A garbage disposal is tougher than people think — and more fragile than they treat it. A few simple habits keep it running for years instead of quitting on Thanksgiving.
DO
- Run cold water before, during, and ~15 seconds after you grind
- Feed it slowly, in small amounts
- Stick to soft food scraps
- Run it regularly so parts don't seize and odors don't build
- Grind a little ice and citrus peel occasionally to freshen it up
DON'T
- Grease or oil — it hardens and clogs the drain downstream
- Fibrous stuff — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes (they tangle)
- Starchy expanders — pasta, rice, potato peels (they swell and gum up)
- Hard items — bones, fruit pits, shells
- Coffee grounds — they pack together like sludge
- Hot water while grinding (it melts grease so it flows, then re-hardens later)
If it jams or hums
A hum with no spin means it's jammed. Turn it off first. Hit the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Still stuck? Use the hex wrench in the slot underneath to turn the motor and free it — never put your hand down the disposal.
When to call
Leaks from the unit, persistent clogs, or a disposal that only buzzes are signs it's time for a pro — or a replacement. We'll install a new one and leak-test the connections.
Disposal leaking under the sink or clogging the drain? give K2 a call — it's a quick one for us.