Your garbage disposal is tough — but it’s not invincible. Some foods can cause buildup, jams, or even serious pipe damage.
Here are the top five culprits every homeowner should avoid sending down the drain:
1. Pasta and Rice
Both absorb water and expand, turning into a sticky, starchy paste that clogs blades and pipes. Even small amounts can build up over time and cause slow drains.
2. Grease, Oil, and Fat
When warm, grease flows easily — but once it cools, it solidifies inside your pipes, creating a thick blockage that traps other food particles. Always pour grease into a can or jar, let it solidify, and toss it in the trash.
3. Fibrous Vegetables
Celery, corn husks, asparagus, and onion skins have stringy fibers that can wrap around your disposal’s blades and jam the motor. Chop them up and compost or trash them instead.
4. Coffee Grounds
They may look harmless, but coffee grounds clump together like sludge in your pipes. Over time, they can build up and cause serious blockages.
5. Eggshells and Potato Peels
These seem harmless, but their thin membranes and starchy residue stick to pipes and blades, dulling them and creating buildup.
Pro Tip: Run cold water (not hot) while using your disposal, and always scrape plates into the trash or compost first.
If your disposal is humming, draining slowly, or giving you that dreaded sink backup — it might be time for a professional cleaning.
Schedule your drain inspection with us today!