Garbage Disposal Dos & Don’ts for Summer BBQ Season

Summer in Middle Tennessee means more grilling, more guests, and more food—but it also means more strain on your garbage disposal. From corn husks to greasy pans, seasonal entertaining can lead to smelly sinks, slow drains, and jammed disposals if you’re not careful.

At Twenty-Four Hour Plumbing LLC, we help homeowners in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and beyond keep their kitchens running smoothly all summer long. Here's your go-to guide for what should—and definitely shouldn't—go down the disposal during BBQ season.

✅ What You Can Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Your disposal is great for breaking down small, soft food scraps, especially when used correctly.

✔️ Fruit and vegetable peels (in moderation)

✔️ Citrus rinds (help freshen the blades)

✔️ Soft leftovers (rice, pasta, and cooked veggies in small amounts)

✔️ Ice cubes (help clean the blades)

✔️ Cold water (always run it while using the disposal)

💡 Tip: Always use cold water to help solidify grease and flush it through instead of letting it coat your pipes.

❌ What to Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Some BBQ favorites and common kitchen scraps can cause serious clogs or damage.

🚫 Grease, oil, or fat – They solidify in pipes and lead to backups

🚫 Bones or fruit pits – Too hard and will damage the blades

🚫 Corn husks, celery, or onion skins – Fibrous materials wrap around the blades

🚫 Eggshells – The membrane can stick and create blockages

🚫 Coffee grounds – They clump and form sediment in your pipes

💡 If in doubt—toss it in the trash or compost bin instead.

🌬️ How to Keep Your Disposal Smelling Fresh

Summer heat can lead to funky sink smells if you’re not maintaining your disposal.

✔️ Drop in a few ice cubes and run the disposal to clear buildup

✔️ Add lemon or orange peels for a natural citrus scent

✔️ Rinse with baking soda and vinegar to break down residue and eliminate odors

Still noticing a lingering smell? It might be time for a professional cleaning or tune-up.

🛠️ When to Call the Pros

If you’re hearing grinding, humming, or rattling, or your sink is draining slower than usual, it’s time to give us a call.

Twenty-Four Hour Plumbing LLC offers:

🔧 Garbage disposal repair

🔧 Disposal replacement and installation

🔧 Drain clearing and odor treatment

💡 We’ll get your kitchen back to cookout-ready in no time.

🍔 Make BBQ Season Hassle-Free with Expert Disposal Help

Don’t let a disposal disaster ruin your summer hosting plans. Trust the team at Twenty-Four Hour Plumbing LLC to keep things flowing smoothly all season long.

📞 Call us today at (615) 785-3827

🌐 Schedule your service at twentyfourhourplumbingllc.com

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