What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they’re not designed to handle everything. Many plumbing calls we receive start with a disposal that is jammed, leaking, or broken due to improper use.
Knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal can help you avoid clogs, costly repairs, and unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Grease, Fats, and Cooking Oils
Grease may go down the drain as a liquid, but it cools and solidifies inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup restricts flow and can lead to serious blockage - not just in your disposal, but throughout your plumbing system.
Instead of pouring grease down the sink, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
If grease buildup causes repeated clogs, professional kitchen plumbing services may be needed to clear the lines safely.
Fibrous Foods
Certain foods don’t break down easily and can wrap around disposal blades, causing jams.
Avoid putting these down the disposal:
Celery
Corn husks
Onion Skins
Asparagus
Artichokes
These materials strain the motor and often lead to disposal failure
Coffee Grounds
Despite popular belief, coffee grounds don’t dissolve. They accumulate in pipes and form dense clogs over time, especially when combined with grease or food residue.
Coffee grounds should always go in the trash or compost - not the disposal.
Eggshells
Eggshells can dull disposal blades and the membrane inside the shell can stick to pipes, trapping other debris and contributing to clogs.
While one shell might not cause immediate damage, repeated use increases the risk of plumbing issues.
Starchy Foods
Foods that expand with water are especially problematic for disposals.
Avoid:
Pasta
Rice
Bread
Potatoes
These items swell inside pipes and create stubborn blockages that often require professional attention.
Bones, Pits, and Hard Objects
Garbage Disposals are not designed to grind hard materials. Bones, fruit pits, and other solid objects can crack internal components or jam the motor completely.
If your disposal stops working after grinding something hard, garbage disposal services may be needed to repair or replace the unit.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Professional Help
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a plumber:
Frequent clogs
Unusual noises
Persistent odors
Leaks under the sink
Disposal not turning on
Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive plumbing problems or water damage.
When Repair or Replacement Makes Sense
Some disposal issues can be repaired, while others require replacement - especially if the unit is older or repeatedly failing. A professional plumber can evaluate your system and provide clear options.
If you’re unsure, schedule service to have your disposal inspected. Our $49 service fee is waived if you move forward with the recommended work, and our technicians will explain your options clearly.
Serving Lawrence & the Kansas City Metro
As a family-owned plumbing company, Fitzpatrick Plumbing helps homeowners throughout Lawrence and the Kansas City Metro keep their kitchens running smoothly. We serve the surround towns and cities including Tonganoxie, Basehor, Eudora, DeSoto, Overland Park, Lenexa, and more! We believe in fair pricing, friendly service, and honest recommendations - whether it’s a simple fix or full replacement.
Need Help With a Garbage Disposal Issue?
If your garbage disposal is clogged, leaking, or not working properly, contact Fitzpatrick Plumbing today to schedule service.
