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Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

A garbage disposal is a great tool that can help you keep your kitchen plumbing clog-free and kitchen cleanup a bit easier. Unfortunately, many of…

May 05, 2026
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

A garbage disposal is a great tool that can help you keep your kitchen plumbing clog-free and kitchen cleanup a bit easier. Unfortunately, many of us take these appliances for granted until they break down. Like any appliance, a garbage disposal requires proper maintenance to function at its best and get the most out of it. Follow these garbage disposal maintenance tips to keep your appliance in top shape.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Can Help

We hope these garbage disposal maintenance tips will help you keep your unit running smoothly and extend its lifespan. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer reliable garbage disposal services, including garbage disposal installation and garbage disposal repair. If you’re looking for a plumbing service that provides professional garbage disposal services, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

  • Use Your Disposal Selectively

Garbage disposals aren't meant for everything. Avoid grinding fibrous materials like celery strings, coffee grounds, or eggshells that can clog the blades. Stick to grinding food scraps that are easy to break down.

  • Do Run Your Garbage Disposal Regularly

Even if you don't have food scraps to grind every day, run your disposal with cold water for a few seconds every week. This helps keep the blades sharp and prevents odors.

  • Keep the Cold Water Flowing When You Run the Disposal

Always tu on the cold water before activating the disposal, and keep it flowing for several seconds after you're finished grinding. The cold water helps flush food scraps down the drain and prevents jams.

  • Use Cold Water (Don’t Use Hot Water)

Hot water can melt grease and fats, which can solidify later and clog the disposal. Cold water helps keep grease moving smoothly through the pipes. However, it’s advisable not to put grease and fats down your garbage disposal to avoid clogs.

  • Do Break Up Large Scraps Before Grinding

Instead of shoving large chunks of food down the disposal, cut them into smaller pieces first. This makes grinding easier and reduces the risk of jams.

  • Clean Your Garbage Disposal Regularly

Deep clean your disposal every few weeks to prevent odors and buildup. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, ice cubes and salt, or an organic disposal cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you need professional help with cleaning your garbage disposal, reach out to a nearby plumbing repair service.

  • Grind Citrusy Fruits To Help With Bad Smells

Occasionally grind lemon or orange peels to freshen up your disposal and neutralize odors. This is also an easy way to remove food buildup on the impellers.

  • Don’t Overfill the Disposal

Adding too much food waste at once can overload the disposal and lead to clogs. Grind food scraps in small batches for better results.

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not fall for the gimmicks that brands use to market liquid chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your disposal blades and pipes. It’s advisable to use natural cleaning methods or call a professional plumbing service for professional drain cleaning.

  • Tu Off Your Garbage Disposal When You Need To Repair or Clean It

Always unplug the disposal or tu off the power at the breaker box before reaching into the disposal for repairs or cleaning. If you’re not sure about the process, consult with a trusted plumbing service that provides garbage disposal services.

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