Can Putting Aluminum Foil in the Garbage Disposal Cause Damage? What to Do if It Happens

Two week after Hurricane Helene, Citrus County is debating on extending our local state of emergency. And while Helene was certainly a crisis, emergencies also happen on a smaller scale; like accidently dumping something you shouldn’t down the garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient tools in the kitchen. Because, the are designed to shred food waste into tiny particles that can be washed down the drain, And, they take care of most food scraps without much hassle. But what happens if you accidentally drop aluminum foil into the disposal?

While it might seem like a harmless mistake, aluminum foil can cause damage to your disposal and plumbing if not dealt with properly. So in this blog the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber explain what happens if aluminum foil drops into your disposal and what to do if it happens.

Can Aluminum Foil Damage Your Garbage Disposal?

The simple answer is: yes. aluminum foil can potentially damage your garbage disposal. So then, let’s look at why:

1. Blades and Grinding Mechanism: Garbage disposals work by grinding food with impellers or teeth-like mechanisms. And because aluminum foil is tough, it won’t break down like food scraps. So, as it spins around, it can jam the disposal or dull the impellers. And in some cases, the disposal may make a loud rattling sound as it struggles to handle the foil.
2. Clogging the Drain: If pieces of aluminum foil make their way past the disposal, they can become lodged in your drainpipe, leading to clogs. And these clogs can be tricky to fix because aluminum doesn’t break down or dissolve like organic waste.
3. Motor Strain: When your disposal is trying to grind something as hard and unyielding as aluminum foil, it puts additional stress on the motor. And over time, this can lead to overheating or even burning out the motor, causing costly repairs.

What to Do if Aluminum Foil Gets Into Your Garbage Disposal

Accidents happen. So, if you accidentally drop aluminum foil into your garbage disposal, here’s what you should do:

1. Turn Off the Disposal Immediately: As soon as you realize there’s aluminum foil in the disposal, turn it off to prevent further damage. Because, you want to avoid allowing the foil to spin around, which could jam or damage the grinding mechanism.
2. Unplug or Turn Off the Power: For safety, unplug the disposal or turn off the breaker controlling the unit. Because garbage disposals are powerful. And you don’t want it to accidentally start up while you’re working to remove the foil.
3. Use Tongs or Pliers to Remove the Foil: Never reach your hand into the disposal. Instead, use a pair of tongs or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the aluminum foil from the grinding chamber. This may take some maneuvering, especially if the foil is wrapped around the impellers.
4. Check for Damage: Once you’ve removed the foil, you’ll want to check to see if your disposal is working properly. So, turn the power back on and run a small amount of water while briefly turning on the disposal. And if the disposal makes unusual noises or doesn’t seem to be working right, it might be a good idea to call Billy the Sunshine Plumber to come inspect it.
5. Clear the Drain: Flush your drain with plenty of water after removing the foil to make sure no small pieces of aluminum remain to clog your pipes.

Preventing Future Mishaps

Here are a few simple tips to avoid accidentally putting non-food items like aluminum foil into your garbage disposal:

• Use a Sink Strainer: A sink strainer can help catch non-food items before they fall into the disposal.
• Double Check Before Using the Disposal: Always take a quick glance into the disposal to make sure no foreign objects have fallen in by mistake.
• Educate Your Household: Make sure everyone in your home knows what should and shouldn’t go into the disposal. And along with aluminum foil, other items like glass, plastic, and non-biodegradable materials should also be kept out.

When to Call a Professional

If the disposal seems stuck, continues making loud grinding noises, or won’t turn on after you’ve removed the foil, it’s best to call Billy the Sunshine Plumber. Because, continuing to use a damaged disposal can lead to further, more costly repairs down the line.

While accidentally putting aluminum foil in your garbage disposal isn’t ideal, it’s not the end of the world. And by acting quickly and following the steps above, you can prevent serious damage to your disposal and plumbing system. But, if you ever find yourself in doubt, the professionals at Billy the Sunshine Plumber can help get things back in working order.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Plus they are open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. So, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always there for you.