Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for your kitchen—and your garbage disposal. With heavy cooking, big meals, and lots of cleanup, your disposal works harder on Thanksgiving than almost any other day. At Ernie’s Plumbing, we see a surge in disposal-related plumbing issues every holiday season, many of which could have been prevented with a little preparation.
Following these garbage disposal maintenance tips can help ensure your system is ready for Thanksgiving and keep your kitchen running smoothly when guests arrive.
Why Garbage Disposals Struggle During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving meals involve foods that are especially tough on garbage disposals. Turkey scraps, starchy sides, grease, and fibrous vegetable peels all increase the risk of clogs, jams, and even complete disposal failure. When your disposal isn’t prepared—or is already worn down—this extra load can lead to backups, unpleasant odors, or water backing up into the sink right when you need it most.
Taking proactive steps before the holiday can save you from an unexpected plumbing emergency during dinner prep or cleanup.
Know What Should Never Go Into the Disposal
One of the most important garbage disposal maintenance tips is understanding its limits. Even powerful disposals aren’t designed to handle everything.
Avoid putting these Thanksgiving leftovers down the disposal:
- Turkey bones, skin, and cartilage
- Stuffing, bread, rice, and pasta
- Potato peels and sweet potato skins
- Celery, corn husks, and onion skins
- Grease, butter, gravy, and cooking oils
These items can jam the disposal, stick to pipes, or expand and cause blockages further down the drain. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing to reduce strain on the system.
Use Cold Water—Always
Cold water plays a critical role in keeping your disposal running properly. When cold water flows, it helps solidify grease so it can be chopped into smaller pieces and flushed through the pipes instead of sticking to the walls.
Before turning on the disposal, run cold water for several seconds. Keep it running while the disposal is on and for at least 15–20 seconds afterward. This helps ensure all debris is cleared from the drain line.
Feed Food Slowly, Not All at Once
Dumping large amounts of food into the disposal at once is a common Thanksgiving mistake. This overwhelms the blades and increases the chance of a jam.
Instead, feed small amounts of food gradually while the disposal is running. This allows it to break down waste properly and prevents motor strain. If you have a lot of scraps, dispose of them in stages rather than all at once.
Clean and Deodorize Before the Holiday
If your disposal already has lingering odors or buildup, Thanksgiving use can make the problem worse. Cleaning it beforehand is one of the easiest garbage disposal maintenance tips to follow.
A simple cleaning method includes:
- Grinding ice cubes to help knock debris off the blades
- Adding citrus peels (like lemon or orange) for freshness
- Flushing with cold water afterward
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the disposal and pipes. If odors persist, it may be a sign of buildup deeper in the drain.
Test the Disposal Before Guests Arrive
Before Thanksgiving week, turn on your disposal and listen closely. Warning signs that your disposal may need professional attention include:
- Loud grinding or rattling noises
- Frequent resets on the unit
- Slow drainage in the sink
- Foul odors that don’t go away
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to address them early rather than waiting until your kitchen is in full holiday mode.
Know What to Do If the Disposal Jams
If your disposal jams during Thanksgiving prep, resist the urge to keep flipping the switch. Turn the unit off, unplug it, or shut off power at the breaker. Many disposals have a reset button on the bottom that can be pressed after the obstruction is cleared.
If the disposal still won’t work, stop using the sink and call a professional. Continuing to run a jammed disposal can damage the motor and lead to more costly repairs.
Schedule Professional Maintenance if Needed
If your garbage disposal is older, frequently clogs, or struggles under normal use, Thanksgiving may push it past its limits. A professional inspection can identify issues like worn blades, electrical problems, or drainage concerns before they turn into a holiday emergency.
At Ernie’s Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area prepare their kitchens for the holidays with expert plumbing and garbage disposal services.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Without Plumbing Stress
Thanksgiving should be about good food and great company—not dealing with a backed-up sink. By following these garbage disposal maintenance tips, you can protect your plumbing system and keep your kitchen running smoothly all holiday long.
If you’re unsure whether your disposal is ready or want professional help preparing your plumbing for Thanksgiving, Ernie’s Plumbing is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule service and enjoy a worry-free holiday in your Arlington or DFW home.
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