slowly: Don’t shove all the food waste down at once. Feed scraps gradually.
Run It Regularly: Running your disposal often keeps the moving parts free and prevents rust and corrosion.
If you have a tough clog that won't budge or your disposal is jammed, don't attempt a risky DIY fix. The professionals at Superior Services in San Angelo can quickly and safely clear your drain lines and get your disposal running perfectly.
Don't wait for a flood! If your disposal is clogged or making strange noises, contact Superior Services today for reliable, expert plumbing service!
