Avoid clogs, odors, and costly repairs with this essential guide from TCMS.
Garbage disposals are a kitchen convenience—until they stop working. Whether you’re managing a commercial kitchen, office breakroom, or your own home, knowing what should and shouldn’t go down the drain is key to keeping your disposal (and plumbing) in top shape.
Garbage disposals are meant for small amounts of soft, biodegradable food waste. Here's what typically passes the test:
Soft food scraps: Cooked vegetables, small fruit peels, or leftover pasta.
Cold water: Always run cold water while using your disposal to help move waste through the pipes.
Mild dish soap: Keeps your disposal clean and grease-free when used sparingly.
Pro tip: Cut large scraps into smaller pieces and feed them in gradually—don’t dump everything in at once.
Even if the disposal sounds like it's working, the wrong items can silently cause buildup or long-term damage:
Grease, oil, or fat – These cool and harden in your pipes, causing major blockages.
Fibrous vegetables – Think celery, corn husks, and artichokes. They can wrap around the blades.
Bones, fruit pits, or shells – Too hard to grind and can destroy the motor.
Shrimp shells & peanut shells – Tough, stringy, and expand with water—perfect for jamming your system.
Coffee grounds & eggshells – These form a sludge-like paste that can clog drains.
Rice, pasta, and bread – These foods absorb water and swell, creating sticky blockages in your pipes.
Run it regularly – Prevents rust, corrosion, and buildup.
Always use cold water – Hot water can soften fats that later harden in the drain.
Grind citrus peels occasionally – Helps freshen the unit naturally.
Schedule inspections for commercial setups – Especially if you manage multi-tenant buildings or kitchens.
Call a plumber if you notice:
Slow drainage
Bad smells that won’t go away
Unusual noises (grinding, humming, rattling)
Leaks under the sink
These may indicate worn parts, hidden clogs, or a disposal nearing the end of its life.
At TCMS, we handle disposal repairs, replacements, and full plumbing inspections for both commercial and residential properties. We know what works—and what definitely doesn’t—when it comes to keeping drains clean and clear.