If you ever moved into a new house with a kitchen garbage disposal from an old home without one, then the difference can feel like night and day. Of course, no matter how convenient garbage disposals can be, they're far from invincible—even people who have lived with one for a long time can forget that.

 So, want to treat your garbage disposal with the care it deserves? Then let's tackle five garbage disposal myths and why they're more fiction than fact.

They Can Handle All Types of Food

Let's get this out of the way—one of the common myths surrounding garbage disposals is that they can handle all types of food waste without issue. Hard items like chicken bones and fruit pits strain the system and risk damaging the grinding mechanisms.

 Fibrous items, such as celery or corn husks, tangle around the impellers and disrupt how garbage disposals work. Grease, fats, and oil poured down the drain harden over time and can contribute to clogs in plumbing. Also, items like potato peels can expand in water, sticking to pipes and causing blockages that interfere with your sink’s drainage.

You Can Wash Them With Any Soap

Another myth is that any soap can effectively clean a disposal. Certain soaps leave residues that stick to food particles and grease, promoting buildup over time. Using natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar helps break down waste safely while deodorizing the sink.

 Running water with these solutions can remove grime without harming the disposal’s parts. Choosing proper cleaning methods minimizes maintenance needs and helps prevent clogs caused by stuck debris.

They're Redundant If You Have a Septic System

The myth that garbage disposals are unnecessary for homes with septic systems overlooks how they support efficient waste management. Septic systems process organic waste, but disposals grind food particles into smaller pieces that decompose more easily.

 Without a disposal, coffee grounds, fruits, and food scraps can overload the system, increasing the risk of backups. Composting works well for some waste, but disposals add convenience for managing items unsuitable for compost bins, like small amounts of grease or oil.

Using Hot Water Can Help It

Running hot water when using a garbage disposal may seem helpful, but it actually causes problems. Hot water melts fats and grease, allowing them to coat pipes before hardening and forming clogs. Running cold water is more effective because it keeps grease solid, helping it flow through the disposal and into the drain without sticking.

Their Blades Can Be Sharpened With Ice Cubes

A persistent myth about garbage disposals is that ice cubes sharpen the blades, but disposals don’t use blades to grind waste. They rely on impellers that break down food into manageable pieces. Ice cubes, however, are still useful for cleaning.

 When used with running water, they help dislodge food particles and debris from the grinding chamber. Combining ice cubes with vinegar or baking soda enhances cleaning, keeping the disposal free from odors and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

If You've Got a Garbage Disposal Problem, Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Run into an issue with your garbage disposal? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help!

 Our team can perform garbage disposal repairs and replacements in Levittown so that your sink can return to normal in no time. Give us a call today to learn more about our business and to schedule an appointment for your home!