What should not be put in a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-not-put-down-garbage-disposal.htm">items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal</a>, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.</p></div>

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Q: What would cause a garbage disposal to stop working?

• <div><p>There are many maintenance and repair issues that lead to a malfunctioning garbage disposal. Regular clogs place wear and tear on the motors, leading to an eventual shutdown. Electrical issues at the breaker, wall outlet, or disposal itself can fry the unit. The most common cause is simply a worn-down motor. These motors can only handle so much use before powering down for good. </p></div>

Q: Do garbage disposals fit all sinks?

• <div><p>Garbage disposals fit the drains of nearly every sink out there due to universal drain hole sizes of 3 1/2 to 4 inches, but the same isn&rsquo;t true for the housing underneath the sink. You need plenty of room to fit a garbage disposal under there, so measure the space ahead of time and use those dimensions when shopping for a new model. If you&rsquo;re replacing an existing model, get one in that size.</p></div>

Q: Why is my garbage disposal not draining?

• <div><p>Your garbage disposal is not draining because it might have a clog due to food waste, a foreign object, grease, oil, fat, or it may have a broken motor. When water doesn't flush out of the disposal, that's a key sign that your disposal has a clog or needs repair. </p></div>

Q: Can you pour boiling water down the garbage disposal?

• <div><p>You can pour boiling water down the garbage disposal only when cleaning it. Use hot water to flush baking soda and vinegar down the drain for a quick clean-up. For running food down the disposal, always use cold water.</p></div>

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Garbage Collection questions, answered by experts

These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.

There are many maintenance and repair issues that lead to a malfunctioning garbage disposal. Regular clogs place wear and tear on the motors, leading to an eventual shutdown. Electrical issues at the breaker, wall outlet, or disposal itself can fry the unit. The most common cause is simply a worn-down motor. These motors can only handle so much use before powering down for good.

Garbage disposals fit the drains of nearly every sink out there due to universal drain hole sizes of 3 1/2 to 4 inches, but the same isn’t true for the housing underneath the sink. You need plenty of room to fit a garbage disposal under there, so measure the space ahead of time and use those dimensions when shopping for a new model. If you’re replacing an existing model, get one in that size.

Your garbage disposal is not draining because it might have a clog due to food waste, a foreign object, grease, oil, fat, or it may have a broken motor. When water doesn't flush out of the disposal, that's a key sign that your disposal has a clog or needs repair.

You can pour boiling water down the garbage disposal only when cleaning it. Use hot water to flush baking soda and vinegar down the drain for a quick clean-up. For running food down the disposal, always use cold water.

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