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10 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient tools in the modern kitchen, making cleanup after a home-cooked meal significantly faster. However, many people treat this appliance like a bottomless trash can, which is a recipe for expensive plumbing disasters. While it is designed to handle light food residue, certain items can dull the blades, clog the pipes, or burn out the motor entirely. If you want to avoid a flooded cabinet and the high cost of a professional repair, you need to be selective about what goes down the drain. To keep your kitchen running smoothly, here are the top 10 things you should never put down your garbage disposal. 1. Coffee Grounds This is perhaps the most common mistake homeowners make. While coffee grounds are small and seem harmless, they do not wash away easily. When mixed with water, they turn into a thick, sediment-like paste that settles in the U-bend of your pipes. Over time, this creates a dense clog that is nearly impossible to clear without a pl...

Garbage Disposal Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Cheaper?

When your kitchen sink starts backing up or your garbage disposal begins making a sound like a jackhammer, your first instinct is likely to worry about the cost. In the world of home maintenance, the kitchen is a high-traffic zone, and a broken disposal can bring your entire daily routine to a screeching halt. The big question remains: should you spend money to fix the unit you have, or is it more cost-effective to swap it out for a shiny new model? Deciding between a repair and a replacement doesn't have to be a guessing game. By looking at the age of your unit, the type of failure, and the potential long-term savings, you can make a smart financial decision that keeps your plumbing—and your budget—flowing smoothly. Understanding the Lifecycle of a Garbage Disposal On average, a standard kitchen garbage disposal is built to last between 10 to 12 years . If your unit is approaching its tenth birthday and starts acting up, you are likely entering "diminishing returns" terr...