Garbage Disposals: Helpful or Harmful to Your Plumbing?
If you’ve ever scraped leftovers into the sink and wondered, “Am I ruining my pipes right now?”—you’re not alone. Garbage disposals can be incredibly convenient, but when used the wrong way, they can quietly create a plumbing mess you won’t notice until water’s backing up and your kitchen smells like a compost bin.
Let’s break down what garbage disposals can and can’t handle, how to use them properly, and the warning signs that it might be time for a replacement.
The Real Problem Isn’t the Disposal—It’s How You Use It
A garbage disposal isn’t designed to be your second trash can. It’s more like your sous-chef—helpful for light cleanup, but definitely not meant to carry the whole meal. Overloading it or stuffing it with the wrong kinds of food can quickly lead to clogs, jams, and strain on your pipes.
Garbage Disposal Do’s & Don’ts
If you want your disposal (and your plumbing) to last, these quick rules will save you a ton of trouble:
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DO use it for small scraps, not entire platefuls of food.
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DO run cold water while the disposal is on—and keep it running for a few seconds after.
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DON’T put in anything stringy, sticky, hard, or greasy.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of foods to keep far away from your disposal:
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Celery & Corn Husks: These fibrous guys tangle up the blades like a string in your vacuum.
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Bones or Fruit Pits: Way too hard. They’ll beat up the disposal and could break the motor.
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Pasta & Rice: They swell with water—then sit and glue themselves to your pipes.
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Grease & Oil: Hot grease may go down smoothly, but it cools fast and turns into sludge.
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Eggshells: Not dangerous, but they do nothing helpful—and the membrane inside can gum up the works.
When to Start Thinking About a Replacement
Even when used properly, garbage disposals don’t last forever. Most give you a solid 8 to 10 years. But if yours is starting to smell burnt, leak from the bottom, clog more often, or make a terrible racket every time it runs, it might be time for a new one.
A Good Disposal = Less Mess, Less Stress
When you treat your disposal with a little respect, it’ll quietly do its job for years—and your pipes will thank you. If you’re not sure your disposal is still up to snuff or you’re dealing with ongoing drain issues, give My Georgia Plumber a call at 770-592-0081. Whether it’s a repair, a replacement, or just some honest advice, we’re always happy to help.
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