I get the hesitation around garbage disposals, but I’ve actually found them pretty reliable if you’re careful about what goes in. No fibrous stuff, no grease, and definitely no bones—just the basics. I do agree that composting is better for the environment, but in winter when my outdoor bin’s frozen solid, the disposal’s a lifesaver. As for enzyme cleaners, I’m with you—they’re more of a preventative thing. When there’s a real clog, I usually end up taking apart the trap anyway... not fun, but at least I know it’s done right.
- Agree on the basics—people underestimate how much junk ends up in disposals just because “it fits.”
- I tell folks: run cold water before, during, and after using it. Helps flush stuff out instead of letting it sit and gum up the works.
- Enzyme cleaners are fine for maintenance, but once you’ve got a slow drain, you’re probably looking at a manual cleanout.
- I’ve pulled out everything from lemon peels to full silverware sets... you’d be surprised what people think is “disposable.”
- If you’re taking apart the trap, keep a bucket handy. It’s always messier than you expect.
- Right there with you on the cold water—hot water can actually melt fats just enough to let them coat the pipes further down, which is a pain to clear.
- I’d add: never put coffee grounds or eggshells down there, no matter what anyone says. They don’t break down and just clog things up over time.
- If you’re using enzyme cleaners, make sure you’re not mixing them with harsh chemicals. That combo can get nasty and isn’t great for your pipes or your health.
- And yeah, always expect a mess when opening the trap... had a client once who tried to use a shop vac instead of a bucket. Let’s just say, don’t do that.
Good call on the enzyme cleaners—mixing them with bleach or drain opener is just asking for trouble. I’ve had better luck with a regular monthly flush using baking soda and vinegar, honestly. And yeah, coffee grounds are the worst. People swear they “scrub” the pipes, but all they do is settle in the bends and make sludge. Also, if you’ve got a compost bin, just toss eggshells and grounds there instead. Way less hassle in the long run.
Honestly, I’ll never understand the coffee grounds thing—my neighbor swears by it, but after fishing out a nasty clog that smelled like a burnt café, I’m team compost all the way. Baking soda and vinegar is my go-to too, though I skip the vinegar sometimes and just use hot water. Less fuss, less waste. And yeah, eggshells in the drain? That’s just asking for a plumber’s bill.
