Summer is the season of backyard barbecues, fresh produce, and family gatherings—but it also means your kitchen plumbing is working overtime.
Your garbage disposal plays a big role in keeping things running smoothly, but improper use can quickly lead to clogs, odors, and even costly repairs.
If you want to avoid mid-summer plumbing problems, it’s important to know what your garbage disposal can—and can’t—handle.
What Your Garbage Disposal Is Designed For
Garbage disposals are built to break down small amounts of soft food waste. When used properly, they help keep your kitchen clean and reduce the amount of food going into your trash.
However, they’re not designed to handle everything.
Overloading your disposal or putting the wrong items down the drain can strain the motor, clog your pipes, and shorten the lifespan of the unit.
Foods You Should Avoid Putting Down the Disposal
Some foods are more likely to cause problems than others—especially during the summer when certain ingredients are used more often.
Avoid putting these items down your disposal:
- Grease, oil, or fat
- Corn husks and cobs
- Watermelon rinds
- Onion skins
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods
Grease can solidify in your pipes, while fibrous and starchy foods can create thick clogs that are difficult to clear.
Use Cold Water While Running the Disposal
One of the simplest ways to keep your disposal working properly is to always run cold water while using it.
Cold water helps:
- Solidify grease so it can be chopped up more easily
- Move food particles smoothly through your pipes
- Prevent buildup inside your system
Let the water run for a few seconds before and after using the disposal to ensure everything is flushed through properly.
Avoid Overloading the Unit
It’s tempting to throw everything in at once—especially after a big summer meal—but that can overwhelm your disposal.
Feeding too much food at once can:
- Jam the blades
- Slow down the motor
- Increase the risk of clogs
Instead, add food waste gradually while the disposal is running.
Keep Your Disposal Clean and Odor-Free
With increased use in the summer, it’s common for garbage disposals to develop unpleasant odors.
To keep things fresh:
- Rinse the disposal regularly with water
- Grind small citrus peels for a natural clean scent
- Use a mild cleaning solution occasionally to remove buildup
Keeping your disposal clean not only prevents odors but also helps it run more efficiently.
Know the Signs of a Problem
Even with proper use, garbage disposals can develop issues over time.
Watch for warning signs like:
- Slow drainage in your sink
- Unusual noises when the disposal is running
- Frequent resets or jams
- Persistent odors that don’t go away
These can indicate clogs, dull blades, or mechanical problems that need attention.
When to Call a Professional
Some disposal issues can be resolved with simple maintenance, but others require professional help.
You may want to call a plumber if:
- Your disposal won’t turn on
- The unit is leaking
- You have recurring clogs
- The disposal is making loud or unusual noises
Trying to fix more serious issues on your own can sometimes make the problem worse.
Final Thoughts
Your garbage disposal is a convenient tool—but only if it’s used correctly.
By being mindful of what goes down your drain and taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid common summer plumbing problems and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
A little care goes a long way in preventing clogs, odors, and unexpected breakdowns.
Need Help With a Clogged or Broken Disposal?
At Dynamic Plumbing, we help homeowners quickly resolve garbage disposal issues so you can get back to enjoying your kitchen.
Whether it’s a repair or a replacement, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a service.