Key takeaways
- Small, soft food scraps are fine when you run cold water.
- Grease, fibrous stalks, and hard items cause jams and clogs.
- Run cold water before, during, and after grinding.
- Never put your hand into a disposal.
Most disposal jams start with what we put in. A few habits will keep your disposal running for years and save you a call.
If your disposal is already jammed, humming, or leaking, we offer emergency and same-day garbage disposal repair near you in Palo Alto, and you can call any time, 24 hours a day.
What is generally safe
- Small, soft food scraps from plates
- Cooked vegetables and fruit scraps in small pieces
- Small amounts of citrus peels for freshness
- Ice cubes, now and then, to help clean the blades
Cut larger scraps into small pieces first, and feed them slowly while the water runs.
What to keep out
| Item | Why to avoid it | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Grease, oil, and fat | It cools and coats pipes, then clogs them | Pour into a can and throw it away |
| Celery, corn husks, and artichokes | Long fibers can wrap around the blades | Compost or trash |
| Bones and fruit pits | Hard items can jam or dull the blades | Trash |
| Coffee grounds in large amounts | They can pack into a sludge in the trap | Compost or trash |
| Pasta, rice, and bread in bulk | They swell and turn into paste | Trash |
| Non-food items | Glass, metal, and plastic can damage the unit | Trash |
Habits that prevent problems
- Run cold water before you start, while you grind, and for about 15 seconds after.
- Feed scraps a little at a time.
- Do not overload the chamber.
- Clean it with ice and a citrus peel once in a while.
- Never pour grease or paint down the sink.
Why cold water matters
Cold water keeps fats solid so they get chopped and flushed away. Hot water melts fat into liquid that can coat the pipes and harden farther down the line, where it is harder to clear.
How to freshen a smelly disposal
- Turn the disposal off and never put your hand inside.
- Pour a cup of ice cubes and a handful of citrus peels into the drain.
- Run cold water and switch the disposal on until the ice is gone.
- Squirt a little dish soap and run cold water for another 15 seconds.
- Wipe the rubber splash guard with a brush and soapy water.
Do this once a week if you use the disposal often. It cleans the walls and removes food film.
Disposals and septic tanks
Some septic systems handle a disposal well, and some do not. A disposal adds more solids to the tank, so the tank may need pumping more often. If you have a septic system, check with a septic professional before you rely on a disposal. Use less water-heavy grinding, and compost more food scraps.
What to do if it jams or leaks
Turn off the switch and the power first. Look with a flashlight, and use tongs to pull out any object. Use the hex key socket under the unit to turn the blades back and forth, then press the reset button. Do not put your hand in the disposal.
If it hums, will not reset, or leaks from the body, call a technician. See our page on garbage disposal repair for what a visit involves. If your dishwasher drains through the same sink, read how to clean a dishwasher filter.
If your appliance needs a professional, call us for emergency or same-day service near you in Palo Alto, 24 hours a day. Learn more on our garbage disposal repair page, or call +1 (650) 459-7835.
Quick questions
Can I put coffee grounds down the disposal?
A small amount is fine with lots of water, but large amounts can pack into sludge. Compost them instead.
Can I grind eggshells?
Many people do, but they are not helpful, and they can build up in the trap. It is safer to throw them away.
Why does my disposal smell bad?
Food buildup in the chamber and on the splash guard is the usual cause. Clean it with ice and citrus, and run cold water.
Is a leaking disposal an emergency?
A leak from the body of the unit is. Turn off the power and call for help.
