Garbage disposals seem like a convenient kitchen feature—until they break down, clog pipes, or become a constant source of tenant complaints. Many landlords outright refuse to install them, while others are quick to remove them after one too many maintenance calls. But why do landlords dislike garbage disposals so much? And what should tenants know about using them responsibly? Let’s break it down.
Why Landlords Avoid Garbage Disposals
1. Frequent Clogs and Repairs
Garbage disposals are one of the most common maintenance headaches in rental properties. Tenants often assume they can grind up anything, leading to blockages and costly plumbing repairs. Common disposal misuses include:
Putting grease, oil, and fat down the drain (which solidifies and clogs pipes).
Dumping fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and corn husks, which tangle the blades.
Throwing in bones, coffee grounds, or eggshells, which dull or jam the motor.
According to a survey by the National Apartment Association, plumbing-related issues (including garbage disposal problems) rank among the top five most frequent maintenance requests in rental units.
2. Increased Maintenance Costs
Unlike a simple faucet repair, fixing a broken garbage disposal often requires hiring a plumber, which can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per visit—or even more if a pipe clog is involved. Landlords who manage multiple properties quickly realize that these costs add up, making garbage disposals more trouble than they’re worth.
3. Tenant Misuse and Lack of Responsibility
Even with clear instructions, tenants may still misuse garbage disposals, thinking they can handle more than they actually can. When the disposal inevitably breaks, landlords often find themselves in a frustrating situation: Should they cover the cost or hold the tenant responsible? Since proving misuse can be difficult, many landlords end up footing the bill—leading some to eliminate disposals altogether.
4. Plumbing Nightmares
Garbage disposals don’t just break themselves; they also contribute to bigger plumbing issues. Clogs in multi-unit buildings or older homes with outdated plumbing can quickly escalate into expensive repairs. In some cases, grease and food buildup can lead to sewage backups, affecting not just one unit but multiple apartments in a building. That’s a headache no landlord wants to deal with.
5. Legal Gray Areas
Depending on local laws, landlords may be responsible for providing working appliances, including garbage disposals if they were included in the lease. However, if a tenant misuses the disposal and it breaks, the responsibility for repairs can be unclear. Some states allow landlords to charge tenants for damage due to negligence, while others require landlords to handle all maintenance regardless of cause. This legal ambiguity makes garbage disposals a liability landlords would rather avoid.
What Renters Should Know About Garbage Disposals
If your rental has a garbage disposal, follow these best practices to avoid problems:
Know What NOT to Put Down the Disposal – Avoid grease, fibrous foods, hard objects, and expandable foods like pasta and rice.
Run Water While Using It – Flushing with cold water helps prevent clogs and keeps the disposal running smoothly.
Use It for Small Scraps Only – Disposals aren’t meant to replace the trash can.
Clean It Regularly – Running ice cubes and citrus peels can help keep the blades sharp and reduce odors.
If your garbage disposal stops working, try pressing the reset button on the bottom before calling maintenance—it could save everyone time and money.
Alternatives Landlords Prefer
For landlords who don’t want the hassle of garbage disposals, here are some alternatives:
Sink Strainers – These catch food particles before they go down the drain, preventing clogs.
Composting Bins – Encouraging tenants to compost can reduce waste without overloading plumbing.
Regular Drain Maintenance – Using enzyme-based drain cleaners or scheduling periodic drain cleanings can prevent bigger plumbing issues.
Houswit Can Help
At Houswit, we understand the delicate balance between keeping tenants happy and avoiding costly maintenance issues. Whether you need help maintaining your rental property’s plumbing, educating tenants on proper garbage disposal use, or deciding whether to remove disposals altogether, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to streamline your rental property maintenance and avoid unnecessary headaches!
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