What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal

What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal: Tips for Escondido Homeowners

A garbage disposal is a great tool for making kitchen cleanup faster—but it’s not designed to handle everything. Putting the wrong items down your disposal can lead to clogs, damage, and expensive repairs.

In this blog, we’ll cover the most common things you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal, why they cause problems, and what you can do if your disposal stops working. And if you need Escondido plumbing help, My Guy Plumbing, Heating, and Air is just a call away!

Call (760) 859-6999

🚫 Things You Should Never Put in a Garbage Disposal

Even though your disposal is built to grind food scraps, it has its limits. Here’s what to keep out of it:

1. Grease and Cooking Oil

They go down as liquids, but once they cool, they harden and stick to your pipes, causing buildup and clogs. Always let grease cool and throw it in the trash instead.

2. Stringy Vegetables

Items like celery, corn husks, and onion skins have long fibers that can wrap around the blades and jam the motor.

3. Starches

Pasta, rice, potatoes, and beans expand when wet and turn into a sticky mess that can clog your drain and gum up the disposal.

4. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds clump together inside your pipes and can form thick, sludgy blockages. Better to compost them or toss them in the trash.

5. Eggshells

The thin membrane inside the shell can catch on moving parts, and the shell fragments can build up in your pipes over time.

6. Bones and Shells

Disposals aren’t built to grind up bones or hard shells. They can damage the blades or get stuck, causing a jam.

7. Fruit Pits

Hard pits from avocados, peaches, and similar fruits are too tough to grind. They can break or jam the disposal.

8. Nuts and Nut Shells

Nuts can turn into paste (like peanut butter) and gum up the works, while hard shells can dull or damage the blades.

9. Trash and Non-Food Items

Things like plastic, metal, glass, and paper should never go in your disposal. They can cause major damage and won’t break down properly.

10. Paint, Chemicals, and Medications

These don’t belong in your pipes or your disposal. They can damage the system and pollute the water supply.

🛠 Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Problems

If your garbage disposal isn’t working like it should, here are some easy fixes to try before calling a pro:

Problem: Disposal Won’t Turn On

• Make sure it’s plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
• If there’s still no power, it may need professional repair or replacement.

Problem: Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning

• That usually means it’s jammed.
• Turn off the power and use an Allen wrench on the bottom of the unit to manually free it.
• Never put your hand inside the disposal!

Problem: Garbage Disposal Smells Bad

• Run baking soda and vinegar through the disposal, then rinse with hot water.
• Grinding citrus peels can help freshen things up.
• Don’t forget to clean the rubber splash guard—it traps a lot of grime.

Problem: Garbage Disposal Leaking

• If it’s leaking from the top, the sink flange may need to be resealed.
• If it’s leaking from the side, tighten the hose connections.
• A leak from the bottom usually means the unit is worn out and needs to be replaced.

🧑‍🔧 When It’s Time to Call a Pro

Some disposal issues are simple to fix, but others are best left to the experts. If your garbage disposal is leaking, jammed beyond repair, or just isn’t working, call in a professional.

For expert garbage disposal repair in Escondido, CA and the surrounding areas, contact My Guy Plumbing, Heating, and Air. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and get your kitchen back in working order.

📞 Call My Guy for Fast, Friendly Service

Whether you’re dealing with a clog, a strange smell, or a completely broken disposal, My Guy Plumbing, Heating, and Air is here to help. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Escondido and the nearby communities with top-notch plumbing services.

👉 Call us today to schedule your garbage disposal repair!

Call (760) 859-6999