What Can and Can’t Go Down Your Insinkerator? Avoid Costly Blockages!

Your Insinkerator is a handy tool for disposing of food scraps, but it’s not a catch-all for kitchen waste. Putting the wrong things down can lead to clogs, nasty smells, and even damage to your plumbing. Knowing what’s safe and what’s not will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly.

What’s Safe to Put Down Your Insinkerator?

Insinkerators are designed to break down soft food scraps that can be easily flushed away. Safe items include:

• Small amounts of cooked food scraps
• Soft fruit and vegetable peels (banana, cucumber, zucchini)
• Small bits of bread, rice, and pasta
• Citrus rinds (in moderation, as they help freshen up the unit)

Always run plenty of cold water while using your Insinkerator to help flush waste down the pipes and prevent buildup.

What Should NEVER Go Down Your Insinkerator?

Some kitchen waste can clog your pipes, damage your Insinkerator’s motor, or cause unpleasant odours. Keep these items out:

• Grease, oil, and fat: These harden in the pipes and create stubborn blockages.
• Bones and seafood shells: They are too hard for the blades and can damage the unit.
• Fibrous vegetables: Celery, onion skins, corn husks, and asparagus can wrap around the blades and cause jams.
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves: These form a thick sludge that can clog drains over time.
• Eggshells: The membrane can stick to the blades, and the ground-up shell can contribute to blockages.
• Large amounts of starchy foods: Rice, pasta, and potato peels can turn into a glue-like paste and clog the system.

Signs Your Insinkerator Might Be Blocked

If your Insinkerator is draining slowly, making unusual noises, or emitting a bad smell, it could be blocked. Turn it off immediately and avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the plumbing. Instead, try flushing it with cold water and a mix of baking soda and vinegar. If the problem persists, call a professional plumber before it leads to a more expensive issue.

Final Tip: Prevention is Cheaper than Repairs!

Taking care of your Insinkerator is simple—only dispose of safe food scraps, run cold water while using it, and clean it regularly to avoid build-up. A little caution can go a long way in preventing frustrating and costly blockages. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to throw it in the bin instead!