Just like any other drain, one with garbage disposal attached can clog and cause issues. These issues can be frustrating, especially since we expect garbage disposals to help our drains run smoothly.
Occasionally, garbage disposals stop working, clogging up your drain. Often, the drain pipe beneath the disposal, where the waste flows out, is what gets clogged. You can find more info about clearing these clogs throughout our site.
Below are some tips to prevent clogged garbage disposal:
Fixing the Problem
If you discover a clog in your garbage disposal, you can try using a plunger to dislodge minor blockages. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably best to call ABC Plumbing to check your p-trap or the entire sewer line.
Warning: Avoid using commercial chemical drain cleaners found in stores, as these can corrode or damage your pipes.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly is to prevent clogs from occurring. Keep as many food scraps as possible out of the drain, as this is a surefire way to cause a clog. A garbage disposal is not actually a ‘dispose-all’.
Never put these items into the garbage disposal:
- Grease/oil
- Fruit pits
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Meat bones
- Pasta or rice
- Potato skins
Soft, non-fibrous foods are generally safe for disposal, but caution should be taken at all times. Try to place as much food as possible into the compost or trash.
Helpful Habits
Never use your disposal without running water. Run the water a little longer (preferably hot) after using your disposal this will help dilute the solids and drain them easier, preventing clogs in your p-trap. Most commonly blockages that occur at your disposal are in your p-trap so running the water an extra few seconds longer will be very helpful in the long run.
Keep your disposal clean, or food will build up and get stuck. You can occasionally dump some ice down there to help safely scrub the walls and grinder. One piece of food you CAN put into the disposal is lemon or orange peel to keep it fresh and smelling good!
