Thanksgiving in Michigan is a time for family, food, and celebration. But after the feast is over, your kitchen appliances face their toughest test of the year. From turkey trimmings to potato peels, your garbage disposal works overtime during the holiday season. Without proper care, it can clog, jam, or even break down when you need it most.
That’s why understanding how to maintain and protect your garbage disposal in Michigan is so important. Not only will it help you get through the holidays without plumbing disasters, but it will also extend the life of your system year-round.
In this guide, we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal use, seasonal tips for Thanksgiving, and long-term strategies for protecting your kitchen plumbing.
Why Garbage Disposals Struggle During Thanksgiving
Michigan homeowners often underestimate how much food waste is produced during Thanksgiving. Between side dishes, desserts, and main courses, your disposal has to handle a huge increase in scraps.
Common stressors include:
- Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins that tangle the blades.
- Starchy foods such as mashed potatoes or pasta that form thick pastes and clog drains.
- Grease and fat from turkeys, roasts, or gravy that solidify in cold Michigan pipes.
- Bones that can jam or break disposal blades.
By recognizing what your garbage disposal in Michigan can and cannot handle, you can avoid frustrating breakdowns during the holiday season.
What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
One of the biggest misconceptions is that garbage disposals can handle anything. In reality, many items can cause severe damage. Here are the main culprits:
- Grease, fats, and oils – They solidify as they cool and clog pipes.
- Bones – Too dense for disposal blades.
- Fibrous foods – Corn husks, celery, and artichokes wrap around blades.
- Eggshells – The membrane can stick and form clogs.
- Coffee grounds – They accumulate into a dense paste.
- Pasta and rice – Expand with water and clog drains.
- Fruit pits – Too hard for disposal systems.
Avoiding these items will reduce the chance of expensive garbage disposal in Michigan repairs this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Garbage Disposal Do’s
To keep your disposal running smoothly:
- Run cold water while operating the disposal to solidify any grease and flush it away.
- Feed scraps slowly instead of dumping everything at once.
- Cut larger waste into smaller pieces before putting it down the disposal.
- Run the disposal regularly to prevent rust and buildup.
- Use citrus peels for a fresh scent and to clean the blades naturally.
Practicing these habits ensures your garbage disposal in Michigan can handle holiday cooking without backup or breakdowns.
After-Thanksgiving Maintenance Tips
Once the feast is over, take extra steps to give your disposal some care:
- Flush with hot water and dish soap to remove grease.
- Grind a few ice cubes to sharpen blades.
- Drop in citrus peels for deodorizing.
- Check for leaks under the sink after heavy use.
These maintenance practices keep your garbage disposal in Michigan in top condition long after Thanksgiving.
How Michigan Winters Affect Garbage Disposals
Michigan winters make plumbing problems worse. Cold weather causes grease and fat to solidify faster in pipes, leading to blockages. Frozen pipes can also impact drains connected to your garbage disposal.
That’s why it’s essential to be proactive. Winter is the season when garbage disposal in Michigan failures spike, especially if they’ve been overworked during the holidays.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best care, disposals can jam or stop working. Signs you need professional help include:
- Persistent clogs or backups.
- A humming sound without grinding.
- Foul odors that won’t go away.
- Leaks from the disposal unit or pipes.
- Complete breakdowns despite troubleshooting.
In these cases, contacting a licensed plumber is the safest choice. Aspen Plumbing specializes in repairing and replacing garbage disposal in Michigan systems quickly and effectively.
Long-Term Benefits of Proper Disposal Care
By practicing good habits and scheduling professional maintenance, Michigan homeowners enjoy:
- Fewer plumbing emergencies during the holidays.
- Extended disposal lifespan (10+ years).
- Cleaner kitchens with reduced odors.
- Improved overall plumbing health throughout the home.
Proper care of your garbage disposal in Michigan means fewer headaches and more time enjoying the holidays with family.
Outbound Resource
For more expert advice on keeping your garbage disposal healthy, check out this guide from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving should be about family and celebration, not plumbing problems. By following these tips, you can protect your garbage disposal in Michigan, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure your kitchen runs smoothly well into the new year.
Need a Cleaning?
Don’t let plumbing problems spoil your holidays. If your garbage disposal in Michigan needs service, trust the experts at Aspen Plumbing. Click here to contact Aspen Plumbing and schedule your appointment today.
