A garbage disposal is a kitchen workhorse, grinding up food scraps and saving you countless trips to the trash can. But when it jams or starts making ominous noises, even the most confident homeowner can feel stumped. What’s safe to feed your disposal? How do you fix a jam without risking injury or damage?
For Long Beach residents, the answer lies in partnering with A1 Best Plumbing, the local Long Beach Plumbing experts who repair and maintain disposals daily. In this guide, we’ll share their pro tips for keeping your disposal running smoothly—and what to do when trouble strikes.
Why Garbage Disposal Care Matters in Long Beach Homes
Long Beach’s mix of older housing stock and hard water means garbage disposals face unique challenges here. Over time, misused disposals can clog pipes, strain septic systems, or even lead to leaks under sinks. Worse, forcing the wrong foods down the drain can damage blades, motors, or plumbing—costing you hundreds in repairs.
A1 Best Plumbing emphasizes that prevention is key. Let’s break down what your disposal can and can’t handle.
What’s Safe to Put in a Garbage Disposal?
While disposals are handy, they’re not invincible. Follow these A1 Best Plumbing-approved guidelines to avoid breakdowns:
✅ Disposal-Friendly Foods
- Soft Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Banana peels, citrus rinds (in moderation), apple cores, and cucumber ends.
- Cooked Rice or Pasta: Small amounts dissolve easily.
- Eggshells: Contrary to myths, they can help clean disposal blades.
- Small Bones: Only soft bones like fish or chicken bones (sparingly).
⛔ Never Put These in Your Disposal
- Grease or Oil: These solidify in pipes, causing clogs (a top issue A1 Best Plumbing fixes).
- Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, corn husks, or onion skins can wrap around blades.
- Coffee Grounds: They accumulate in pipes and create sludge.
- Starchy Foods: Potato peels or pasta expand in water, blocking drains.
- Hard Items: Bones, fruit pits, or shellfish shells can crack blades.
Pro Tip from our Long Beach Plumbing experts: Always run cold water for 15–30 seconds before and after using the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease, letting blades chop it into smaller pieces.
How to Safely Unjam a Garbage Disposal: Step-by-Step Guide
When your disposal hums but won’t grind, chances are it’s jammed. Follow these steps to fix it—or call A1 Best Plumbing if you’re unsure.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Unplug the disposal under the sink or trip the circuit breaker. Never reach into the disposal without ensuring it’s off.
Step 2: Inspect for Obstructions
Use a flashlight to look for forks, bottle caps, or food chunks. If visible, carefully remove them with tongs (not your hands!).
Step 3: Manually Rotate the Blades
Locate the hex-shaped hole at the bottom of the disposal. Insert an Allen wrench (often provided with the unit) and turn clockwise to free the blades.
Step 4: Reset the Disposal
Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Plug it back in or restore power, then test with cold water.Still Jammed? If grinding noises persist or leaks appear, shut off the disposal and call A1 Best Plumbing.
Forcing it can damage the motor or blades irreparably.
Why Long Beach Homeowners Trust A1 Best Plumbing for Disposal Repairs
Some jams or leaks require professional expertise. Here’s why locals rely on A1 Best Plumbing:
- Same-Day Service: Their 24/7 emergency team resolves issues fast, preventing water damage under sinks.
- Honest Assessments: Their technicians never upsell—they’ll tell you if repairs or a replacement are needed.
- Advanced Tools: From motor diagnostics to pipe cameras, they pinpoint issues non-invasively.
- Local Insight: Long Beach’s hard water means mineral buildup is common. They install disposal models resistant to corrosion.
Case Study: A Belmont Shore homeowner tried DIY fixes after their disposal leaked, only to crack the unit.
A1 Best Plumbing installed a water-resistant model and rerouted pipes to prevent future corrosion.
Prevent Future Jams: Maintenance Tips from A1 Best Plumbing
- Monthly Cleaning: Grind ice cubes and citrus peels to sharpen blades and eliminate odors.
- Avoid Overloading: Feed scraps gradually, and never fill the disposal more than halfway.
- Flush Regularly: Run cold water for 30 seconds after each use to clear debris.
- Annual Inspections: Schedule a checkup to tighten connections, test motors, and spot wear.
Did You Know? Garbage disposals last 8–12 years on average. If yours is aging, A1 Best Plumbing can recommend energy-efficient, high-torque replacements.
FAQs About Garbage Disposals
Q: Why does my disposal smell like sewage?
A: Trapped food or grease is likely decomposing. Try cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, or call A1 Best Plumbing for a deep sanitization.
Q: Can a disposal handle citrus peels?
A: Yes, but limit to a few small pieces weekly. Overuse can corrode metal components over time.
Q: Is it normal for my disposal to vibrate loudly?
A: No—this often signals loose parts or a misaligned blade. Turn it off and contact a pro immediately.
Q: How much does disposal repair cost in Long Beach?
A: Minor fixes start at $75–$150. Motor replacements average $200–$300. A1 Best Plumbing offers upfront pricing
.Q: Should I buy a cheap disposal?
A: Avoid bargain units! They’re prone to jams and short lifespans. Our team recommends brands like InSinkErator or Waste King.
When in Doubt, Call A1 Best Plumbing—Long Beach’s Disposal Experts
Garbage disposals simplify kitchen cleanup, but misuse can lead to costly repairs. By following these guidelines—and trusting A1 Best Plumbing for maintenance—you’ll extend your disposal’s life and avoid headaches.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn jam, a mysterious leak, or just need a professional inspection, their licensed technicians deliver reliable, same-day solutions tailored to Long Beach homes.
Why Choose A1 Best Plumbing?
- 🛠️ 40+ years of local service with thousands of 5-star reviews
- 🛠️ Upfront pricing and warranties on parts/labor
- 🛠️ Eco-friendly repair options to reduce waste
- 🛠️ Free quotes on disposal replacements
Don’t Let a Jammed Disposal Ruin Your Day—Call the Pros!
From minor clogs to major motor failures, A1 Best Plumbing has the tools and expertise to restore your kitchen’s functionality fast. Don’t risk injury or further damage—schedule service today and keep your disposal grinding smoothly for years to come.