As the holidays approach, kitchens across Happy Valley and Troutdale work overtime. Between big family meals, houseguests, and endless dishwashing, your plumbing system faces extra stress. One of the most common questions we get each fall at Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing is whether it’s safe to put all that extra food waste down the garbage disposal. The answer? Yes—with limits. Knowing what your disposal can and can’t handle is the key to avoiding holiday clogs and costly emergency plumbing calls.
Why the Holidays Are Hard on Disposals
Heavy Use
Extra cooking means more scraps going down the drain in a short amount of time.
Grease and Fats
Holiday staples like turkey, gravy, and buttery sides produce grease that solidifies in pipes.
Bigger Groups
More people in the house means dishes are piling up faster, tempting homeowners to overuse the disposal.
What You Should Never Put Down the Disposal
Even though disposals are powerful, they aren’t designed for everything. Avoid sending these down your sink:
- Grease, oils, and fats (they solidify and clog drains)
- Potato peels (they create a starchy paste)
- Eggshells (the membrane can wrap around blades)
- Coffee grounds (they clump together in pipes)
- Stringy foods like celery or corn husks (they tangle in the mechanism)
Safe Foods for Your Disposal
Disposals can handle small scraps of soft foods when used properly. Examples include:
- Small pieces of cooked vegetables
- Citrus peels (they even help freshen odors)
- Leftover rice or pasta in tiny amounts
Always run cold water while operating the disposal to flush particles through your pipes.
Tips to Keep Your Disposal Healthy During the Holidays
- Run Water Before and After Use: This ensures waste is carried through the pipes.
- Feed Slowly: Don’t dump large amounts in at once.
- Use Ice Cubes: Grinding ice occasionally sharpens blades and clears buildup.
- Clean Regularly: Flush with vinegar and baking soda to fight odors and bacteria.
When to Call a Professional
If your disposal clogs, makes grinding noises, or causes water to back up into the sink, don’t keep forcing it. That’s when it’s time to call Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing. We’re the #1 trusted plumbing service with over 100 5-star reviews in the Greater Portland area, and we specialize in fast, reliable solutions when holiday plumbing emergencies strike.
Seasonal Reminder: Prep Beyond the Kitchen
While protecting your disposal is key, holiday plumbing stress also affects your water heater, sewer lines, and water lines. Scheduling a seasonal inspection now helps ensure your entire system is ready for guests.
Affordable Peace of Mind
Unexpected clogs during the holidays can be stressful. That’s why we offer seasonal plumbing service coupons to help local families save money while keeping their kitchens running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Your garbage disposal is a great kitchen tool—but it’s not designed to handle everything. By using it wisely, you can avoid plumbing mishaps during the busiest time of year. If you run into trouble, call Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing for fast, expert service you can count on through the holiday season.