What You Can and Cannot Put Into Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are convenient kitchen tools, but many Oakland County homeowners misuse them without realizing it.

Improper disposal habits are one of the leading causes of kitchen drain clogs and emergency plumbing calls.

What You Can Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Small amounts of soft food scraps are generally safe, including:

• Soft fruits
• Cooked vegetables
• Small food particles
• Citrus peels in moderation

Always run cold water while operating your disposal to help flush debris through the pipes.

What You Should Never Put Down the Disposal

Even powerful disposals have limits. Avoid putting these items into your unit:

• Grease or cooking oil
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Pasta or rice
• Potato peels
• Fibrous vegetables like celery
• Bones

Grease is especially problematic. It may go down as a liquid but hardens inside pipes, contributing to major blockages throughout Oakland County sewer systems.

Common Disposal Mistakes in Oakland County Homes

Older plumbing systems in cities like Troy, Clawson, and Rochester Hills may be more sensitive to improper disposal use. Accumulated grease and debris can lead to sewer backups that require professional cleaning.

If your kitchen sink drains slowly or your disposal frequently jams, you may need professional drain cleaning.

Protect Your Plumbing Investment

Using your garbage disposal properly extends the life of both the unit and your plumbing system. Simple habits can prevent costly emergency service calls.

If you are experiencing recurring kitchen drain problems in Oakland County, Putman & Sons Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning, disposal replacement, and sewer inspections.

Schedule service today to keep your kitchen plumbing flowing smoothly.

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