Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working tools in your kitchen — until it stops working. Whether it’s making strange noises, draining slowly, or not turning on at all, small issues can quickly turn into big problems if ignored.

At Atlas Plumbing & Rooter, we know how frustrating a broken disposal can be, especially when it disrupts your daily routine. The good news is that with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your unit and avoid costly replacements. Here’s how.

1. Watch What You Put Down the Drain

The biggest cause of garbage disposal problems is what goes into it. Disposals are designed to handle small food scraps, not everything from your plate.

Avoid putting the following down your disposal:

Grease, oils, or fats — they solidify and cause clogs.
Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or artichokes — they can tangle the blades.
Coffee grounds and eggshells — they build up over time and restrict water flow.
Bones, fruit pits, or other hard items — they can damage the motor and dull the blades.

Stick to small, soft food scraps and always run plenty of cold water before, during, and after use to help flush debris through the pipes.

2. Keep It Clean and Fresh

A clean garbage disposal not only works better but also smells better. To keep odors away and blades sharp:

Grind ice cubes once a week to remove buildup and sharpen the blades.
Add a few lemon or orange peels to naturally deodorize.
Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a month to remove grease and grime.

Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can corrode your disposal’s metal parts and shorten its lifespan.

3. Use It Regularly

Just like any appliance, your garbage disposal benefits from regular use. Running it a few times a week helps prevent rust, keeps parts lubricated, and stops food from hardening inside. Even if you don’t cook daily, run cold water and turn on the disposal occasionally to keep it in good working order.

4. Know the Warning Signs of Trouble

Your disposal will usually warn you before it fails completely. Look out for these red flags:

Frequent resets: You have to push the reset button often.
Persistent odors: Cleaning no longer removes bad smells.
Leaks: Water pooling under your sink may indicate a cracked housing or failing seal.
Loud grinding or rattling noises: These may point to damaged blades or internal wear.
Inefficiency: Food isn’t grinding as quickly or fully as before.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it might be time to consider a replacement.

5. When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 12 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If yours is approaching that age — and showing performance issues — replacement is often more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

Modern disposals are quieter, more energy-efficient, and less prone to clogging, making them a worthwhile upgrade for your kitchen.

Need Professional Garbage Disposal Help? Call Atlas Plumbing & Rooter at (415) 849-2346

Whether your disposal needs a simple repair, a deep cleaning, or a full replacement, Atlas Plumbing & Rooter is here to help. Our licensed plumbers can diagnose the issue, recommend the best solution, and restore your kitchen’s convenience quickly and safely.

Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a messy problem — call (415) 849-2346 today to schedule service with Atlas Plumbing & Rooter, your trusted local plumbing experts.