NWP-Ask a Plumber Garbage Disposers

Garbage Disposers

Never Place Hands In Disposer.

Like any precision machine, your disposer was manufactured to perform a particular job. If unusual demands are placed on it, service interruptions are possible. These interruptions are generally not serious. For best results, use cold water when operating your disposer. After grinding is complete, turn off disposer and run cold water for at least 15 seconds to flush the drain line. If your disposer locks up, look for the reset button on the bottom of the motor. The reset button is a small red button that when pushed, resets the motor in the disposer.

Cleaning Your Disposer

Over time, food particles may accumulate in the grind chamber and baffle, and an odor from the disposer is usually a sign of grease and food build-up. This build-up can be caused by insufficient water flow during and after disposer use. To clean the disposer:

1. Turn off the disposer and disconnect the power supply.

2. Reach through the sink opening and clean the underside of the splash baffle and inside upper lip of the grind chamber with a scouring pad.

3. Place stopper in sink opening and fill sink halfway with warm water.

4. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with water. Turn disposer on and immediately remove the stopper from the sink to wash away loose particles. Turn disposer off when sink is empty of water.

How to Release a Disposer Jam

If the motor stops while the disposer is operating, the disposer may be jammed. To relase a jam:

1. Turn off the disposer and water.

2. Insert one end of the self-service wrenchette into the center hole on the bottom of the disposer. Work the wrenchette back and forth until it turns one full revolution. Remove wrenchette.

3. Reach into the disposer with tongs and remove object(s). NEVER PLACE HANDS IN DISPOSER. Allow the motor to cool 3-5 minutes and lightly push the red reset button on the bottom of the disposer. If the motor remains inoperative, check the main electrical service panel for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

4. Be sure to read your manufacturer's information sheet for more instructions.