Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide

Proper Use Guidelines

Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease so it can be chopped rather than coating pipes.

Feed waste gradually rather than overloading. Let the disposal clear before adding more.

Avoid fibrous materials like celery, artichokes, or corn husks that can wrap around components.

What Not to Put In

Never put grease, oil, or fat down the disposal. These solidify in pipes causing clogs.

Bones, fruit pits, and other hard items can damage blades. Coffee grounds accumulate and cause clogs.

Pasta and rice expand with water and can create blockages downstream.

Cleaning and Odor Control

Grind ice cubes monthly to clean blades and interior surfaces. Add a handful of coarse salt for extra scrubbing action.

Citrus peels provide natural deodorizing. Run orange or lemon peels through the disposal periodically.

For persistent odors, pour half cup baking soda followed by half cup vinegar. Let foam for several minutes before rinsing.

Troubleshooting Jams

If the disposal hums but does not spin, it is likely jammed. Turn off power before investigating.

Use the hex wrench provided with the disposal to manually rotate the flywheel from below. This often frees stuck items.

After clearing the jam, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit before testing.

Arizona Hard Water Impact

Hard water mineral buildup can affect disposal operation over time. Periodic cleaning with vinegar helps dissolve deposits.

If you notice decreased performance or unusual sounds, mineral buildup may be a factor.