Garbage Disposals and Their Potential Problems

March 21, 2018

Meridian — Septic Tank Being Cleaned in Meridian, MS

Having a garbage disposal under your kitchen sink is a great device to have when it is working well. Garbage disposals offer a way to get rid of food scraps without throwing them away, and the disposals make cleaning off dirty plates a cinch. These are all good things, but garbage disposals can also cause problems, especially if you do not use and care for it properly. Read about these problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: They Get Jammed

While a jammed garbage disposal will not affect your plumbing, the jam can be difficult to fix. A garbage disposal typically gets jammed when you place something in it that does not belong. A bone, for example, could get lodged in the blades of the device. If that happens, the device will jam, and you will not be able to run the disposal until you free the jam.

Freeing a jam is not always easy, and you should never place your hand in the device. The blades inside are very sharp and could cut you. Additionally, if someone accidentally turns on the device while your hand is inside, you could get injured.

If your device is jammed, to unjam it by following the directions in the owner's manual or contact a plumbing company to free the jam.

Problem 2: They Get Clogged

The second problem you could encounter with your garbage disposal is a clog. A disposal is designed to chop up and eliminate food scraps that you might normally throw away. Because you place food in it, the device is prone to developing clogs. You can prevent this by using caution with what you place in the device. However, clogs can still form even if you are careful.

Most clogs that form from garbage disposals form in the trap underneath them. All faucets have trap pipes under them, and these pipes help eliminate sewer gases from homes. The trouble is that food particles often get trapped inside these pipes, and this is what leads to clogs with garbage disposals in most cases.

Problem 3: They Lead to Septic Tank and Sewer Line Clogs

Finally, you should understand that when the water and food particles drain from the device, they end up in your septic system. A septic system is set up to handle waste and wastewater. When you add food particles to this mix, the food chunks could get lodged in the components of your septic system.

If this happens, you might get clogs in sewer lines that prevent your septic system from working properly.

If you currently have any type of clog from your garbage disposal or for any other reason, you will need a plumber to fix it. However, you might also want to learn how to prevent clogs in the future.

The best way to prevent clogs in the future is by learning how to use your garbage disposal properly. Here are several of the best tips to help you know how to use your disposal the right way:

Run cold water during and after each use to help flush the device and the pipes.
Avoid placing things in the device that it cannot handle, including coffee grounds, bones, and grease.
Clean the device regularly to help eliminate trapped food and debris. You can do this by grinding up citrus peels or ice.

If you currently have a clogged drain in your kitchen, contact Roto-Rooter. We can unclog any drain line in your home and can help you find ways to prevent clogs in the future. Contact us today to schedule an in-home service call with one of our technicians.

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Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!