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Drain & Water’s Guide to Proper Use of a Kitchen Garbage Disposal

As your trusted plumbing experts, we at Drain & Water Plumbing Services understand how

crucial a well-functioning kitchen garbage disposal is to your daily life. It’s a game-changer for keeping your kitchen clean and free of food waste, but misuse or neglect can lead to costly repairs, clogs, and even the need for a replacement. That’s why we’re here to share our professional knowledge to help you get the most out of your garbage disposal while avoiding common pitfalls.

This guide will teach you how to use your disposal safely, maintain it properly, and recognize when to call us for assistance.

Understanding Your Garbage Disposal: The Basics

First, let’s break down what a garbage disposal does and how it works. Garbage disposals grind up food waste into fine particles using impellers and a grinding chamber. These particles are then flushed through your plumbing system. While disposals are powerful tools, they aren’t designed to handle everything. Misusing them can lead to clogs or even damage your plumbing system.

Knowing what your disposal can handle is the key to preventing issues—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Preparing Your Garbage Disposal for Safe Operation

Before using your garbage disposal, follow these simple preparation steps to protect your plumbing and the disposal unit itself:

1. Run Cold Water

Always use cold water while operating your disposal. This solidifies any grease or oils, preventing them from sticking to the pipes and causing clogs.

2. Inspect the Sink and Disposal

Clear your sink of debris, utensils, or non-food items. Never assume the disposal can handle anything other than food waste.

3. Cut Large Items into Smaller Pieces

Large pieces of food can overload the disposal. Cut them into smaller pieces to ensure smooth operation.

4. Read the Manual

Every garbage disposal has its own set of capabilities and limitations. Review the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model to avoid damaging it.

What to Put in Your Garbage Disposal (and What to Avoid)

One of the most frequent calls we receive at Drain & Water is for clogs caused by improper use of garbage disposals. Here’s a quick guide:

Safe to Dispose

  • Soft, small food scraps: Vegetable peelings, small fruit scraps, and cooked leftovers.
  • Non-fibrous vegetables: Cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots.
  • Small fish or chicken bones: Some disposals can handle these, but confirm with your unit's manual first.
  • Citrus peels: Not only safe, but they also help freshen your disposal.

Avoid These Items

  • Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, and banana peels can tangle the grinding mechanisms.
  • Grease and oils: These harden in pipes and lead to blockages.
  • Hard objects: Bones, pits, and shells can damage the disposal.
  • Starchy foods: Pasta, rice, and potato peels can expand and create clogs.
  • Non-food items: Paper, plastic, metal, or glass can severely damage the disposal and plumbing.

If in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost pile. Your disposal isn’t a catch-all solution.

How to Operate Your Garbage Disposal Like a Pro

At Drain & Water, we recommend these steps for safe and efficient garbage

disposal use:

  1. Run Cold Water: Turn on cold water before starting the disposal to ensure food particles are flushed properly.
  2. Activate the Disposal: Flip the switch to start the unit. You should hear a steady hum, which indicates normal operation.
  3. Feed Gradually: Insert food scraps a little at a time rather than all at once to avoid overloading.
  4. Flush the System: Keep the water running for 10–15 seconds after grinding to clear all debris from the pipes.
  5. Turn Off the Unit: Switch off the disposal and water when finished.
  6. Routine Maintenance to Extend Your Disposal’s Life: Regular maintenance can prevent most disposal issues.

Here’s how we recommend keeping your disposal in top condition:

1. Weekly Cleaning

  • Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water.
  • Alternatively, grind a few ice cubes with coarse salt to remove buildup inside the grinding chamber.

2. Odor Prevention

  • Grind citrus peels for a fresh scent.
  • Avoid letting food waste sit in the disposal for extended periods.

3. Inspect Regularly

Look for leaks, rust, or unusual wear. Call us if you notice anything concerning.

Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues

If you encounter problems, try these tips before calling us:

Start with a simple reset

If your garbage disposal stops working, pressing a reset button may fix it. Most disposals have a reset button that’s like a mini circuit breaker. If it gets clogged, jammed, or overheats, the button pops out. Pressing it often resolves the issue and restores the disposal’s function. Here are the most common simple steps:

1. Power Off the Disposal. To completely deactivate a garbage disposal, unplug it from the outlet or turn off the circuit breaker controlling its power supply. Some disposals are hardwired, so only the circuit breaker should be turned off in those cases.

2. Check for Obstructions. Use a flashlight from above the sink to identify obstructions in the disposal, like utensils, bones, or fruit pits. Then, use long pliers or tongs to remove the blockage.

3. Locate the Reset Button. Use a flashlight to inspect the bottom surface of the garbage disposal. The reset button is usually red. If you can’t find it, refer to the user manual or consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions.4. Push the reset button.

5. Turn the breaker back on. Plug-in the disposal once again or flip on the breaker to restore power to the garbage disposal.

6. Test the Disposal. Run cold water down the drain for several seconds before turning on the switch. If the disposal does not work or continues to make a loud humming sound, turn it off immediately. The sound indicates something is still jammed in the disposal.

Jammed Disposal

  1. Turn off the disposal and unplug it.
  2. Use the included hex key or an Allen wrench to manually rotate the impellers.
  3. Remove obstructions with pliers or tongs—never use your hands.

Clogs

If your disposal drains slowly or not at all:

  • Check for visible clogs in the drain.
  • Use a plunger to dislodge minor blockages.
  • Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.

Unusual Noises

Grinding or rattling sounds often mean something is stuck. Turn off the disposal and investigate safely.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to give us a call.

Why Proper Use Matters for Your Plumbing System

As plumbing professionals, we know that garbage disposal misuse can lead to serious issues beyond the disposal itself. Clogs, leaks, and pipe damage are common outcomes of improper use.

Avoiding these problems saves you money and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.

When to Call Drain & Water

Sometimes, even the best care isn’t enough to prevent problems. If you experience any of the following, call us right away:

  • Persistent clogs or slow drainage.• Leaks around the disposal or sink.
  • The disposal doesn’t turn on or hums without grinding.
  • Unusual odors that won’t go away, despite cleaning.

We’ll diagnose the problem and provide fast, reliable service to replace or upgrade your old disposal.

Upgrading Your Garbage Disposal

If your disposal is outdated or frequently malfunctions, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer models are quieter, more efficient, and can handle a wider range of food waste. We can help you choose the right unit for your home and professionally install it for long-lasting performance.

Why Choose Drain & Water?

With years of experience and a commitment to quality service, Drain & Water Plumbing Service is your go-to plumbing expert. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs, or a new installation, we’re here to help.

  • Fast response times: We understand how disruptive a broken disposal can be.
  • Experienced technicians: Our team is trained to handle all types of disposals.
  • Transparent pricing: No surprises—just honest, upfront quotes.

Proper garbage disposal use not only protects your plumbing system but also saves you time and money on repairs. By following these tips and relying on Drain & Water for maintenance and repairs, you can keep your disposal in excellent condition for years to come.

If you ever need help with your garbage disposal—or any plumbing issue—don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 408 290-3319 or visit drainandwater.com to schedule a service appointment today!