Keep Your Garbage Disposal Functioning for the Holidays

The anticipation of delicious foods and quality time with family and friends fills the air as Christmas approaches. While you are busy making holiday preparations, most of us often overlook the aftermath. The post-holiday cleaning process can be overwhelming if you don’t realize what goes down the drain. This article provides a list of foods to avoid putting down your garbage disposal.

Avoid Disposing of These Holiday Foods in Your Garbage Disposal

It’s no secret that holiday dinner comes with cleaning, but being diligent while clearing the table can save you from plumbing problems in your household. Avoid disposing of the following holiday foods in your garbage disposal:

  • Fats, Oils, Gravy, and Grease: Let these food remains cool and solidify in a container so you can dispose of them in the trash. Otherwise, they will clog your drain system.
  • Dairy Items: Although creamy side dishes and desserts may be delicious, pouring these leftover dairy foods down the drain can cause unpleasant odors and clogs. Ensure that you dispose of them properly, either through composting or in the trash.
  • Meat Bones: Please resist the urge to dispose of meat bones in your garbage disposal, as they may jam the blades. Instead, opt for composting or proper trash disposal to prevent plumbing problems.
  • Vegetables: The stringy nature of vegetables can tangle around the garbage disposal blades, causing them to malfunction.

Tips for Having a Functional Plumbing System

Follow these tips this holiday to enjoy a smooth post-holiday cleanup without worrying about plumbing problems.

  • Place a sink strainer over the garbage disposal to prevent food particles from sliding down and avoid possible clogs.
  • Ensure to scrape leftover food into the trash before rinsing the dishes because this will help minimize the amount of food particles in your garbage disposal.
  • Consider starting a compost bin for vegetables and fruit scraps to diminish the load on your garbage disposal.
  • If you discover slow drainage or think there is a plumbing issue, please contact B&D Plumbing at 301-595-1141. We are the best professional plumber in Beltsville, Maryland!

Bottomline

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and plenty of delicious food. But with all the holiday festivities, your garbage disposal may end up working overtime. This is why adequate garbage disposal use is critical during the holidays to prevent plumbing disasters and maintain a happy kitchen environment.

As always, a gentle reminder of what your guests might and might not throw down the garbage disposal can go a long way in preventing plumbing misfortunes during the holidays!

Get in Touch With B&D Plumbing, Inc. Today!

Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including FacebookXLinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 22nd, 2025 at 8:56 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Well respected in the industry, Bob and Dave are both members of the Master Plumbers Association WSMPA. Additionally, we have long-standing and personable relationships with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission WSSC, and Better Business Bureau. We stay on top of rules and regulation changes, so we are always equipped with the latest information about the how and the why. When you hire a B&D Master Plumber, you are hiring a quality plumber at a quality price.

Choose the B&D Plumbing Team Today

Contact Your Reliable Plumbing Experts To Help You With All Of Your Residential And Commercial Needs

Request Service