Summer is the season of backyard barbecues, holiday cookouts, and weekend gatherings. With all the extra cooking and clean-up, your garbage disposal works harder than usual—and if you’re not careful, it can get overwhelmed.
At Armor Plumbing, we see a spike in garbage disposal and kitchen drain clogs during the summer months, especially around holidays and family get-togethers. The good news is most of these clogs are preventable. Here’s what causes them and how to avoid a mid-party plumbing emergency.
Why Summer Is Tough on Your Garbage Disposal
During summer entertaining, your kitchen gets more use—and your garbage disposal is likely taking in more food waste than normal. While it’s a helpful appliance, your disposal isn’t meant to handle everything. Overuse or improper use can lead to jams, burned-out motors, or full drain blockages.
What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
• These go down as liquids but solidify as they cool, coating your pipes and blades.
• Instead: Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it in the trash.
2. Fibrous Vegetables (Corn Husks, Celery, Onion Skins)
• Stringy fibers can wrap around the blades and motor, causing jams.
• Dispose of these in the trash or compost bin.
3. Bones and Fruit Pits
• These are too hard and can dull or break the blades, or become lodged in the grinding chamber.
• Toss them in the garbage instead.
4. Pasta, Rice, and Bread
• These foods expand when wet and can form a thick paste that clogs the disposal and pipes.
• Avoid large amounts, and dispose of them in the trash.
5. Coffee Grounds
• Grounds may seem harmless, but they clump in pipes and form dense, sludgy blockages.
• Better option: Compost or trash them.
6. Eggshells
• The membrane can wrap around the blades, and the shell fragments add to sediment buildup.
• Skip the disposal and use for compost or garden soil.
7. Large Quantities of Any Food
• Feeding large amounts at once can overwhelm the unit and lead to clogs or motor damage.
• Feed food in small portions with cold water running.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal or Drain Is Clogged
• Water draining slowly or backing up into the sink
• A humming noise without any grinding
• Bad smells coming from the drain
• Food particles coming back up into the sink
• The need to frequently reset your disposal
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to stop using the disposal and have the problem inspected before it worsens.
Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems This Summer
• Run cold water before, during, and after use to flush debris through the system
• Use your disposal for soft food scraps only—never hard, sticky, or greasy materials
• Clean it regularly using ice cubes and a small amount of baking soda or vinegar
• Keep a compost or trash bin nearby while cooking and cleaning up
• Let guests know what not to put down the drain, especially during large gatherings
Dealing With a Clogged Disposal or Drain?
If your garbage disposal stops working or your kitchen drain backs up, don’t wait for it to become a major plumbing issue. Armor Plumbing provides fast, professional drain cleaning and garbage disposal repair services. Whether it’s a simple jam or a deep clog in the line, our team is ready to help you get your kitchen back in working order.