Garbage Disposal Dos and Don'ts for East Metro Homeowners

Keep grease and non-food items out of your garbage disposal and drain. Scrape food scraps into trash or compost first, follow your model's instructions for what remains, and run water as directed. If the disposal jams, disconnect power and never put your hands inside the chamber.

By Steve Grohn. Published July 8, 2026. Updated November 12, 2026.

What should stay out of the drain?

Grease, fats, and cooking oil belong in the trash after cooling, not in the sink. The City of Minneapolis explains how fats and oils can contribute to sewer blockages. Keep non-food objects, such as utensils and produce stickers, out too.

As a conservative drain and septic practice, scrape coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables, starches, bones, pits, and large food scraps into trash or compost. Disposal capabilities differ. Some models can process items that other models cannot, so check the manual for your specific unit rather than assuming every disposal handles the same foods.

How should I run the disposal?

Follow your manufacturer’s instructions. InSinkErator recommends running a steady stream of cool water, feeding food gradually, and continuing the water for a few seconds after grinding. Water does not make it safe to pour grease into the drain.

InSinkErator explains that its disposals use impellers to push food against a stationary grind ring, rather than chopping it with blender-style blades. Feeding shells or grounds is not a blade-sharpening method. Scrape the bulk of a meal into the trash or compost and use the unit for the remaining scraps allowed by its manual.

What should I do if it jams?

1. Turn the unit off, disconnect its power, and verify that it cannot start. If you cannot safely isolate it, stop and call a professional.
2. Never put your hand inside the chamber, even with power disconnected. Use a flashlight to look inside. If an object is visible and can be safely reached, use long-handled tongs or pliers.
3. Follow the exact model’s jam-clearing and reset instructions. Not every model has the same access point or wrench. Do not keep pressing reset if the problem returns.
4. If the jam will not clear, the unit leaks, or you are unsure of the procedure, call a plumber.

InSinkErator’s jam instructions describe this process for its applicable models. Use your own model’s manual for the details.

Repair or replace?

A hum, a unit that will not start, poor grinding, repeated jams, or a leak can have different causes. A leak may come from a sink flange, a hose or drain connection, or the housing. Do not assume its source from where the water drips. A plumber can locate the fault and help compare the unit’s condition, parts availability, and repair and replacement costs. A housing leak may indicate an internal failure, but it needs inspection.

What if I have a septic system?

Use a disposal sparingly and discuss maintenance with your septic professional. Ground food adds solids to the tank and can increase pumping frequency. The EPA’s septic system guidance explains how disposal use affects maintenance.

Does hard water cause disposal problems?

Hardness can contribute to mineral deposits, but it does not explain every drain problem. A disposal is not water treatment, and a softener will not prevent food or grease clogs. If hardness is a separate concern, our free basic home water test can help assess it. PFAS laboratory testing is a separate paid service.

For a clogged kitchen drain or disposal problem, call 651-738-0580. A.J. Alberts provides plumbing and drain service, written pricing before work, and no commissioned salespeople.