What causes garbage disposals to clog frequently?
Frequent garbage disposal clogs are usually caused by putting inappropriate materials down the drain, overloading the disposal with too much food waste at once, or a buildup of grease and food particles that solidify over time within the disposal’s grinding chamber and drain lines.
Many items are simply not meant for the garbage disposal. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can expand with water and form a pasty mass that clogs the drain. Fibrous materials like celery, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around the impeller and motor, hindering its operation and causing jams. Bones, fruit pits, and coffee grounds can be too hard or dense for the disposal to properly grind, leading to blockages. Furthermore, pouring fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain is a major contributor to clogs. As these cool, they solidify and stick to the pipes, trapping food particles and gradually narrowing the drain passage. Another common mistake is overloading the disposal. Even with acceptable food scraps, trying to grind too much at once can overwhelm the motor and cause a backup. It’s best to feed food waste into the disposal gradually while running cold water. Cold water helps solidify any fats that do make their way into the disposal, allowing them to be ground up and flushed away more easily (counterintuitively, hot water melts the grease, allowing it to coat the pipes further down the line). Finally, regular maintenance is key to preventing frequent clogs. Periodically grinding ice cubes helps to dislodge built-up debris and sharpen the blades. Flushing the disposal with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help to break down grease and neutralize odors. By avoiding problematic materials, practicing proper disposal techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce the frequency of garbage disposal clogs.
How can I prevent my garburator from clogging in the future?
Preventing future clogs in your garburator primarily involves being mindful of what you put down the drain and how you operate the unit. Avoid grinding fibrous, starchy, or greasy foods, and always run cold water before, during, and after use to flush debris properly.
To elaborate, some foods are simply not garburator-friendly. Fibrous materials like celery stalks, corn husks, and asparagus can wrap around the impeller and cause blockages. Starchy items, such as rice, pasta, and potato peels, can expand in water and create a thick paste that clogs the drain. Grease and oil solidify as they cool, sticking to the sides of the drainpipe and trapping other food particles. Instead of putting these items down your garburator, compost them or dispose of them in the trash.
Beyond what you put down the drain, proper operation is crucial. Always run a strong stream of cold water while the garburator is operating. Cold water helps solidify grease and allows it to be flushed through the system instead of sticking to the pipes. Run the garburator for a few seconds after grinding is complete to ensure all debris is cleared. Periodically, you can also grind ice cubes to help sharpen the blades and dislodge any built-up residue. Avoid overloading the garburator; feed food scraps in gradually rather than all at once.
Here’s a quick list of things to AVOID putting in your garburator:
- Bones
- Coffee grounds (in large quantities)
- Egg shells
- Fruit pits
- Grease, oil, and fats
- Pasta, rice, and potatoes (peels included)
- Onion skins
- Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes)
And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, your garburator is back in action and you can get back to cooking without the sink backup. Thanks for giving these tips a try – we appreciate you stopping by. Come back and visit us anytime you need a hand around the house!