Why Your Garbage Disposal Might Hate Summer BBQs

Summer in West Michigan means sunshine, backyard BBQs, and all the grilled favorites we love. But while you’re enjoying your favorite summer-time snacks (or meals), your garbage disposal might be struggling. The truth is, summer cookouts can be hard on your kitchen plumbing if you’re not careful. Here’s why, and what you can do to keep your disposal happy all summer long.

BBQ Foods That Cause Trouble

Not all food scraps are disposal-friendly, and there are some summer staples can cause issues for your system:

1. Corn husks and silk: These stringy fibers can tangle around your disposal blades and clog pipes.
2. Bones from ribs or chicken: Too hard for the disposal to grind, they can damage the blades or motor.
3. Grease and fats from grilling: When cooled, grease hardens in pipes and causes major blockages.
4. Fruit rinds and melon skins: Thick, tough rinds are difficult to break down and can jam the disposal.
5. Starchy sides (like potato salad leftovers): Starch turns into a sticky paste that clings to your disposal and pipes.

If your garbage disposal isn’t handling the summer workload, there are a few red flags to watch for. Slow-draining water in the sink often points to a clog forming somewhere in the line. Unusual grinding or humming noises can signal that something is jammed or the blades are struggling. Persistent odors, even after cleaning, are another sign that food particles are stuck and decomposing. And if your disposal won’t turn on at all, or struggles to spin, it’s time to take a closer look before the problem gets worse.

How to Keep Your Disposal Happy

You don’t have to avoid BBQ foods altogether, but a little care goes a long way:

1. Scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing.
2. Avoid dumping grease down the sink, use a jar or can instead.
3. Run cold water for 15–30 seconds before and after using the disposal to flush away debris.
4. Clean the disposal naturally by grinding ice cubes and a few citrus peels to freshen it up.
5. Use small amounts at a time. Don’t overload your disposal with big batches of scraps.

When It’s Time to Call a Pro

If your disposal is clogged, jammed, or just not running like it used to, don’t risk DIY fixes that can cause more damage. At Godwin Plumbing, our experienced team can repair or replace your disposal quickly, so you can get back to enjoying summer without sink drama.

Need disposal help or a kitchen plumbing checkup?

Contact Godwin today and let us keep your kitchen running smoothly all season long.

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