When it comes to modern kitchen conveniences, garbage disposals are high on the list. They help reduce food waste and make cleanup easier—but only when used correctly. At Blair Plumbing, our team of experienced plumbers in New Orleans has seen firsthand how misuse can lead to clogged drains, damaged blades, and costly repairs. If you want to keep your disposal running smoothly, here’s a list of common items you should never put down the drain—plus a few professional insights you won’t want to miss.
Grease, Fats, and Oils
One of the biggest culprits behind clogged kitchen drains is grease. It may go down the drain as a liquid, but once it cools, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes. Over time, this buildup can lead to full blockages and a nasty backup.
Even though some people think it’s okay to rinse grease with hot water, that only delays the problem. Our seasoned New Orleans plumber team recommends always disposing of grease in a sealed container in the trash, not down the drain.
Fibrous or Stringy Vegetables
Celery, asparagus, corn husks, and onion skins may seem harmless, but their fibrous textures can wrap around your disposal blades, causing them to jam or overheat. These items also don’t break down easily, meaning they’re likely to get caught in your plumbing and contribute to blockages.
Instead, toss these scraps in your compost bin or trash can. Your garbage disposal will thank you—and so will your plumber.
Coffee Grounds
Despite their small size, coffee grounds clump together when wet, forming a dense sludge that can block your pipes. Many homeowners mistakenly assume grounds are safe for the disposal, but we regularly get service calls from customers dealing with slow-draining sinks because of this mistake.
If you want to avoid a call to the plumbers in New Orleans, throw your coffee grounds in the compost pile, not the sink.
Eggshells
There’s a common myth that eggshells sharpen garbage disposal blades, but this isn’t true. In fact, the membrane inside the shell can wrap around the grinding mechanism, while the crushed shells themselves can contribute to clog formation further down the line.
If you’re in the habit of rinsing eggshells down the disposal, stop now. Discard them in your compost or trash instead.
Starchy Foods
Pasta, rice, and potatoes may look harmless, but once they’re exposed to water, they expand and turn into a gluey paste. These starches are notorious for coating your pipes and creating stubborn clogs that require professional attention.
If you’ve noticed your disposal is slowing down or your sink isn’t draining like it used to, starchy food waste could be the cause. Let a New Orleans plumber inspect the issue before it becomes a bigger mess.
Bones and Fruit Pits
Garbage disposals aren’t equipped to handle hard items like chicken bones, peach pits, or avocado seeds. These objects can dull or break the blades, damage the motor, or become lodged in the unit, leading to expensive repairs.
It’s simple: if it’s too hard to chew, it’s too hard for your disposal.
Non-Food Items
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often we’re called out because of forks, bottle caps, rubber bands, or plastic that somehow made their way into the garbage disposal. These items can jam the blades and even burn out the motor if left unnoticed.
Always double-check what you’re washing down the drain—and teach your kids and guests to do the same.
When in Doubt, Call the Pros
Misusing your garbage disposal might not cause immediate problems, but over time, it can seriously impact your kitchen plumbing. If you’re dealing with unusual noises, foul smells, or slow drainage, don’t wait. Call the trusted plumbers in New Orleans at Blair Plumbing for fast, professional help.
We’ve been serving the community for decades and know exactly how to handle any disposal or drain issue, big or small. Whether you need a quick repair or full replacement, our expert New Orleans plumber team is here to help.
Protect your plumbing—know what NOT to put down your disposal, and when in doubt, leave it to the pros. Contact Blair Plumbing today to schedule your service!