Many of our properties are equipped with a garbage disposal, especially if there is a dishwasher present. A garbage disposal is a helpful tool to have, as it works by breaking downfood scraps into small enough particles that they can go through the water waste system.

1. Before starting the garbage disposal, please dispose of excess food waste in your compost or waste bin. The disposal is not a trash can.
2. Run a steady stream of cool water into the sink before turning on the garbage disposal.  Learn why cool water in the disposal is best.
3. Before placing any food waste into the disposal, turn it on first.
4. Slowly feed food waste into the disposal, avoid putting large amounts of food waste all at once as this may slow the grinding process.
5. Once the food waste has been broken down, turn the disposal off and let water run for a few seconds to flush the drain pipe.

Note: It usually takes only a few seconds to grind food waste, although it depends on the quantity and type of food waste.  The sound of the disposal will change when there is no more food waste in the grind chamber.

• Excessive amounts of food waste. The garbage disposal is not a trash can, and food waste should be sparingly placed down it.
• Never place any type of fats, oils, grease in a garbage disposal, or down a sink drain for that matter.  These materials collect inside the plumbing pipes and are usually the cause of many plumbing issues.
• Any non-food items, such as silverware, glass, pieces of metal, plastic, etc.

If our maintenance team finds the garbage disposal is broken due to improper use, we will pass along the repair expense to you.

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal can odors at bay, and help prolong the lifespan of the appliance. When the disposal is in use, bits of food waste can splatter on the interior and buildup.

1. Turn Off the Power -- Unplug the disposal from the outlet under the sink, or turn off the disposal's breaker in your home's service panel (breaker box).
2. Clean the Baffle -- Place a few drops of dishwashing liquid on the abrasive side of a kitchen sponge. Scrub thoroughly under the rubber disposal baffle and around the drain rinsing the sponge frequently to remove the gunk.
3. Clean the Grinding Chamber -- Use the soapy sponge to scrub around the top of the grinding chamber, rinsing often. Repeat until the sponge pulls up no more gunk and the disposal's surfaces feel clean.
4. Add the Baking Soda and Vinegar -- Pour one-half cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal and then slowly pour one cup of vinegar into the disposal. If you have a double sink, add the same amounts to both drains.
5. Cover the Drain -- Place the sink stopper over the drain opening to contain the fizzing mixture. If you have a double sink, cover both drain openings.
6. Flush the Disposal -- Wait at least 10 minutes to give the cleaners time to work. Restore the power to the disposal, remove the stopper(s), and flush the disposal with hot water while running the garbage disposal.

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Your garbage disposal comes with self-protection: an overload trip. If the appliance becomes clogged, overheats, runs for too long, or has another problem, your disposal may simply need to be reset rather than repaired. First, make sure the switch is OFF. Then locate the Reset button on the disposal under the sink, and press it. If the button does not stay in, wait ten minutes and try again.