How Does a Garbage Disposal Get Clogged?

If you own a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, you may not think it is even possible for you to experience a clog since that is the precise reason your disposal exists. It is actually fairly easy for a clog to occur in a sink that has a garbage disposal, most of the time because you are putting the wrong foods down your disposal.

We are one of Denver’s best plumbing companies and we have plenty of experience when it comes to replacing or repairing garbage disposals if you are experiencing issues.

High 5 Plumbing also offers garbage disposal services in:

What Should Not Go Down Your Garbage Disposal?

Popcorn Kernels and Bones

A good rule to follow: If you could not chew it with your teeth, you should not put it in your disposal. Your unit can easily break when you put these types of items in your garbage disposal.

Pasta and Rice

You likely did not know this is a no-no. While your garbage disposal can break up food like this, it cannot keep them from expanding once they have been dismembered, which can cause a clog in your pipes pretty easily.

Celery and Onion Skins

While some vegetable peels and skins are totally fine to put down the garbage disposal, not all of them are that way. Celery and onion skins are fibrous and stringy. Other items that also fall into this category are asparagus and corn husks. These types of foods can wrap around the impeller and cause the motor to jam.

Grease and Fat

This one you should know. Whether you have a garbage disposal or not, you should never ever put grease or fat down the drain. These liquids can easily solidify and cause major clogs that will have to be repaired by a professional.

Food Wrappers

Plain and simple, your garbage disposal is not your trash can. Whatever you do, don’t put food wrappers and other non-food items down your disposal if you want to keep it in working order.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal?

Clearly, the most obvious clue that your garbage disposal needs to be replaced is that it stops working. However, if your disposal is still working, how are you supposed to know when it is time to get a new one?

Another sign that it is time to replace your garbage disposal is if you notice a foul odor coming from your sink even after you have thoroughly rinsed it out. When your grinding chamber isn’t working correctly, food can become trapped and rot which will emanate a less-than-desirable odor.

Test To See If It’s Time to Get a New Garbage Disposal

If your disposal is still performing at an optimum level, it should be able to shred several orange or potato peels in a matter of seconds. If you notice, however, that it takes quite a while for your disposal to complete the job, it may be time for a new one.

Truthfully, it doesn’t matter how much money you spent on your garbage disposal, you will have to replace it eventually. The purpose of the disposal makes it impossible for it to last forever because of its constant exposure to running water, food scraps and the occasional accidental utensil.

If you think it may be time for you to get rid of your old garbage disposal and replace it with one that will work properly, you should call our top-rated Denver plumbing team at High 5 Plumbing. We replace garbage disposals quite frequently, and we love seeing the surprise on our customers’ faces when they see how much better their new disposal works than their old one.

Don’t settle for a garbage disposal that isn’t doing its job correctly. Instead, upgrade your current equipment because you deserve to have the most functional kitchen possible.

Denver Garbage Disposal Repair & Replacement

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How Does a Garbage Disposal Get Clogged?

Contact Us

What Should Not Go Down Your Garbage Disposal?

When Is It Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal?

Test To See If It’s Time to Get a New Garbage Disposal

CONTACT US

Denver Office (main office)

Littleton Office