Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year in the kitchen. Between preparing a large meal and cleaning up afterward, your garbage disposal may work harder than it does the rest of the year. Knowing what your disposal can safely handle can help reduce the risk of clogs, jams, and unexpected plumbing problems during your holiday celebration.
If your garbage disposal is clogged, making unusual noises, or not working properly before or after Thanksgiving, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Rock Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical through our online contact form or call (720) 410-5239 for professional plumbing service.
Know What Doesn't Belong in the Garbage Disposal
Many Thanksgiving leftovers may seem harmless, but some foods can damage your garbage disposal or clog your plumbing.
Avoid putting these items down the disposal:
- Turkey bones
- Potato peels
- Celery
- Corn husks
- Onion skins
- Pumpkin pulp
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Rice or pasta
- Grease, oil, or fat
These items can jam the blades, stick together inside your pipes, or create stubborn blockages.
Always Run Cold Water
Cold water helps keep fats and grease solid, so they can move through your plumbing system rather than coating the inside of your pipes.
When using your garbage disposal:
- Turn on the cold water before starting the disposal.
- Keep the water running while it's operating.
- Let the water run for several seconds after turning it off.
This simple habit helps flush small food particles through your plumbing system.
Feed Food Waste Slowly
Trying to dispose of everything at once can overwhelm your garbage disposal.
Instead:
- Add small amounts of food at a time.
- Allow the disposal to clear each batch before adding more.
- Avoid forcing large amounts of waste into the drain.
Extra time can help your disposal work more efficiently.
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
Turkey drippings, butter, gravy, and cooking oils may be liquid when they're hot, but they harden as they cool.
Instead of pouring grease into the sink:
- Let it cool in a container.
- Throw it away in the trash.
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.
This helps reduce the chance of clogged drains during the busy holiday season.
Freshen Your Garbage Disposal Naturally
After preparing a large holiday meal, your disposal may develop unpleasant odors.
You can help freshen it by:
- Grinding small citrus peels, such as lemons or oranges.
- Flushing with cold water afterward.
- Cleaning the rubber splash guard with warm, soapy water.
Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they may damage your plumbing or disposal components.
Know When It's Time for Professional Help
Sometimes a garbage disposal problem goes beyond a simple jam.
Signs you should have it inspected include:
- Loud grinding noises
- Frequent resets
- Water is leaking beneath the sink
- Persistent clogs
- A disposal that won't turn on
Addressing these issues early may help prevent more extensive plumbing repairs.
For professional kitchen plumbing services, Rock Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical can inspect your garbage disposal and recommend the right solution for your home.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Cleanup
Thanksgiving should be about enjoying time with family and friends—not dealing with a clogged kitchen sink. By using your garbage disposal properly and being mindful of what goes down the drain, you can help keep your kitchen running smoothly throughout the holiday.
If your garbage disposal isn't working properly or you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen plumbing issue, contact Rock Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today. Schedule service through our online contact form or call (720) 410-5239 to speak with our team.