A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient tools in your kitchen — until it stops working. Between holiday cooking, big family meals, and cold Michigan weather, winter is the season when most homeowners start noticing problems with their garbage disposals. Unfortunately, many issues stem from simple mistakes that people don’t realize they’re making.
Whether you’re dealing with jams, clogs, strange noises, or a full-blown disposal breakdown, knowing what not to do can save you headaches, money, and emergency visits. And when something does go wrong, the best solution is finding reliable garbage disposal repair Jackson homeowners can depend on.
This guide breaks down the most common garbage disposal mistakes, why they cause damage, how to prevent them, and when to call for professional garbage disposal repair in Jackson.
Why Winter Is Hard on Garbage Disposals
Michigan winters bring more than cold air — they bring increased indoor activity, holiday gatherings, and higher kitchen usage. With more cooking comes more food waste, and with more food waste comes more opportunities for disposal trouble.
Here’s why winter tends to worsen disposal problems:
- Cold temperatures thicken grease, making it more likely to harden inside drains.
- Holiday foods are disposal hazards, including bones, fats, potato peels, and stringy vegetables.
- Extra guests mean more dishes, and therefore more scraps going down the sink.
- Older plumbing struggles under winter stress, causing backups that affect the disposal.
These factors combined make having a trusted garbage disposal repair Jackson specialist invaluable when winter breakdowns occur.
Mistake #1: Putting Grease, Oil, and Fats Down the Drain
Grease is the #1 enemy of kitchen plumbing. When hot, it pours easily. But the moment it hits cold pipes — especially in Michigan winters — it begins to solidify.
Why It’s Harmful
- Cooled grease forms a thick, sticky coating inside pipes.
- It traps other food particles.
- It eventually causes full clogs and disposal jams.
Prevent It
- Pour grease into a can or container.
- Let it cool and harden.
- Throw it away in the trash.
If your disposal is already slowed by hardened grease, you may need garbage disposal repair Jackson to clear the buildup safely and prevent long-term damage.
Mistake #2: Feeding the Disposal the Wrong Foods
Many homeowners assume garbage disposals can handle anything. But disposals are designed for soft, breakable, non-fibrous foods — not everything from a holiday dinner.
Foods That Should Never Go in a Disposal
- Bones
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Stringy vegetables (celery, asparagus, corn husks)
- Potato peels (easily turn into a paste that clogs drains)
- Rice or pasta (expands with water)
- Fruit pits
- Nuts
- Onion skins
These foods either jam the disposal, dull the blades, or clog the drain line.
If you suspect your unit is struggling because of improper food waste, scheduling expert garbage disposal repair in Jackson ensures the blockage is cleared without damaging your plumbing.
Mistake #3: Running the Disposal Without Water
Water helps the disposal grind food effectively while flushing debris down the drain.
What Happens Without Water
- Food particles linger inside the chamber.
- The motor works harder.
- Blades dull faster.
- Drains clog more easily.
Fix the Habit
- Run cold water before turning on the disposal.
- Let water flow during grinding.
- Keep water running 10–15 seconds after shutting it off.
If drainage slows even with proper water flow, it may be time for garbage disposal repair Jackson experts to inspect your drain line and disposal chamber.
Mistake #4: Overloading the Disposal
Disposals work best with small amounts of food at a time. Dumping large batches causes jams, overheating, and increased strain on the motor.
Signs You’ve Overloaded It
- Humming noise
- Slow grinding
- Motor stalls
- Complete shutdown due to built-in overload protection
If resetting the disposal doesn’t help, call a professional for garbage disposal repair in Jackson to prevent motor burn-out.
Mistake #5: Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical cleaners may claim to “melt clogs,” but they’re often one of the worst things you can put into your disposal.
Why They’re Dangerous
- Chemicals can corrode metal components.
- Plastic parts may weaken or crack.
- Heat generated from the reaction can warp plumbing.
- They often fail to clear deep clogs.
Instead of pouring chemicals into your drain, opt for safer solutions or call professionals who specialize in garbage disposal repair Jackson services.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Strange Noises or Smells
When a garbage disposal starts making unusual sounds — rattling, grinding, vibrating, or humming — it’s trying to tell you something is wrong.
Common Causes
- A foreign object (utensils, glass, pits)
- Worn bearings
- Loose mounting assemblies
- Misaligned blades
- Motor malfunction
Similarly, persistent odors mean food particles are trapped inside the chamber or drain.
These warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, especially in winter when cold pipes make clogs worse. A quick call for garbage disposal repair in Jackson can prevent a full failure or pipe damage.
Mistake #7: Attempting DIY Repairs Without Experience
Many homeowners try to fix garbage disposals on their own — and many end up making the problem worse.
Risks of DIY Fixes
- Electric shock
- Pipe damage
- Motor damage
- Voiding the manufacturer warranty
- Injury caused by improper handling
Garbage disposals are electrical + plumbing devices — a combination best left to trained professionals.
For safe, effective, and guaranteed results, always trust a qualified garbage disposal repair Jackson technician.
Mistake #8: Not Running the Disposal Regularly
Disposals should be run regularly — even if no food is being ground.
Why?
- Prevents rust
- Keeps the motor lubricated
- Stops blades from stiffening
- Keeps the drain line clear
Winter months worsen inactivity issues because cold temperatures speed up corrosion. Regular operation is the simplest way to extend your disposal’s life. But if winter inactivity has already caused trouble, reliable garbage disposal repair in Jackson can get things working again.
Mistake #9: Expecting the Disposal to Fix Plumbing Problems
Your garbage disposal is not a solution for:
- Slow drains
- Sewer line issues
- Grease blockages
- Pipe damage
- Old plumbing infrastructure
If your drain is already clogged, using the disposal only increases the risk of motor burnout or complete system failure.
Before winter backups get worse, schedule a professional who specializes in garbage disposal repair Jackson services to diagnose whether the disposal or the plumbing is the real culprit.
How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal Properly
To keep your disposal working smoothly all year — but especially during the busy winter season — follow these maintenance tips:
1. Run cold water before, during, and after use
2. Grind small amounts at a time
3. Avoid the “forbidden foods” list
4. Freshen your disposal monthly using:
- Baking soda + vinegar
- Citrus peels
- Ice cubes (good for cleaning the blades)
5. Check for leaks beneath the sink
6. Listen for unusual sounds
7. Schedule annual plumbing inspections
And if something feels off, never wait. Calling early for garbage disposal repair in Jackson often prevents bigger — and more expensive — issues later.
When to Call a Professional Garbage Disposal Repair Service
You should call an expert immediately if:
- The disposal hums but doesn’t spin
- You smell burning
- The unit trips the breaker repeatedly
- Water leaks from the unit
- The disposal shuts off and won’t reset
- Your sink backs up when the disposal runs
- You’ve dropped metal or glass into it
- It’s more than 8–10 years old
Professionals can diagnose whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective option.
If you’re unsure, a quick evaluation from a skilled garbage disposal repair Jackson technician can save you hundreds of dollars and protect your kitchen plumbing.
Additional Resource
For more insight on which foods you should never put down a disposal, check out this helpful guide from Family Handyman
Need Garbage Disposal Help?
Your garbage disposal works hard — especially during Michigan winters. Avoiding these common mistakes will keep your kitchen running smoothly and prevent frustrating mid-winter breakdowns. But even with good habits, disposals can still jam, clog, or malfunction. When that happens, fast and reliable garbage disposal repair Jackson homeowners trust makes all the difference.
If your garbage disposal is acting up — or you want a professional inspection before the heavy winter season — Aspen Plumbing is here to help.
Contact Aspen Plumbing today for expert garbage disposal repair in Jackson!
