How to Care For Your Garbage Disposal and Avoid Common Problems

A garbage disposal is a helpful tool in many homes around Martinsville, Bloomington, and Bedford. It makes cleaning up after meals much easier. But if it breaks or clogs, it can cause big problems in your kitchen. At Hudson Plumbing, we want to help you keep your garbage disposal running smoothly. Here’s how you can care for it and avoid common issues.

What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
One of the best ways to keep your disposal working is to know what not to put in it. Many problems start when the wrong things go down the drain.
Avoid putting these items in your disposal:

• Grease, oil, or fat – These can harden and clog your pipes.
• Eggshells – The membrane can wrap around blades and cause trouble.
• Coffee grounds – They clump together and block the drain.
• Fibrous vegetables – Things like celery, corn husks, and onion skins can tangle the blades.
• Bones or fruit pits – These are too hard and can damage the motor.

If you’re ever unsure, throw it in the trash instead.

Use Cold Water While Running the Disposal
Always run cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, so it can be chopped up and flushed away. Hot water can melt grease, which then sticks to your pipes and causes blockages.

Don’t Overload the Disposal
Put food scraps in a little at a time, not all at once. Overloading your garbage disposal can cause it to jam or overheat. It’s better to let it grind in small amounts to keep it from getting stuck.

Keep It Clean and Fresh
To avoid smells and keep things clean, run your disposal regularly—even if you don’t use it often. You can also:

• Put a few ice cubes down the drain and run the disposal to help clean the blades.
• Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to break down gunk and remove odors.
• Grind citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to give your kitchen a fresh smell.

Know When to Call a Plumber
If your disposal stops working, makes strange noises, or smells bad even after cleaning, it may be time to call a pro. At Hudson Plumbing, we help homeowners in Martinsville, Bloomington, and Bedford fix or replace broken garbage disposals. Trying to fix it yourself could make things worse.

Final Thoughts
Taking care of your garbage disposal isn’t hard, but it does require a little attention. By following these simple tips, you can avoid most common problems and keep your kitchen running smoothly. And if you ever need help, the team at Hudson Plumbing is just a call away.

Need help with your garbage disposal?
Call Hudson Plumbing today. We proudly serve Martinsville, Bloomington, and Bedford, and we’re here to keep your home’s plumbing in top shape