What You Should Never Put in a Garbage Disposal (Even If the Internet Says It’s Fine)

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of garbage disposals. Our plumbers know the items that do not belong in a garbage disposal and the kind of damage they can cause. Our rigorous training and years of experience equip us with the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot faulty disposals and make repairs. Today, we’ll list some of the things you should never put down your garbage disposal. Get in touch with our team when you need help with fixing a malfunctioning garbage disposal.

• Fibrous Vegetables

Celery, asparagus, corn husks, rhubarb, and stringy vegetables can get tangled around the blades. Even small amounts can accumulate over time and lead to costly repairs. These items belong in the trash or compost bin, not the disposal.

• Grease, Oil, and Fat

You may have seen people online claim that running hot water with bacon grease or cooking oil makes it safe for disposal, but this is a myth. Grease solidifies when it cools, thereby coating pipe walls and forming stubborn blockages. Over time, this buildup can choke your drain line and cause major clogs. Always let grease cool and dispose of it in a sealed container.

• Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may seem harmless because they’re small and grainy, but they form a dense, sludgy paste when wet. This paste collects inside pipes and acts like mud. Throw coffee grounds in the trash or use them for compost or gardening instead.

• Eggshells

Despite the popular belief that eggshells “sharpen the blades,” this isn’t true. Eggshell membranes can wrap around the grinding components, and the shell fragments can combine with other debris to form thick sludge. These small pieces often settle in the drain trap and lead to buildup that can be difficult to clear.

• Pasta and Rice

Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods expand as they absorb water even after they’ve been cooked. They swell and form a sticky mass inside your pipes. Over time, this gooey mixture can trap other debris and result in complete blockages.

• Bones and Shells

Chicken bones, steak bones, seafood shells, and nut shells are far too tough for your disposal. Trying to grind them can dull the blades, burn out the motor, or leave behind sharp fragments that damage your kitchen drain lines. Even small bones can cause problems and should be thrown in the trash.

• Fruit Pits and Hard Seeds

Peach pits, cherry pits, avocado seeds, and similar items are essentially small rocks. A disposal simply isn’t designed to grind them, and forcing them through can break the blades or jam the motor. If it’s too hard to cut with a knife, it’s too hard for your disposal.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair

Is your garbage disposal acting up? Perhaps you’ve noticed rattling sounds coming from the gadget, or maybe the unit won’t grind as efficiently as it used to. Contact the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for garbage disposal repair or replacement. We have been offering professional and budget-friendly garbage disposal services for over 20 years. Our plumbers have successfully repaired countless makes and models of garbage disposals in homes and commercial kitchens. Our plumbing services are within budget range, and we never cut corners in our work.