{"id":1536,"date":"2023-02-14T11:00:29","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T16:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.selecthomewarranty.com\/blog\/?p=1536"},"modified":"2026-03-11T06:01:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:01:02","slug":"garbage-disposal-use-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selecthomewarranty.com\/blog\/garbage-disposal-use-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Garbage Disposal Use & Maintenance Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve never had a garbage disposal before, you\u2019re in for a treat. Garbage disposals are an incredible<\/em> appliance, reducing the amount of biodegradable food waste that winds up in your trash, also making cleanup before and after meals a breeze.<\/p>\n

As with any appliance, garbage disposal maintenance is important for ensuring it works properly and lasts as long as possible. This guide covers everything you need to know about using your garbage disposal and keeping it working at its best.<\/p>\n

How do you use a garbage disposal?<\/h2>\n

Using a garbage disposal is fairly straightforward.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Insert the splash guard into the drain.<\/li>\n
  2. Turn on the tap and keep it running with cool\/cold water.<\/li>\n
  3. Flip the switch to turn on the garbage disposal.<\/li>\n
  4. Feed waste into the disposal carefully.<\/li>\n
  5. Wait for the waste to finish grinding.<\/li>\n
  6. Turn off the disposal.<\/li>\n
  7. Let the water run for a few seconds before turning it off.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It\u2019s important that you always run your garbage disposal with cold water when you grind food scraps. This helps everything flow down your drain pipes more easily. Hot water, on the other hand, can lead to waste buildup and clogs.<\/p>\n

    How do you reset a garbage disposal?<\/h3>\n

    Occasionally, your garbage disposal may stop working without warning. In most cases, it just needs to be reset.<\/p>\n

    This is due to the triggering of a safety system that works a lot like a GFCI outlet. When this safety system is set off, it causes a small button on the unit to pop out. To get it working again, you simply need to press this button.<\/p>\n

    To find the button:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Open the cabinet under your sink to find your garbage disposal.<\/li>\n
    2. Look for a red button on the bottom or side of the unit.<\/li>\n
    3. Go ahead and push it. Your garbage disposal should<\/em> be working again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      A frequent need to manually reset the unit could be a sign your garbage disposal is dying<\/a>. If you\u2019re having problems with your garbage disposal and already have home warranty coverage, it\u2019s important to submit your claim<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Don\u2019t have a home warranty?<\/strong> Get an instant quote from one of the most trusted names in the business.<\/p>\n

      <\/a><\/p>\n

      What can you put in a garbage disposal?<\/h3>\n

      The food waste your garbage disposal can grind varies based on your make and model. However, for the most part, all garbage disposals will have no trouble handling things like fruits, vegetables, and meats.<\/p>\n

      You can even put ice cubes or citrus peels into your disposal to aid cleaning and deodorization.<\/p>\n

      Some brands \u2013 including InSinkErator<\/a> and Waste King<\/a> \u2013 can safely take on tougher food waste, including small bones and fruit pits. Read your garbage disposal\u2019s manual to learn more about your unit\u2019s capabilities.<\/p>\n

      What should never go in a garbage disposal?<\/h3>\n

      While there\u2019s plenty of food waste your garbage disposal can handle, there are a few things to avoid sending down the drain.<\/p>\n

      Non-Food Waste<\/h4>\n

      While it may seem like common sense, it bears repeating. Non-food waste should never<\/em> go down the drain. This includes plastic packaging, aluminum cans, disposable coffee cups, and kitchen sponges.<\/p>\n

      Essentially, if it\u2019s not food waste, take that as a sign to keep it out of the disposal.<\/p>\n

      Grease, Fats & Cooking Oils<\/h4>\n

      Grease, fat, and cooking oils should never be sent down your garbage disposal. These materials can build up and clog pipes over time. This can lead to some terrible, expensive damage that\u2019s not worth the trouble.<\/p>\n

      In rural areas like Bigfoot, TX, where getting a technician out quickly isn’t always easy, local home warranty services for Bigfoo<\/a>t residents can make all the difference when damage like this strikes.<\/p>\n

      To dispose of fats, oils, or grease:<\/p>\n