Just about everybody has one; very few know how to use it correctly. The Dispose-All, Garberator, Insinkerator, Garbage Disposal.
Fun fact: Insinkerator owns a better than 85 percent market share, which means that's most likely what you have. Canadians call it a "garberator."
My plumber looked at me sideways when I requested one to be installed. It's not considered good form to have one with a septic system. I didn't want to have to fish garbage out of the sink drain and cart it over to the trash can, which happens to be. Way. Over. There.
I promised not to abuse it and I got it.
Rule #1: Never put your fingers in there.
Rule #2: Never put anything in there that would require you to review Rule #1.
Big offenders: corn husks, celery, coffee grounds. Just clog up the works. My plumber has seen plastic bags as somebody equated the garbage part with trash. Egg shells and chicken bones are no-nos. The list is long.
If the trash goes out with the trash and the vegetable matter goes to the compost heap, the garberator will stay pretty happy.
To run it, run cold water and turn it on and let it run. Do NOT run without water. If there is grease build-up, throw some ice cubes in while it runs. If it smells funky, a slice of lemon helps.
If it binds up, STOP. Turn it off, unplug it. Dislodge whatever is stuck. Use the tool it comes with to reset it. Plug and play.
If it's still not playing, STOP and call a plumber. A friend of mine had a spoon shoot into hers from the dishwasher and required a total disassembly. Do NOT try THAT at home!
