What You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Tips from Rooter Man Plumbing in Reno, NV
Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient kitchen appliances for homeowners—but they are also one of the most commonly misused. While disposals are designed to break down small food scraps, many items can damage the unit or clog your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs.
At Rooter Man Plumbing, we regularly help homeowners across Reno, NV with garbage disposal repairs and drain cleaning caused by improper use. To help you avoid plumbing problems, here are the most common items you should never put down your garbage disposal.
Coffee Grounds
Despite a popular myth, coffee grounds do not sharpen garbage disposal blades. In fact, garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades at all—only blunt impellers that grind food waste.
Coffee grounds clump together into a thick, muddy sludge that easily builds up inside pipes and causes stubborn clogs. Instead of sending them down the drain, consider composting your coffee grounds or disposing of them in the trash.
Eggshells
Eggshells may seem harmless, but they can create significant problems over time. The thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around the disposal’s impellers, reducing efficiency. Crushed shells can also accumulate in your plumbing system and contribute to blockages.
For best results, place eggshells in your compost bin or trash instead of your garbage disposal.
Rice and Pasta
Rice and pasta are especially dangerous for garbage disposals. These starchy foods absorb water, expand, and turn sticky—creating the perfect conditions for clogs in both the disposal and your drain lines.
To protect your plumbing, throw leftover rice and pasta in the trash rather than washing them down the sink.
Fibrous Foods
Stringy vegetables are among the worst offenders for garbage disposals. Items such as celery, asparagus, corn husks, and artichokes contain fibers that wrap around the impellers, causing jams and premature wear.
These foods are best composted or discarded in the trash to avoid unnecessary strain on your disposal.
Bones and Fruit Pits
Garbage disposals are not built to handle hard materials. Bones and fruit pits can crack impellers, damage the motor, or create severe drain blockages.
A simple rule to follow: if you can’t cut it easily with a knife, your garbage disposal shouldn’t attempt to grind it. Always throw bones and pits in the trash.
Potato Peels
Potato peels are highly starchy and become paste-like when wet. This thick material can clog the disposal itself or pass through and block downstream plumbing.
To keep your drains flowing freely, compost or discard potato peels instead of sending them down the disposal.
Nuts and Shells
Nuts and nut shells are too dense and abrasive for garbage disposals. They can damage internal components and contribute to severe clogs in your plumbing system.
Dispose of nuts and shells in the trash to avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
When a clog occurs, it may be tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner—but these products often do more harm than good. Harsh chemicals can corrode pipes, damage garbage disposals, and negatively impact septic systems.
For safe and effective results, it’s always better to call a licensed plumber for professional drain cleaning.
Need Garbage Disposal Help in Reno or Tahoe? Call Rooter Man Plumbing
If your garbage disposal is clogged, noisy, or not working properly, Rooter Man Plumbing is here to help. We provide expert garbage disposal repair, drain cleaning, and full-service plumbing solutions throughout Reno, NV.
Our experienced plumbers will diagnose the issue quickly and get your kitchen plumbing back in top condition—done right the first time.
Contact Rooter Man Plumbing today to schedule service and keep your drains flowing smoothly.