Best Practices For Food Waste Disposers

Improper operation marks the overarching trend when it comes to food waste disposer issues, says K&D Factory Service’s Ted Dorn.

Dorn, out of Harrisburg, Pa., serves as the company’s business development and customer relationship manager. Here, he shares a couple don’ts—and one do to help protect your disposer:

• Don’t overload a stationary disposer. Employees who start an already-loaded disposer can put excessive strain on the starting components and motor, potentially leading to overheating and premature motor failure. “The cutting disk must be operating at full speed to process waste effectively,” he says.

• Don’t place bones, silverware or other hard objects into the disposer. These items can jam the unit, causing significant damage to internal components, including the cutting disk, bearings and motor, Dorn warns. At least one manufacturer also warns against putting clam or oyster shells down the drain, as well as bottle caps and more.

• Do run cold water while the disposer is operating. “A continuous flow of cold water helps move waste through the unit, keeps food particles from becoming sticky or difficult to process, and helps cool the motor and bearings,” Dorn says. “Operating without adequate water flow can contribute to overheating and premature component failure.”

In a Jam?

Whether accidental or not, an obstruction in the disposer doesn’t necessarily mean long-term downtime. Dorn notes that most disposers are equipped with an overload protection reset button, which may be triggered when a jam occurs to help protect the motor. One manufacturer suggests using long tongs or pliers to remove an obstruction, then letting it cool for three to five minutes before resetting the unit.