Misusing your garbage disposal can lead to failures, clogs, or even motor burnout. Let’s explore 10 things to avoid, why it matters, and how proper upkeep can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.
First and foremost, avoid putting these 10 common household wastes down your disposal:
1. Butters, Oils, and Greases
These liquid fats congeal in pipes, forming stubborn clogs and potentially costly plumbing repairs. Instead, let fats cool and congeal, then wipe them up with a paper towel and toss it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds clump and create sludge—ideal conditions for a clog. Better uses: compost them or scatter them in your garden.
3. Egg Shells
Myth: They sharpen blades. Reality: They wrap around the impellers and cause motor strain. Toss them instead.
4. Stringy Foods (Celery, Onion Skins, Corn Husks)
These fibers wrap around impellers, causing jams and overheating. Save yourself the stress—and potential service call fees.
5. Starchy Foods (Pasta, Rice, Potatoes)
Starch expands and forms gummy blockages. A clog that cascades into water damage can be hundreds of dollars to repair, depending on severity.
6. Bones and Shells
These are too hard—even small ones can chip or jam the disposal. Avoid breaking an expensive motor—and consider that typical motor replacement or disposal replacement can range from $200 to $400+.
7. Fruit Pits and Large Seeds
Like bones, these can rattle and damage internal components. Pitch them, not your appliance.
8. Nuts and Oatmeal
Grinding nuts creates sticky “nut butter” and oatmeal becomes gummy. Clogs are inevitable, repairs are not cheap.
9. Everyday Garbage
Paper towels, wipes, and plastics don’t belong in a disposal. They can damage blades or cause serious backups.
10. Paint
Paint can harden in pipes, cause deep clogs, and pose environmental hazards. Always dispose at a hazardous-waste center—not down the drain.
2-10 HBW offers comprehensive systems and appliances home warranties to help protect your clients from unexpected repair and replacement costs. Contact us to learn more.
Cost Insights: Repairs & Replacements
Here’s what you could expect if things go wrong:
- Repair costs: Simple issues (like leaks or gaskets) typically cost $100–$250; average around $200.
- Full replacement costs: Most homeowners pay between $200 and $625, with averages around $450–$550, which includes both the unit and labor.
- Labor influence: Labor costs vary: plumbers or electricians charge $50–$150/hr, diagnostic or service fees often add $50–$150.
These costs underscore the value of prevention and having a plan. With a home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10), you could reduce these costs to a fairly small service fee, which includes the costs of labor.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Top Shape
- Run the disposal with cold water regularly. Avoid hot water which can soften fats.
- Break larger scraps into small pieces.
- Clean monthly using ice and coarse salt, then rinse with cold water, or try baking soda and vinegar for deeper cleaning.
- Avoid chemical cleaners. They degrade internal parts.
- If a problem isn’t easily solvable, consider whether a repair or replacement is more cost-effective—and don’t hesitate to check if your 2-10 Home Warranty covers the issue.
Protect more,
pay less with 2-10
Low-cost home service plans.
Clog-free Conclusions
Garbage disposals are convenient when used correctly. Avoid putting grease, stringy or starchy foods, hard shells, nuts, paint, or non-food items down the drain to prevent serious damage.
Repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $100 to $600+ depending on severity and upgrades.
Pairing smart, preventive habits with a 2-10 Home Warranty provides dual protection: Doing both helps keep your disposal running smoothly and safeguards your finances if repairs or replacements are needed.
