Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient tools in your kitchen. They help to minimize waste, make cleanup a breeze, and can even reduce the amount of food scraps sent to landfills. But while they’re incredibly useful, garbage disposals aren’t invincible. Understanding what can and cannot go down your disposal is key to maintaining its efficiency and avoiding costly repairs.
At Plumbing Solutions, we’re all about making sure your home’s plumbing runs smoothly. Let’s break down what you can safely toss into your garbage disposal and what you should keep out to extend its lifespan and keep your kitchen plumbing trouble-free.
The Inner Workings of a Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a motorized device mounted beneath your kitchen sink. It uses a spinning impeller plate to push food waste against a stationary grind ring, breaking it down into tiny particles. These particles are then washed away with running water through small holes in the grind chamber and into your plumbing system.
However, garbage disposals are not all-powerful. They are designed for soft food scraps and biodegradable items, not for heavy-duty grinding. Using them improperly can lead to clogs, jams, and damage to the blades and motor. Plus, if you have a septic system, you should be extra cautious since too much food waste can overwhelm the system and lead to failure.
Types of Garbage Disposals
When selecting a garbage disposal, there are two main types to consider: batch feed and continuous feed. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, making it essential to choose the right one for your kitchen’s needs.
1. Batch Feed Garbage Disposals:
Batch feed models require a stopper lid to be placed over the opening before the disposal can operate. This design provides added safety, as the unit won’t run unless properly covered, reducing the risk of accidents. Batch feed disposals are ideal for households with small children or those concerned about foreign objects accidentally falling in. However, they tend to be more expensive and may not be as convenient for frequent use since they require manually loading food waste in batches.
2. Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals:
Continuous feed models are the most common type of disposal. They operate with the flip of a switch and allow for food waste to be added while the unit is running. These disposals are convenient for busy kitchens and can handle larger amounts of waste at once. However, they pose a greater safety risk since the blades are exposed while the unit is in use, requiring users to be extra cautious.
When selecting a garbage disposal, motor power is another key factor. Most units range from 1/3 horsepower to 1 horsepower. Smaller motors (1/3 HP or 1/2 HP) are suited for light use, while larger motors (3/4 HP or 1 HP) can handle more demanding food waste, such as fibrous vegetables and small bones. Additionally, some disposals come with noise-reduction technology, which can be a great feature for those who prefer a quieter kitchen.
What to Consider When Installing a New Garbage Disposal
If you’re thinking about installing a garbage disposal, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
1. Sink Compatibility
First, consider your sink compatibility. Not all sinks are designed to accommodate a garbage disposal, so you may need to check if your plumbing setup supports one. Stainless steel or composite sinks tend to pair well with disposals due to their durability.
2. Septic Systems Considerations
Another important factor is whether you have a septic system. If your home uses a septic tank, you should look for a disposal unit specifically designed for septic systems. These models include additional grinding and enzyme injection features that help break down food waste more efficiently.
3. To DIY or Hire a Pro
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether to install the disposal yourself or hire a professional. If you’re comfortable with DIY projects and have plumbing experience, you might be able to handle the installation on your own. However, if you’re unsure about electrical wiring and plumbing connections, hiring a plumber will ensure a secure and leak-free installation.
4. Size Constraints
Space is another consideration. Some garbage disposals are bulkier than others, and if you have limited space under your sink, you’ll need to measure carefully before purchasing a unit.
5. Desired Features
Finally, consider additional features such as anti-jamming technology, auto-reverse functions, and corrosion-resistant materials. These can extend the lifespan of your disposal and improve its performance.
The Right and Wrong Way to Use Your Garbage Disposal
Many people assume their garbage disposal is a catch-all for kitchen waste, but this mindset can lead to significant issues. To ensure the longevity of your unit, it’s essential to understand the types of waste it can handle and the ones that should be avoided at all costs.
One of the best ways to use your disposal effectively is to always run cold water while using it. Cold water keeps food waste solid, making it easier to grind and wash away. Additionally, always feed food scraps gradually rather than all at once to prevent overwhelming the system.
What Can Go in Your Garbage Disposal?
Soft food scraps are the best candidates for your garbage disposal. Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and zucchini, are easily ground up and won’t cause damage. Fruits, including banana peels and apple cores, are also safe in small amounts. If you’re unsure whether something will grind properly, consider whether it’s similar in texture to these foods.
Citrus peels, including lemon, lime, and orange, are a great way to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh. However, it's best to cut them into smaller pieces to avoid jamming the blades. Ice cubes can also be helpful for cleaning and sharpening the disposal blades while removing buildup inside the unit. Running cold water while operating your disposal is crucial, as it helps flush waste through the pipes efficiently.
Dish soap is another safe addition. A little dish soap and running water can help clean the disposal and prevent grease buildup. However, excessive use of soap can lead to foam accumulation, which can impact the unit’s performance.
In small amounts, grains like cooked rice and pasta can go down the disposal, but they must be accompanied by plenty of running water. These foods expand when wet, which can lead to clogs if too much is disposed of at once.
What Should Never Go Down the Garbage Disposal?
Despite their powerful grinding mechanisms, garbage disposals have their limits. There are several materials that should never go into your disposal, as they can cause significant damage to the unit and your plumbing system.
1. Coffee Grounds
One of the most common disposal mistakes is putting coffee grounds down the drain. While it might seem harmless, coffee grounds form a dense sludge when mixed with water, which can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages. Instead, consider composting your coffee grounds or using them as a natural deodorizer for your fridge.
2. Meat Scraps
Meat scraps and fatty foods should also be avoided. While small amounts of cooked meat may be fine, large portions of raw meat, fatty scraps, and grease should never go down the disposal. When fat cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inner walls of your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash or compost them if possible.
3. Bones or Shells (Including Eggshells!)
Hard materials, such as bones and seafood shells, are another major no-no. Chicken bones, beef bones, and lobster shells are too tough for your disposal to grind down and can jam the impeller. Over time, these hard items can wear down or even break the disposal’s internal components, leading to expensive repairs.
Eggshells, despite a common misconception, should also stay out of your garbage disposal. Some believe eggshells help sharpen the blades, but the reality is that they contribute to clogs. The thin membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the impeller, while the shell fragments accumulate and cause blockages in the pipes.
4. Starchy and Fibrous Foods
Starchy and fibrous foods also pose problems. Stringy vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks tend to wrap around the disposal blades, jamming the motor. Starchy foods, including potatoes, rice, and pasta, expand when exposed to water, creating a thick paste that can clog pipes.
5. Pits and Seeds
Fruit pits and seeds are another category of items to avoid. Hard pits from peaches, avocados, and cherries are too tough for the disposal to break down. Even if the pit manages to get past the grinding chamber, it can become lodged in your pipes, causing a severe blockage.
6. Non-Food Items
Non-food items should never be placed in your garbage disposal. Paper towels, plastic wrappers, rubber bands, and metal utensils can jam the blades and destroy the motor. If you accidentally drop something non-food related into the disposal, turn off the power before attempting to remove it.
7. Chemicals
Lastly, never pour harsh chemicals down your disposal. Bleach, drain cleaners, and other caustic substances can corrode the disposal’s components and damage your plumbing system. If you need to clean your disposal, a natural alternative like a baking soda and vinegar mixture works well.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
To keep your garbage disposal in optimal working condition, regular maintenance is key. Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to ensure food particles are flushed out. To clean the unit, periodically grind ice cubes and citrus peels to remove buildup and keep the blades sharp.
A great way to eliminate odors is by using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water. This natural cleaning solution helps break down grime and neutralize foul smells.
If your disposal begins making strange noises or drains slowly, it may be clogged or jammed. In these cases, avoid using your hands to reach inside. Instead, use a hex key to manually rotate the impeller or call a professional plumber if the problem persists.
Quick Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance
- Run it regularly: Use your garbage disposal frequently to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Keep it clean: Grind small pieces of ice or citrus rinds to keep the blades sharp and eliminate odors.
- Avoid overload: Feed food scraps into the disposal gradually rather than dumping large amounts all at once.
- Know when to call a plumber: If your garbage disposal is making unusual noises or not working efficiently, contact Plumbing Solutions for expert assistance.
Final Thoughts
A garbage disposal is a valuable kitchen tool, but understanding its limitations is crucial. Using it properly will not only keep your kitchen running smoothly but also save you from costly plumbing repairs. Remember, if you wouldn’t chew it with your own teeth, your garbage disposal probably can’t handle it either. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your garbage disposal working efficiently for years to come, making meal cleanup easier and more convenient than ever before.
Need help with your garbage disposal or other plumbing concerns? Plumbing Solutions is here to help! Give us a call or contact us online to schedule a service or learn more about how we can keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape.