Your garbage disposal is a hardworking helper in your kitchen—but it’s not indestructible. Putting the wrong things down the drain can quickly lead to clogs, strange smells, or costly repairs. If you’re unsure about what belongs in your disposal (and what should never go near it), you’re not alone.
To keep things running smoothly, here are 7 garbage disposal basics every St. Louis homeowner should know.
1. Yes: Soft Food Scraps Are Usually Safe
Your garbage disposal is designed to handle small amounts of soft food waste. Things like cooked vegetables, fruit scraps (without pits), and small bits of cooked meat are generally okay. Just remember to run cold water while the disposal is in use to help carry the waste through your pipes.
2. No: Grease and Oil Are the Enemy
One of the worst things you can put down your garbage disposal is grease. While it goes down as a liquid, it solidifies as it cools and clings to your pipes. Over time, it can cause stubborn clogs not just in your sink—but deeper in your home’s plumbing.
3. Yes: Citrus Peels Help Freshen Things Up
Want a natural way to fight disposal odors? Toss in a few small citrus peels. The oils help break down buildup and leave a fresh scent behind. Plus, it’s a great way to use those lemon or orange rinds after juicing.
4. No: Fibrous Foods and Eggshells = Trouble
Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and even eggshells might seem harmless, but they can tangle around the blades or stick to the disposal walls. The stringy fibers don’t break down easily and are a common cause of jams.
5. Yes: Ice Cubes Can Clean the Blades
Grinding a few ice cubes can help knock off buildup from the inside of your unit and even sharpen the impellers a bit. Do this occasionally to keep your garbage disposal in good working shape. (Bonus tip: Add a splash of vinegar before the ice for extra cleaning power.)
6. No: Pasta, Rice, and Coffee Grounds Build Up Fast
Starches like pasta and rice expand when they get wet—and in a confined space like a drain pipe, that’s bad news. Coffee grounds also clump together and create sludge. These items belong in the trash or compost instead.
7. Know When to Call for Help
If your disposal starts humming without spinning, backs up into the sink, or smells worse than your trash can—it’s time to call in a pro. Beis Plumbing has helped countless St. Louis homeowners with disposal clogs, resets, and replacements.
And here’s a fun (but serious) stat: the EPA reports that 20% of household food waste ends up in landfills. Using your garbage disposal wisely not only protects your plumbing—it helps reduce waste, too.
Keep Your Disposal (and Kitchen) Running Smoothly
If you’ve been dealing with slow drainage, foul odors, or unusual noises, your garbage disposal may be trying to tell you something. Beis Plumbing offers fast, friendly service across the St. Louis area, and we’re happy to help get your kitchen back on track.
Contact us today to schedule a garbage disposal service or installation—we’re just a quick call away – 314-500-5325.