What Can You Put Down a Garbage Disposal?

Understanding the Purpose of a Garbage Disposal

Before getting too deep into what can go down a garbage disposal, it's essential to grasp its primary function: breaking food waste down into smaller particles that pass more easily through plumbing systems, thus keeping kitchen environments cleaner by keeping food waste free from clogs in pipes.

What Is Safe For Your Garbage Disposal?

Below are a few items safe for disposal using garbage disposal:

• Soft Food Scraps: Soft, biodegradable food scraps such as fruit peels, vegetable remnants, and cooked leftovers may be safely and eco-friendly disposed of via garbage disposal. Cut these food waste items into smaller pieces for best results to ease grinding.
• Ice Cubes: Running some ice cubes through your garbage disposal can help maintain its blades for improved overall efficiency and to maintain sharp, clean blades for improved functionality.
• Citrus Peels: Citrus peels contain natural oils which help deodorize your garbage disposal while leaving behind an irresistibly fresh aroma in your kitchen.
• Small Meat Scraps: Small meat scraps like chicken or fish bones can be safely and responsibly dumped down your garbage disposal system.
• Eggshells: Opinions vary, but finely crushed eggshells may help clean out your disposal blades more effectively.

Items to Avoid Placing in a Garbage Disposal

Certain items should never be put down the garbage disposal as these could potentially damage or blockage it, including:

• Hard Food Items: Do not put hard items like bones, nut shells, and fruit pits down your garbage disposal as these could damage its blades resulting in costly repairs.
• Grease and Oil: Pouring grease or oil down your garbage disposal could result in clogging and unpleasant odors; to properly dispose of this material, use an alternative container and dispose of them at your trash site.
• Fibrous Food Waste: When disposing of fibrous items like celery stalks, corn husks or onion skins through your disposal system, take caution as these could tangle around its blades and interfere with the proper functioning of its operation.
• Starchy Foods: Starchy foods such as pasta and rice may expand when exposed to liquid, leading to blockages in your plumbing system.
• Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds accumulate in pipes over time and cause blockages that lead to clogs.

The Importance of Maintenance

Regular water running through your garbage disposal helps remove debris and prevent clogs. Furthermore, avoid overloading it to reduce strain on its motor and blades. To prolong its longevity and extend its service life.

Signs of Malfunctioning Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals can experience issues over time, even with proper care, which includes proper odor disposal systems being maintained regularly. Common symptoms of malfunction include:

• Unusual Noises: Unusually noisy sounds could indicate there may be an issue. Grinding and humming sounds that seem out-of-place could signal trouble ahead.
• Foul Odors: Constant foul odors coming from your disposal could indicate a buildup of food waste or an obstruction, possibly blocking airflow.
• Leakage: If water appears leaking from under your garbage disposal unit, it's wise to get it examined by a skilled plumber as soon as possible.

Though minor issues can sometimes be handled independently, knowing when to call in professional plumbers for garbage disposal repair can be tricky. Suppose any signs listed below or any persistent issues persist. In that case, it's advisable to get professional assistance as experienced plumbers will quickly diagnose and resolve them, providing effective repairs or suggesting replacement if required.

High Speed Plumbing

High Speed Plumbing recognizes the significance of having an effective garbage disposal in your kitchen, which is why our experienced plumbing staff is available around the clock to meet any repair needs you might have for it. From clogging, malfunctioning motor, or unusual noises coming from it to our commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction; our plumbers in Pasadena ensure your garbage disposal is back up and running without interruption to your daily kitchen routine.