Are you making this huge mistake with your garbage disposal? It’s not what you think!
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For many of us, the garbage disposal is a kitchen lifesaver, whisking away food scraps with the simple flick of a switch.
It's a modern convenience that feels like magic—until something goes wrong.
While we all know to avoid putting things like bones or fibrous vegetables down the drain, there's one surprising culprit that could be quietly damaging your disposal.
The seemingly harmless remnants of your morning brew could be wreaking havoc on your disposal and pipes.
So, why is this common kitchen habit so problematic?
It may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to costly plumbing issues that are completely avoidable.
Many people assume that since coffee grounds are small and soft, they will wash away easily.
However, they act more like wet sand, clumping together and trapping other food particles, which can lead to stubborn clogs.
Chuck Pound, a virtual plumbing expert, explains that they can accumulate in your pipes, leading to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even damage to your disposal's motor.
Over time, this buildup can dull the blades and cause issues with your plumbing or septic system.
If you've been guilty of this common mistake, don’t worry—it’s not too late to fix the issue. A one-time slip-up won’t destroy your appliance, but if it has become a habit, it's time to take action!
Here’s what you can do to minimize potential damage:
If you’ve followed these steps and still have drainage issues—or if your disposal stops working altogether—it may be time to call a plumber.
While routine maintenance can help prevent problems, some clogs or mechanical failures require professional attention.
A well-maintained garbage disposal can last up to 10 years, but only if you take care of it. To prevent damage, avoid putting these items down the drain:
To extend the life of your garbage disposal, follow these simple maintenance tips:
Taking care of your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be complicated, but small mistakes can lead to big problems. By being mindful of what goes down the drain and following simple maintenance tips, you can keep your disposal running smoothly for years to come!
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Have you been unknowingly damaging your garbage disposal with coffee grounds or other kitchen scraps? Do you have any tried-and-true maintenance tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Read next: Struggling to sleep? Discover three simple tricks to add 90 minutes of rest tonight!
It's a modern convenience that feels like magic—until something goes wrong.
While we all know to avoid putting things like bones or fibrous vegetables down the drain, there's one surprising culprit that could be quietly damaging your disposal.
The seemingly harmless remnants of your morning brew could be wreaking havoc on your disposal and pipes.
So, why is this common kitchen habit so problematic?
It may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to costly plumbing issues that are completely avoidable.
Your garbage disposal is a kitchen essential—but are you using it the right way? Image Source: YouTube / Fix This House.
Many people assume that since coffee grounds are small and soft, they will wash away easily.
However, they act more like wet sand, clumping together and trapping other food particles, which can lead to stubborn clogs.
Chuck Pound, a virtual plumbing expert, explains that they can accumulate in your pipes, leading to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even damage to your disposal's motor.
Over time, this buildup can dull the blades and cause issues with your plumbing or septic system.
What to do if you've been putting coffee grounds down the disposal
If you've been guilty of this common mistake, don’t worry—it’s not too late to fix the issue. A one-time slip-up won’t destroy your appliance, but if it has become a habit, it's time to take action!
Here’s what you can do to minimize potential damage:
- Stop immediately – Avoid putting any more coffee grounds down the drain.
- Flush the system – Run hot water to help clear out any remaining grounds. Depending on how much has accumulated, you may need to run the water for up to a minute.
- Clean the P-trap – If your sink starts backing up, you may need to remove and clean the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink). Always turn off the power to your disposal before doing this.
- Use a drain snake – If there's a major blockage, a drain snake can help clear the pipes.
- Test your disposal – After cleaning, run water for five minutes to ensure everything is functioning properly.
When to call a professional
If you’ve followed these steps and still have drainage issues—or if your disposal stops working altogether—it may be time to call a plumber.
While routine maintenance can help prevent problems, some clogs or mechanical failures require professional attention.
Sometimes, a simple mistake in the kitchen can lead to a costly call to the plumber. Image Source: Pexels / Anıl Karakaya.
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What else should you avoid putting down the disposal?
A well-maintained garbage disposal can last up to 10 years, but only if you take care of it. To prevent damage, avoid putting these items down the drain:
- Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, asparagus, kale stems)
- Vegetable peels
- Onion skins
- Grease
- Rice
- Eggshells
- Chicken bones
- Nuts
- Trash
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Flour
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Tips to keep your disposal in top shape
To extend the life of your garbage disposal, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Run hot water after washing dishes to help prevent soap scum buildup.
- Use cold water when running the disposal to prevent food from clumping.
- Grind ice once a month to help dislodge stuck food particles and sharpen the blades.
Taking care of your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be complicated, but small mistakes can lead to big problems. By being mindful of what goes down the drain and following simple maintenance tips, you can keep your disposal running smoothly for years to come!
Related articles:
Lemon in your dishwasher: Cleaning hack or myth?
Follow this simple step to prevent costly washing machine damage
Have you been unknowingly damaging your garbage disposal with coffee grounds or other kitchen scraps? Do you have any tried-and-true maintenance tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Read next: Struggling to sleep? Discover three simple tricks to add 90 minutes of rest tonight!
