Garbage Disposal Smarts: What to Grind, What to Trash (Austin Edition)

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance, but using it incorrectly can lead to clogs, odors and even damaged pipes. Austin’s diverse homes—from downtown condos to Round Rock family kitchens—have different plumbing setups, but the rules of disposal etiquette are the same. Here’s how to keep your disposal running smoothly and your drains clear.

What belongs—and what doesn’t

• OK in moderation: Small food scraps, soft vegetables, and citrus peels (which can help control odors). Always run cold water before, during and after grinding.
• Avoid: Grease, fats and oils (they solidify and clog pipes); fibrous or stringy peels like celery, corn husks and onion skins; bones, shells or pits; coffee grounds and tea leaves (they form a sludge); pasta and rice (they swell and gum up the drain).

Reduce noise & clogs

• Power vs. quiet: Higher horsepower units grind food more finely. Insulated models are worth it for open-plan Austin homes.
• Baffles & splash guards: Keep these installed to muffle noise and keep food inside the grinding chamber.
• Use cold water: Cold water helps fats congeal so the unit can chop them up and send them down the line.
• Run it longer: Let the disposal and water run for 20–30 seconds after the grinding noise stops to ensure the line is clear.

Quick resets & odor fixes

• Reset button: If your unit hums or won’t turn on, press the red reset button on the bottom. Check your circuit breaker if it trips again.
• Unjam: Use the manufacturer’s hex wrench in the bottom slot to gently turn the flywheel and free stuck items. Never stick your hand into the disposal.
• Deodorize naturally: Grind a tray of ice cubes with a cup of baking soda, then finish with small citrus peels. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage seals and pipes.

Holiday & city-specific tips

• Round Rock & Cedar Park: Big holiday meals mean more grease. Wipe pans into the trash before washing and avoid pouring turkey drippings down the drain.
• Austin rentals & roommates: Teach everyone what not to grind and how to use the reset button to avoid late-night maintenance calls.
• Lakeway & West Lake Hills: Long horizontal kitchen runs benefit from periodic enzyme cleaning to prevent buildup.

When to call a pro

If you’re constantly hitting the reset button, the unit leaks from its body, you smell burning or the disposal trips the GFCI, it’s time for a professional repair or replacement. Persistent clogs in multiple fixtures can also signal a deeper drain issue that needs camera inspection.

Ready for a quieter, more reliable disposal?

Flint Plumbing installs, replaces and unclogs garbage disposals across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Hutto and Bastrop. Call (512) 971‑2445 or book online for fast service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 1/2 HP garbage disposal enough?

A 1/2 horsepower unit works for light use. Households that cook often or grind tougher scraps benefit from a 3/4 HP or 1 HP model for finer grinding and less jamming.

Should I use hot or cold water?

Always run cold water during operation. Cold water keeps fats solid so the disposal can chop them up. A warm rinse afterwards is fine.

Are eggshells okay to grind?

It’s best to avoid eggshells. They break into a sand-like grit that can accumulate in the trap or drain line.

Do lemons really freshen the disposal?

Yes. After an ice and baking soda flush, grind small pieces of lemon or orange peel to leave a fresh scent.

The unit hums but won’t spin. What should I do?

Turn off the disposal, insert the supplied hex wrench into the bottom slot and gently rotate to free the impeller. Then press the reset button and try again.