Ask a Plumber: Can I Really Put That Down My Garbage Disposal?

If you’re scratching your head over whether something belongs in the garbage disposal in your Indianapolis home, you’re not alone. At Mister Water Heater, our team answers questions about safe use of garbage disposals and repair services on a regular basis. Knowing what’s safe and what’s risky for your disposal will keep things running smoothly in your kitchen.

What’s Typically Safe for Your Garbage Disposal?

Think of your garbage disposal as helpful for small food scraps, not big kitchen cleanups. Here are some things you can send down without worry:

1. Soft foods: Cooked veggies, fruits, small fruit peels, and soft leftovers work best.

2. Cold water: Always run cold water before, during, and after use. This solidifies any lingering grease so it can be chopped up and flushed out.

3. Citrus rinds: Lemon or orange peels can freshen things up, but keep amounts small.

4. Small ice cubes: These can help clean the blades and reduce odors.

What Should Stay Out of Your Garbage Disposal?

Some foods and items can clog, jam, or dull your disposal. Our team at Mister Water Heater sees the same culprits in plumbing repair calls throughout the Indianapolis area. Steer clear of dropping these items in your disposal:

1. Grease and oils: These solidify inside pipes, causing tough clogs.

2. Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and asparagus can tangle the blades.

3. Pasta, rice, and bread: These expand with water and gum up the works.

4. Bones, pits, and shells: Hard items damage blades and jam the motor.

5. Coffee grounds and eggshells: These seem harmless, but can create stubborn blockages and wear down the disposal over time.

6. Non-food items: Don’t let plastic, glass, metal, or twist ties find their way in.

Extra Tips for a Healthy Disposal

Keep your garbage disposal fresh with a little dish soap and cold water runs. And if there’s a burning smell or humming sound, hit the reset button. Remember, you should never stick your hand inside.

For recurring issues, trust the reliable plumbers at Mister Water Heater for professional repair services. We also install and repair water heaters in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Greenwood, Brownsburg, and beyond.

Contact Mister Water Heater

Whether your garbage disposal needs to be repaired or you’re curious about water heater installation in your Indianapolis home, Mister Water Heater is just a phone call away. Contact us at (833) 270-8502 or request service online today!