Garbage disposals seem pretty simple, right? Believe it or not, there are some things you need to be aware of when it comes to garbage disposals!

First, Do not load the disposal with food items before turning it on. For proper operation, turn on the cold water and start the disposal. Then, drop the food items slowly into the unit.

When the unit sounds clear, turn the disposal off and leave the water running for several seconds. This allows the food waste to be carried into your sewer lines.

Only foods that are not fibrous and easily pulverized should be placed into the disposal. Examples of foods not to place in the disposal are cornhusks, celery, onionskins, potato peels, olive pits, bones and solid or liquid grease. These items may cause your unit to overload or jam. If this happens, follow these corrective measures.

• Turn off the disposal and the cold water.
• Wait three minutes for the unit to cool, and then reset the button usually located on the bottom of the disposal.
• If this does not correct the problem, your unit is probably obstructed. Follow these steps for proper removal.
• Unplug the disposal before attempting a repair yourself.
• Check the circuit breakers. An overload of this type may have tripped the circuit. Reset any tripped circuit breakers.
• If your disposal has a service wrench, insert one end of the wrench into the bottom of the unit. Work back and forth until the disposal turns freely. If your disposal does not have a service wrench, insert a broom handle or mop handle into the throat of the unit and rotate the impeller back and forth. The obstruction will be loosened up so that it can be removed.
• Remove the obstruction, plug the disposal in, press the reset button and proceed with the above steps for proper use.

We hope you find this information useful and helpful. Now carry on in the kitchen with confidence!