A homeowner guide from Drain Edge Rooter, a licensed plumbing company in Rialto, CA (C-36 #1078977). Open 24/7, call anytime: (909) 927-3194.
A garbage disposal is convenient, but it is not a trash can. Most disposal jams and many kitchen drain clogs come from putting the wrong things down the sink. A few simple habits keep both the disposal and the kitchen drain working.
Do
- Run cold water before, during and for several seconds after using the disposal.
- Feed food in gradually instead of stuffing it full.
- Use it regularly so parts do not rust or seize.
- Cut large scraps into smaller pieces.
- Clean it by scrubbing the rubber splash guard and grinding a handful of ice.
- Scrape plates into the trash first and use the disposal for the small bits left over.
Don't
- Grease, oil or fat. It may go down as liquid but hardens in the drain line. Wipe it into the trash.
- Fibrous foods such as celery, corn husks, onion skins and artichokes, which wrap around the parts.
- Starchy foods such as pasta, rice and potato peels, which swell and form paste.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells in large amounts, which build up as sludge in the pipe.
- Bones, fruit pits and shells.
- Non-food items like utensils, twist ties, paper and plastic.
- Harsh chemical drain cleaners.
- Your hand. Never reach into a disposal.
If the disposal hums but does not spin
- Turn it off at the switch and unplug it or turn off the breaker.
- Look for a hex socket on the bottom center of the unit. Insert the hex wrench that came with it (or a standard size Allen wrench) and work it back and forth to free the jam.
- Use tongs or pliers, never your hand, to remove any object you can see.
- Wait a few minutes, press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power and test with cold water running.
If the disposal does nothing
Check the reset button on the bottom of the unit, then the wall switch and the breaker. If it still does not run, the motor or wiring may need service.
If the sink will not drain
A disposal that runs but a sink that will not drain usually means a clog in the trap or the drain line. Plunge with the other sink side plugged and the disposal off, or clean the trap. A dishwasher drains through the disposal in many kitchens, so a clog here can affect it too.
Signs your disposal may need replacing
- Water leaking from the bottom or body of the unit.
- Frequent jams even with careful use.
- The reset button trips often.
- Loud grinding or metal-on-metal noise when nothing is in it.
- Persistent odors even after cleaning.
- Slow grinding and food left behind.
When replacing a disposal, a plumber can also check the sink flange, trap and dishwasher connection, since those are common leak and clog points.
Septic systems and disposals
If your home is on a septic system rather than city sewer, check with your septic professional before using a garbage disposal heavily. Food waste adds solids to the tank, which can mean more frequent pumping. Some homeowners on septic choose to compost food scraps instead.
Whether you are on sewer or septic, the same rule applies: grease and oil belong in the trash, not the drain. Let it cool, wipe it out with a paper towel or pour it into a sealed container, and throw it away.
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the disposal leaks from the bottom or body, keeps tripping the reset, will not free up with the hex wrench, or the kitchen drain keeps clogging. Repeated kitchen clogs often mean grease buildup further down the line. Drain Edge Rooter is open 24/7, so call anytime at (909) 927-3194.
Related services and areas
Related services: Garbage Disposal Repair, Drain Cleaning. We serve the whole Inland Empire, including plumber in Fontana, plumber in Rancho Cucamonga, plumber in Highland, plumber in Redlands. See all homeowner plumbing guides.
Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts: FAQ
Can I put eggshells in the garbage disposal?
It is best to avoid them or use very small amounts. They can contribute to sludge buildup in the drain.
Should I use hot or cold water?
Use cold water while running the disposal. It helps keep fats solid so they are ground and flushed rather than coating the pipe.
Why is my disposal leaking?
Leaks can come from the sink flange, the drain connections or the unit body. A leak from the body usually means the unit needs replacing.
How do I get rid of disposal odors?
Turn off power, scrub the underside of the splash guard, then grind ice with cold water running.
Need help?
Drain Edge Rooter is open 24/7, so call anytime at (909) 927-3194. We will talk through the problem and give you a straight answer on timing.