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(615) 613-2055Your garbage disposal is one of those kitchen workhorses you don’t think about until it stops working. And when it does quit, it always seems to happen right when you’re in the middle of cooking a big meal. The good news is that a little routine care goes a long way toward keeping your disposal running smoothly for years.
At SteadyFlo Drain Cleaning & Plumbing, we get a lot of calls about disposal problems that could have been prevented with the right care. Here’s what you need to know.
Before we get into care, it helps to know what your disposal actually does. It’s not a set of sharp blades like most people think. Instead, it uses spinning impellers to grind food into small pieces that get flushed down the drain with water.
Because it’s not really “cutting,” some foods are much harder on it than others. That’s where the trouble usually starts.
Some foods are just bad news for garbage disposals. Keep these out to avoid clogs, jams, and expensive repairs:
Grease, oil, and fat (they solidify in your pipes)
Coffee grounds (they clump together and clog drains)
Eggshells (the membrane wraps around the impellers)
Bones (even small ones can damage the unit)
Fruit pits and hard seeds
Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods (they expand and turn to paste)
Potato peels (they create a starchy sludge)
Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus (they tangle the impellers)
Onion skins (that thin membrane sticks to the sides)
Fruit peels from citrus and bananas
Non-food items like paper towels, wrappers, or twist ties
When in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost bin instead.
The good news is that most soft food scraps are fine. Small bits of cooked meat, soft fruits and vegetables, and short leftover scraps all break down easily. Just keep it in moderation. Your disposal is meant for scraps, not for grinding up whole meals.
This one is important. Always run cold water while your disposal is on and for a few seconds after. Cold water helps any grease that does make it in solidify so the disposal can chop it up and flush it through. Hot water melts grease and lets it coat the inside of your pipes, where it hardens and causes clogs.
Let the water run for at least 15 to 20 seconds after you turn the disposal off. This helps flush everything through the drain line.
Even if you’re not putting food scraps down, run your disposal every few days with cold water. This keeps the moving parts from rusting or seizing up, and it helps prevent odors from building up.
A disposal that sits unused for weeks is much more likely to have problems when you do turn it on.
Disposals can start to smell if food particles build up on the impellers or inside the chamber. Here are a few easy ways to keep it fresh:
Grind up ice cubes to help clean the chamber and sharpen the impellers
Drop in a handful of ice with some rock salt for a deeper clean
Grind up citrus peels (small pieces only) to freshen the smell
Pour in a mix of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water
Skip the harsh chemical cleaners. They can damage the seals and rubber components.
Even when the disposal is off, don’t reach in with your hand. If something falls in that shouldn’t be there, use tongs or pliers to fish it out. Better yet, always unplug the unit or turn off the breaker before reaching near it.
Safety first.
If your disposal makes a humming sound but doesn’t turn, it’s jammed. Here’s what to do:
Turn off the disposal switch immediately. Leaving it on can burn out the motor.
Unplug the unit or turn off the breaker.
Look under the sink at the bottom of the disposal for a small hex-shaped hole.
Insert a hex wrench (usually included with the unit, or available at hardware stores) and turn it back and forth to free the impellers.
Once it turns freely, plug it back in and press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit.
Run cold water and try the disposal again.
If it’s still not working, you may need a pro to take a look.
A leaking disposal is a problem you shouldn’t ignore. Water dripping from the bottom or sides usually means a seal has failed. Depending on the age and condition of your unit, it might be worth repairing, but often it’s more cost-effective to replace it.
If you’re seeing water under the sink, give us a call before it causes damage to your cabinets or floor.
Even with great care, disposals don’t last forever. Most units last 8 to 15 years, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re maintained. Signs it might be time for a new one include:
Frequent clogs and jams
Persistent leaks
Loud grinding or rattling sounds
Slow to grind or frequent resets needed
Constant bad smells even after cleaning
If your disposal is on its last legs, we can help you pick and install a new one that fits your kitchen and how you cook.
Even a well-maintained disposal is only part of the plumbing under your sink. The drain line it connects to can still get clogged with grease, food particles, and buildup. If you’re noticing slow drainage or backups even when the disposal is working, the drain line may need cleaning.
Regular drain maintenance keeps your whole kitchen plumbing running smoothly.
Whether your disposal is jammed, leaking, or just plain worn out, our licensed plumbers can help. We handle repairs, replacements, and any related drain issues that come up. And if you have a plumbing emergency, we’re available 24/7 any time you need us.
Can I put lemon peels in my disposal to freshen it?
Small pieces of citrus peel can help with odors, but avoid putting large chunks in. The peels themselves are tough on the impellers if they’re too big.
Why does my disposal keep tripping the reset button?
If the reset button keeps popping, your disposal is overheating or overworking. It might be jammed, overloaded, or nearing the end of its life. Try clearing it out and letting it rest before pushing reset again.
Are all garbage disposals the same?
No. Disposals come in different sizes and horsepower ratings. Larger households or homes that cook often benefit from more powerful units. We can help you choose the right one for your home.
Can a bad garbage disposal affect my septic system?
Yes. If you’re on a septic system, a garbage disposal adds more solids to your tank, which means you’ll need to have it pumped more often. Use the disposal sparingly if you have a septic system.
SteadyFlo Drain Cleaning & Plumbing proudly serves the greater Murfreesboro and Nashville areas. Our coverage zone includes Smyrna, Franklin, Brentwood, La Vergne, Woodbury, Bradyville, Antioch, Lynchburg, Manchester, Morrison, Sparta, McMinnville, Cookeville, Smithville, Mt. Juliet, Nolensville, Rockvale, Gordonsville, Shelbyville, Spring Hill, Tullahoma, Christina, Wartrace, Winchester, and Rutherford County.
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