Garbage Disposal Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide
A jammed or clogged garbage disposal is one of the most common maintenance requests we receive. However, most disposal issues are caused by improper use and can be resolved in seconds without a technician. Follow this guide to keep your sink draining clearly and avoid potential service fees.
Best Practices: How to Use Your Disposal
To keep the blades sharp and the drain clear, follow these simple “Do’s” every time you use the unit:
- The Water Rule: Always run cold water before, during, and after use[cite: 3]. Cold water helps solidify any lingering grease so it can be ground up and flushed through the pipes[cite: 3].
- Feed Gradually: Never dump a large amount of food into the disposal at once[cite: 12]. Feed waste into the unit gradually in small amounts[cite: 4].
- Grind the Right Scraps: The disposal is designed for soft food scraps, leftovers, vegetable peels, and even very small bones like those from chicken or fish[cite: 5].
- Blade Maintenance: Occasionally grinding a few ice cubes can help clean the blades and break up stubborn residue[cite: 6].
- Fresh Scents: To eliminate odors, grind small citrus peels like orange, lemon, or lime to freshen the unit[cite: 7].
The “Don’ts”: Common Causes of Clogs
Many items that seem “grindable” can actually gum up the motor or create massive clogs deep in your plumbing. Avoid putting the following items down the drain:
- Grease and Oils: Never put grease, oil, or fat down the disposal[cite: 9]. Even if you use hot water, the grease will eventually cool, solidify, and coat your pipes, leading to a backup[cite: 13].
- Fibrous Foods: Avoid items like celery, corn husks, artichokes, and onion skins[cite: 10]. These fibers act like string and can wrap around the blades, causing the motor to seize[cite: 10].
- Expandable Foods: Do not grind coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, or potato peels[cite: 11]. These items turn into a thick paste (like cement) that causes immediate clogs[cite: 11].
- Chemical Cleansers: Avoid using harsh drain cleaners or chemicals in the unit, as they can damage the internal seals[cite: 14].
Troubleshooting: If the Disposal Stops Working
If your disposal won’t turn on or makes a humming sound without spinning, try these steps before calling maintenance:
Step 1: The Reset Button
Most disposals have a red “Reset” button located on the bottom of the unit under the sink. If the motor gets too hot, it will trip a tiny internal breaker. Wait 5 minutes for the motor to cool, then push the red button back in.
Step 2: Clearing a Jam Safely
If the unit is humming but not spinning, something is likely stuck in the blades. SAFETY FIRST: Always turn off the power at the wall switch before investigating. Never put your hands inside the disposal. Use tongs or a long wooden spoon to reach in and free the blades.
Step 3: The Manual Crank
Look at the very bottom center of the disposal unit. There is usually a small hexagonal hole. You can insert an Allen wrench (hex key) and manually turn it back and forth to loosen a stubborn jam.
When to Submit a Maintenance Request
If you have checked the reset button, ensured the power is on, and confirmed there are no visible jams, but the unit still does not function, please log a request through the Tenant Portal.
Note on Service Fees: Please be aware that if a technician is called out and the issue is found to be caused by “Prohibited Items” (like grease, pasta, or celery) or simply requires pushing the reset button, a service fee may be applied to your account.
