Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient kitchen tools — until they aren’t. Despite the name, your garbage disposal isn’t a bottomless pit for leftovers and scraps. In fact, many Tampa homeowners end up calling us for repairs because they’ve treated their disposal like a trash can instead of the precision tool it really is.

At EVERYDAYPLUMBER.com, we want to help you get the most out of your kitchen setup — and keep your garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) put down your sink drain, what happens when things go wrong, and how our team can help you fix or even upgrade your entire fixture.

1. What Is a Garbage Disposal — and What Does It Do?

A garbage disposal is a motorized unit that sits beneath your kitchen sink. It’s designed to grind small food scraps into fine particles that can pass through your plumbing system. Operated by a switch, it uses spinning blades and centrifugal force to break down waste before it moves through the drain line.

But here’s the thing: garbage disposal is a bit of a misnomer. These units aren’t made to handle large chunks of food, bones, fibrous vegetables, or actual trash. Treating them that way leads to clogs, motor damage, and emergency repairs.

2. The Real Risks of Treating Your Garbage Disposal Carelessly

Here are a few common mistakes that turn a helpful appliance into a plumbing nightmare:

• Putting the wrong materials down the sink drain, like grease, coffee grounds, or pasta
• Overloading the unit with large volumes of food at once
• Running it without water, which reduces lubrication and causes jams
• Neglecting routine cleaning, allowing buildup that leads to odors or bacteria growth

When misused, your disposal can jam, leak, or break — which may affect not only your sink but also the connected plumbing beneath it.

3. What Can Go Down Your Garbage Disposal?

Stick to small, soft food scraps and always run cold water while the disposal is on. Safe items include:

• Fruit peels (in moderation)
• Small vegetable scraps (no onion skins or celery)
• Cooked rice or pasta (small quantities only)
• Cooked meat scraps (no bones or fat)

And what shouldn’t go down your sink drain?

• Grease, oil, and fat
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Fibrous vegetables (corn husks, asparagus, artichokes)
• Bones, pits, or shells
• Harsh chemicals or drain cleaners

When in doubt, throw it out. The best practice is to scrap your plate or bowl with a fork over the trash to get rid of anything that could clog or damage your garbage disposal.

Many of the items not meant for your garbage disposal are also harmful to your sink drain as a whole. They can travel further into your plumbing and cause serious clogs or even pipe damage. If the blockage becomes severe, it often requires a professional drain cleaning to fully restore flow.

4. How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

With a little regular care, you can extend the life of your unit:

• Run it regularly – even with cold water alone, to keep parts moving
• Flush with cold water – before, during, and after use
• Clean it weekly – grind citrus peels and rinse with vinegar and baking soda
• Avoid abrasive tools – never reach inside while it’s plugged in

A well-maintained disposal can last 10+ years — but neglect often shortens that lifespan dramatically.

5. What If It’s Already Clogged or Broken?

Whether your disposal is leaking, humming but not spinning, or just completely dead — we’ve seen it all. Our licensed plumbers offer a range of garbage disposal services:

• Jam removal and cleaning
• Motor or unit replacement
• Leak detection under the sink
• Full sink fixture replacements — faucet, disposal, strainer, drain

Some customers choose to upgrade their entire kitchen sink setup, especially if the fixture is old or poorly installed. We can help you plan and install a fresh system that works better and looks great.

6. Why to Call EVERYDAYPLUMBER.com For Garbage Disposal Trouble

• Same-Day Garbage Disposal Repairs: Clogs and leaks don’t wait — and neither do we. Call us when you need it most.
• Full-Service Fixture Replacement: We don’t just fix disposals. We upgrade entire kitchen sink setups with modern fixtures and efficient layouts.
• Honest Advice, No Upselling: We’ll tell you whether a repair or replacement makes more sense — and walk you through the options.
• Licensed, Family-Owned, Tampa Proud: With over 13 years of experience, we treat your home like it’s our own — with integrity, professionalism, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Sink Gurgles When Toilet Flushes”

Q: Can I put citrus peels down my garbage disposal?
Yes — in moderation. Lemon or orange peels help clean and deodorize the unit. Just avoid overloading the disposal or sending down thick peels like grapefruit.

Q: Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?
Odors usually come from trapped food particles. Run the disposal with cold water and citrus peels, then follow with vinegar and baking soda to neutralize bacteria.

Q: Can I install a garbage disposal myself?
DIY installs are possible, but they often lead to leaks or poor alignment. A licensed plumber ensures the unit is safely and correctly connected to both the plumbing and electrical systems.

Related Content:

Garbage Disposals – Learn more about garbage disposals and which model is the best fit for your particular sink drain.

Residential Plumbing – For over 13 years, we have been proudly serving the many various neighborhoods of the greater Tampa area. We can meet any plumbing job with expertise suited to your home’s specific needs.

Is A Slow Drain A Serious Problem? – If your drain is slow, it’s likely it needs an expert Tampa plumber’s inspection. Read this blog to learn more about why slow drains should be taken seriously.