A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen helper, but it is also one of the most misused fixtures in the house. A few good habits keep it running smoothly and spare you a clogged drain.

Do Feed It the Right Things

Disposals handle soft food scraps well. Used the right way, yours can run for years without trouble. Stick to:

  • Soft food scraps and small leftovers
  • Cooked vegetables and fruit pieces
  • A steady stream of cold water while it runs
  • Small amounts at a time rather than a big pile all at once

Running cold water before, during, and after helps flush everything through and keeps the motor cool.

Don't Put These Down the Drain

This is where most disposals get into trouble. Certain items either dull the blades, jam the unit, or clog the pipe just past it. Keep these out:

  • Grease, oil, and fat, which harden and coat the pipes
  • Coffee grounds and eggshells, which build up into a paste
  • Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins
  • Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels that swell with water
  • Bones, fruit pits, and anything else that is hard

When in doubt, the garbage bin or compost is safer than the disposal.

Do Keep It Clean and Fresh

A disposal can start to smell over time. To keep it fresh, run cold water with a few ice cubes through it now and then to help clear residue off the grinding components. A little dish soap and cold water will rinse the chamber. These small habits prevent odours without harsh chemicals.

Don't Reach In or Use Drain Cleaner

Safety first. Never put your hand into the disposal, even when it is off. If something falls in, use tongs or pliers. And avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners into a disposal or its drain. They can damage the unit and the pipes, and they rarely fix a real clog. If the disposal hums but will not turn, it is usually jammed and needs to be reset or cleared properly, not forced.

When to Call a Plumber

Some problems are worth handing to a pro. Call a plumber if:

  • The disposal leaks underneath
  • It keeps tripping the reset button
  • It stays jammed after a reset
  • The sink backs up even when the disposal is empty

These signs often point to a deeper drain issue that is easier and cheaper to fix early.

Treat your disposal kindly and it will serve you well for years. If yours is jammed, leaking, or your kitchen sink keeps backing up here in Aurora or anywhere in York Region, call Plumber On Dial at (647) 496-8182. We will get it sorted and check the drain while we are at it.