A garbage disposal is a hardworking kitchen appliance that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. To keep it running smoothly, you should take time to understand how it works and follow proper maintenance practices. This guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal care, cleaning techniques, troubleshooting tips, and foods you should avoid putting in it. By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your disposal and potentially avoid costly repairs or replacements.
How a Garbage Disposal Works
A garbage disposal is more complex than it might seem at first glance. Beneath the rubber splash guard at the bottom of your sink lies the upper chamber where food scraps collect. This chamber houses the shredding ring, flywheel, and impellers, which work together to grind up waste. Once food particles are small enough, they move into the lower chamber, where they mix with water before flowing into the P-trap and down the drainpipe.
Other key components include a motor (typically 1/3 to 1 horsepower), plumbing attachments, and a reset button. The motor powers the grinding mechanism, while the reset button serves as a safety feature that trips when the motor overheats.
Pro Tip: Bob Brandel, a product manager at In-Sink-Erator, explains: “A disposer has no blades in it.” A disposal works by centrifugal force—spinning rather than cutting. Two stainless-steel lugs whirling on a turntable at 1,725 rpm smash food debris against a stationary ring that shreds the waste into bits small enough to wash down the drain.
Types of Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals come in various sizes and power ratings to suit different household needs. The most common type is the standard 1/3 horsepower disposal, which is popular due to its affordability. These smaller units have only one grinding wheel and are best suited for light use in smaller households.
For those who use their disposal more frequently or have larger families, more powerful units with up to three grinding wheels are available. These can handle a wider variety of foods and are less likely to jam or clog. When choosing a disposal, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to understand its limitations.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, TOH plumbing and heating expert, explains the key differences as you move up in power: “As you start moving up…this middle of the road here is three-quarter horsepower, insulation, so it’s a lot quieter. And also has an anti-jamming feature which is auto reverse — each time that the grinder feels a restriction, it starts going the opposite and helps keep it unclogged.”
Dos for Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly. Here are some smart practices to follow.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, TOH plumbing expert, recommends always running your disposal with cold water. Cold water congeals grease, allowing the disposal to break it up and flush it away, rather than letting warm grease coat the grinding chamber and pipes.
Run Your Disposal Regularly
Regular use of your garbage disposal prevents food debris from accumulating and decomposing in the upper chamber. This practice not only keeps your disposal clean but also prevents unpleasant odors from developing. Aim to run your disposal at least once a day, even if you don’t have food scraps to grind.
Use Cold Water When Grinding
Always use cold water when running your garbage disposal. Cold water helps move small particles through the P-trap and prevents clogs. It also keeps fats and oils in a solid state, making them easier to grind and less likely to stick to the pipes. Run the cold water before turning on the disposal, keep it running while grinding, and continue for a few seconds after turning off the unit to ensure all debris is flushed away.
Break Up Large Scraps
Before putting large food scraps down the disposal, break them into smaller pieces. This practice prevents overworking the motor and reduces the risk of jams. Use a knife or your hands to cut or tear large items into manageable chunks before feeding them into the disposal.
Don’ts for Garbage Disposal Care
While knowing what to do is important, understanding what not to do is equally crucial for maintaining your garbage disposal. Here are some practices to avoid to prevent damage to your unit.
Grease Is the Biggest Culprit: As TOH plumbing and heating expert Roger Cook explains, “Ironically, the biggest culprit is not the hard stuff. It’s actually a liquid — grease.” He notes that while hot water makes grease flow like a liquid, it will congeal once it hits the horizontal drainpipe in your basement, sticking to the sides and causing clogs. “The best way is not to run any grease down there if you can help it,” Roger advises.
Avoid Non-Food and Hard Items
Your garbage disposal is designed to handle food waste, not other materials. Avoid putting non-food items like plastic scrubbers, paper towel scraps, or glass down the disposal. These can damage the grinding mechanism or cause jams. Similarly, there are some food items that also shouldn’t go in the disposal, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert, knows the hazards firsthand: “I tell you, in my house it is always a spoon. That thing goes down there, it comes out like a pretzel.” Other common culprits include coins and jewelry like rings — all foreign objects that have no place in a disposal.
Skip the Chemical Drain Cleaners
While it might be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to clear a clogged disposal, these harsh products can damage your unit. The chemicals can corrode the metal components of your disposal and potentially splash back, causing injury. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, try natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar, or call a professional plumber.
Never Put Your Hand in the Disposal
Never put your hand inside the unit, even if it’s turned off. If you need to retrieve an item or address a malfunction, always disconnect the power first. Use tongs or pliers to remove objects from the disposal, and refer to the user manual for proper troubleshooting techniques.
Proper Garbage Disposal Cleaning Techniques
Regular cleaning will keep your disposal smelling fresh and running efficiently. Here are some effective cleaning methods to keep your unit in top shape.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, TOH plumbing expert, points out that odors are often “due to a buildup of food particles and grease in a place most people never think to clean: the underside of the splash baffle, the rubber flap that covers the drain opening.” His fix: Cut the power to the disposer, then reach through the splash baffle and clean its underside with a plastic scouring pad and dish soap. While you’re at it, scrub the upper lip of the grinding chamber too. Then fill the sink halfway with warm water mixed with ¼ cup of baking soda, turn on the disposer, pull the stopper, and flush it clean.
For a quick freshening between deep cleans, the TOH editors recommend running the disposer with 2 tablespoons of rock salt, a handful of ice cubes, and some lemon peel. The ice helps dislodge bits of food stuck to the chamber and under the gasket—a common source of odors—while the salt scours the grinding surfaces and the lemon leaves things smelling clean.
Deep Clean Monthly
Pro Tip: Before you start any cleaning, cut the power to the disposer completely—either by unplugging it or by tripping its breaker. As Richard Trethewey advises, “you don’t want the unit to start up accidentally.” Never rely solely on the wall switch; remove it or lock out the breaker for an extra layer of safety.
Perform a deep cleaning of your garbage disposal once a month to remove buildup and eliminate odors. Follow these steps:
- Inspect the disposal with a flashlight, removing any visible debris while the unit is unplugged.
- Pour a handful of ice cubes and 1/2 cup of coarse salt into the disposal. Run cold water and the disposal for about a minute to scour the grinding chamber.
- Pour one cup of white vinegar followed by 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes.
- Use an old toothbrush to clean the rubber splash guard, including the underside if it’s removable.
- Finally, give the unit one final flush. To do this, insert the stopper and fill the sink about ¾-full with warm water and a tablespoon of dish soap, giving it a good swish to mix. Then, pull the plug and let the water drain with the unit running.
Quick Freshening Methods
For a quick refresh between deep cleans, try these simple methods:
- Grind a few lemon or lime slices to eliminate odors and leave a fresh scent.
- Run a few ice cubes through the disposal to help clean and sharpen the blades.
- Pour a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Garbage Disposals
Even with proper maintenance, you may occasionally encounter issues with your garbage disposal. Here’s how to address some common problems.
Dealing with Jams
If your disposal becomes jammed, don’t panic. First, turn off the power to the unit. Then, use a hex key (often provided with the disposal) to manually turn the grinding plate from underneath the unit. This should free up the jam. If this doesn’t work, you may need to remove the splash guard and use pliers to remove the obstruction. Always remember to reconnect the power only after the jam is cleared.
When To Use the Reset Button
The reset button on your garbage disposal is designed to trip when the motor overheats, protecting it from damage. If your disposal won’t turn on, look for a small red button on the bottom of the unit. Press this reset button, wait a few minutes, then try running the disposal again. If it still doesn’t work or if the button trips frequently, you may have a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Addressing Unusual Noises
Unusual noises from your garbage disposal often indicate a problem. A humming sound without grinding usually means something is jammed. Rattling noises could be caused by a foreign object like a utensil. Grinding or screeching sounds might indicate worn bearings. For any persistent unusual noises, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid further damage to your unit.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, warns that a humming motor is a sign of trouble: “That’s the motor overheating, and if it goes too much, you can actually pop the reset button and have to let the thing sit.” If the disposal still only hums after you’ve cleared the jam and hit reset, the motor may be shot — and it’s time to replace the unit.
Foods To Avoid in Your Garbage Disposal
While garbage disposals are versatile, they’re not designed to handle all types of food waste. Knowing what to avoid can prevent clogs, jams, and damage to your unit.
Fibrous Foods
Fibrous foods can wrap around the disposal’s blades, causing jams or motor burnout. Avoid putting these specific items down your disposal:
- Celery
- Corn husks
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Banana peels
- Onion skins
Grease and Fat
Grease and fat can congeal in your pipes, leading to clogs and unpleasant odors. Never pour these items down your disposal:
- Cooking oil
- Bacon grease
- Butter
- Fatty sauces
Make sure that you safely dispose of cooking oil and other fatty foods to avoid damage to your pipes and the environment.
Hard Foods and Non-Food Items
Hard foods and non-food items can damage your disposal’s blades or cause jams. Avoid grinding these, especially if you have a small 1/3 horsepower unit:
- Fruit pits
- Bones
- Nutshells
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
Some heavy-duty units claim to be able to handle bones and other hard food items. Make sure to read the product specifications carefully and break up large items before putting them down the disposal.
Extending the Life of Your Garbage Disposal
Here are some tips to maximize the lifespan of your garbage disposal and to know when it’s time for a replacement.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Establish a regular maintenance routine to keep your disposal in top condition:
- Daily: Run the disposal with cold water for at least 15 seconds, even if you haven’t used it.
- Weekly: Clean the splash guard and visible parts of the grinding chamber.
- Monthly: Perform a deep clean as outlined in the cleaning section.
- Annually: Have a professional plumber inspect your disposal and plumbing system.
When To Consider Replacement
Most garbage disposals last between eight to 15 years with proper care. Signs that it might be time for a replacement include:
- Frequent clogs or jams
- Persistent bad odors despite cleaning
- Loud or unusual noises
- Leaks from the unit
- Inefficient grinding
If you’re experiencing these issues with an older unit, it may be more cost-effective to replace the disposal rather than continuing to try to repair it.
