The "No-Go" List: 5 Things Killing Your Garbage Disposal (and How to Save It)

Let’s be honest: your garbage disposal is the unsung hero of your kitchen. It handles the scraps, clears the plate, and keeps your sink smelling fresh—until it doesn't. Many homeowners in Carmichael and the greater Sacramento area treat their disposal like a bottomless trash can, but that spinning mechanism is more sensitive than you think. At Mr. Drain, we want to help you avoid a messy kitchen backup before it starts.

Got a sink that won't sink? Don't wait for a flood! Fill out our online contact form or call Mr. Drain right now at (530) 658-0972 for fast, reliable repair.

1. Coffee Grounds: The Silent Clogger

It’s a common myth that coffee grounds "scrub" your pipes. In reality, when grounds meet water, they turn into a thick, pasty sludge. Over time, this sediment builds up in your P-trap and creates a stubborn blockage that no amount of DIY plunging can fix.

2. "Stringy" and Fibrous Vegetables

Your disposal hates a "tough" workout. Fibrous foods can wrap around the motor and jam the mechanism entirely. Avoid tossing these in:

• Celery stalks

• Corn husks

• Asparagus

• Onion skins

3. Cooking Grease, Fats, and Oils

This is the golden rule of plumbing. Grease may be liquid when it’s hot, but as soon as it hits your cool pipes, it solidifies into a waxy "fatberg." This catches other food particles and leads to a major drain cleaning service need sooner rather than later.

4. Eggshells and Pasta

It sounds harmless, but eggshells have a thin membrane that can stick to the components. Similarly, pasta and rice continue to expand when they sit in water. Even a small handful can swell up enough to fill the entire disposal chamber, leaving no room for water to pass through.

How to Save Your Disposal (and Your Sanity)

Maintaining your kitchen’s MVP doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these simple tips to keep things flowing:

• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water for 15 seconds before and after grinding food to help flush debris all the way out to the main line.

• Keep it Small: Feed the disposal one small handful at a time rather than stuffing it full.

• The Citrus Refresh: Every few weeks, toss in a few lemon or orange peels and run the unit with cold water to naturally deodorize the chamber.

Need a Professional Hand in Carmichael?

If your disposal is humming but not grinding, leaking under the cabinet, or simply refusing to turn on, the team at Mr. Drain is here to help. We’ve seen every type of clog Sacramento can throw at us, and we’re ready to get your kitchen back in tip-top shape.