At Bodenheimer Plumbing, we’ve helped countless customers deal with a clogged garbage disposal, and one thing is almost always true: it could have been prevented. Knowing what not to put in a garbage disposal is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen plumbing running smoothly — and your wallet a little fuller. Whether you’re cleaning up after dinner or hosting a big family gathering, it’s easy to treat the disposal like a catch-all. But trust us — that convenience can come at a cost.
And if your garbage disposal is already giving you trouble, don’t worry — you can always give us a call at 336-788-3966, and we’ll be there to help.
Top 10 Things You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Even though garbage disposals are designed to break down food scraps, not everything belongs in there. Here are the biggest offenders — the ones we see clogging garbage disposals again and again:
- Grease, Oils, and Fats – These might go down as liquid but they solidify in your pipes, leading to major blockages.
- Coffee Grounds – These clump together and settle into a dense, sludgy mess that causes stubborn clogs.
- Eggshells – While it’s a common myth that they sharpen blades, the truth is they can damage the motor and clog the pipes.
- Pasta and Rice – These expand with moisture and create sticky, starchy messes that slow your disposal down or stop it entirely.
- Fibrous Vegetables (like celery, asparagus, and corn husks) – The stringy fibers can tangle around the disposal blades.
- Bones and Shells – These are simply too hard for your disposal to handle and can cause serious mechanical damage.
- Fruit Pits and Seeds – If it’s too tough to chew, it’s too tough for your disposal.
- Potato Peels – These can turn into a thick paste and block your drain line.
- Onion Skins – The thin, papery outer layers can slip past the blades and clog your drain.
- Harsh Chemicals – Commercial drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can corrode your pipes and harm your disposal’s internal parts.
Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
We get it — nobody wants to spend their evening Googling “how to prevent kitchen sink clogs” after a long day. So here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Do:
- Run cold water while using your disposal and for 20-30 seconds afterward
- Use small amounts of citrus peels to help freshen and clean
- Drop a few ice cubes in now and then to help knock off grime
- Know the best way to clean a garbage disposal: baking soda + vinegar once a month
Don’t:
- Overload it with food at once
- Use hot water when grinding grease
- Assume “small” means “safe” — always double-check before tossing
Why Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips Matter
A little caution and consistency go a long way. With proper care and a few key habits, you can extend the life of your disposal and avoid costly service calls. Our team believes in sharing helpful garbage disposal maintenance tips with every homeowner we serve — because prevention always beats plumbing repairs.
Why Choose Bodenheimer Plumbing
As a trusted plumber in Winston-Salem since 1930, we’re proud to offer honest, professional, and prompt service when your kitchen plumbing acts up. Whether you’ve got a mysterious smell, a jammed disposal, or standing water in your sink, we’re here to help — with no gimmicks, just results. We’ve seen every disposal disaster you can imagine, and we know how to fix it fast.
From emergency repairs to routine maintenance, we’re committed to treating your home like it’s our own.
What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal (And When to Call Us)
Avoiding a clogged garbage disposal often comes down to one simple thing: knowing what not to put in a garbage disposal. A few small changes to your kitchen habits can save you time, money, and major plumbing headaches down the line.
But if your disposal is already clogged or making strange noises, don’t hesitate — call Bodenheimer Plumbing at 336-788-3966. We’ll help you get things back to normal in no time.