The best way to avoid getting smells from your garbage disposal is to prevent build-ups of debris in the pipes from forming in the first place. Run plenty of water when grinding food waste and run the water long enough that it will carry waste out of the drainpipe without leaving it to set and adhere to the drainpipes. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and drain the water out of the sink with the disposer running to flush the disposal and pipes at least once a week. Also some foods are worse than others to grind when it comes to odors, chicken skins is one that comes to mind. If you avoid grinding these items and regularly flush out the disposal with hot soapy water you may never have a smelly disposer.

Once a disposer starts to smell there are a number of remedies that work. One easy to try method that many people use is to put citrus peels such as lemon, oranges, or, lime along with a cup of ice cubes in the disposal and grinding them. Citrus actually cleans quite well and some people also add an additional dose of lemon juice concentrate into the mix. The ice grinding will be quite loud but the action of them banging around in the disposal will actually provide a scrubbing action on the interior of the disposer as well as the pipes with the citrus helping to clean which also leaves behind a pleasant scent.

There are also many disposal cleaner/deodorizers that are commercially available which work quite well. Some of them are more of a deodorizer than a cleaner while some clean and deodorize the disposer. Plink is available in tablet form which many users feel is more of a deodorizer than a cleaner. Oxi-Home Elements Garbage Disposal Cleaner comes in a pouch and has a scented foaming oxygen-bleach formula, which cleans and deodorizes. Disposer Care is another lemon scented bleach based foaming cleaner/deodorizer. Roebic Labs make Garbage Disposer Cleaner, which is a surfactant, bacteria and enzyme based formula.

The InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control Disposer has Magnetic Cover Start Activation where the cover goes on and is turned to the proper location before the disposer starts and grinds the waste. Some people are more comfortable with this feature feeling that things won’t get accidentally washed or fall into the disposer while it is grinding.

The InSinkErator, the “Twist-On, Twist-Off” Quick-Lock Mount makes for an easy installation for anyone even a DIYer with only modest electrical and plumbing skills. Tools and supplies required would be:  “Hercules Sta-Put Ultra Plumbers Putty” for a stain free installation on any sink, screwdriver, channel lock pliers, adjustable wrench, and tubular brass or, plastic drain tubing to fit your application. The owners of InSinkErator Evolution disposers give them rave reviews citing its quiet trouble free operation. I can tell you personally from a plumber’s point of view that I have never been to a service call on one for either a disposer jamb or a clogged drain resulting from improper grinding.

The InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control Disposers other features include:

• MultiGrind a long lasting 40 ounce 2-stage stainless steel grinding chamber which will grind many foods that you would not dream of putting in another disposer.
• SoundSeal, which is an isolation mounting that insulates the Evolution Cover Control Disposer from the sink and the drainpipe making it 60% quieter than many other disposers.
• 3/4 Horsepower Dura-Drive 1725-RPM Induction Motor with manual reset overload protection.
• A Removable Sink Baffle
• 7-Year Warranty, with In-Home Service covering parts and labor just call 1-800-558-5700, & press 2.

Insinkerator offers many accessories for their disposers such as color and finish coordinated flanges and stoppers, and a power cord kit.

Specifications:

Type of Feed: Batch

On/Off Control: Cover Control

Motor: Single Phase

HP: 3/4

Volts: 120

HZ: 60

RPM: 1725

Amp: (Avg. Load) 8.1

Time Rating: Intermittent

Lubrication: Permanently Lubricated Upper & Lower Bearings

Shipping Weight: (Approx.) 23.5 lbs.

Unit Finish: Black Gray TEN-1706

Overall Height: 13 1/3”

SoundSeal Technology

• Anti-Vibration Mount a flexible rubber mount lowering vibration transmission to the sink.
• Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount a flexible rubber mount for the disposer tailpiece lowering vibration transmission to the drainpipes.
• Quiet Collar Sink Baffle covering the opening of the sink drain controlling noise and splashing.
• SoundLimiter Insulation surrounding the unit controlling noise.

MultiGrind Technology featuring a GrindShear Ring a 2-stage dual action ring that grinds and shears waste.

Grind Chamber Capacity: 40 oz.

Motor Protection: Manual Reset Overload

Average Water Usage: 1/4 Gallon Per Person Per Day

Average Electrical Usage: 1/2 KWH Per month

Drain Connection: 1-1/2” Anti-Vibration (Hose Clamp)

Dishwasher Drain Connection: Yes

The InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control Disposers are available at Home Depot, Lowes, and many other locations. Check them out today.

The entire InSinkErator Evolution Garbage Disposer line is a revolution in technology that incorporates both features for quiet operation and reliability into the line and the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposer is the solution for homes that have septic systems. In the past garbage disposals were not recommended and often prohibited for installation in homes that had septic systems. The additional waste was thought to be too much for septic systems to handle and was thought to contribute to septic system failures. Today many people desire the convenience of a garbage disposal and septic system design requirements have been increased to accommodate the added waste load of a disposer. The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposer features a Bio Charge Injection System that delivers a measured dose of a liquid containing surfactants, bacteria, and enzymes every time the disposer is used. This liquid comes from the Insinkerator Bio Charge Cartridge which lasts 3 – 4 months in average use and has a citrus scent which keeps your disposer smelling fresh in addition to the surfactants, bacteria, and enzymes in the liquid which help to clean the drain line and digest any waste, soap, and grease in the drain line in addition to the waste in the septic system itself. Garbage disposal is no longer a detriment to septic systems. The Insinkerator Bio Charge cartridge is easily replaced and is available at many stores and on-line as well.

The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposal features include:

• MultiGrind a long lasting 40 ounce 2-stage stainless steel grinding chamber which will grind many foods that you would not dream of putting in another disposer.
• SoundSeal, which is an isolation mounting that insulates the Evolution Septic Assist Disposer from the sink and the drainpipe making it 30% quieter than many other disposers.
• Bio Charge Injection System which adds a measured dose of a liquid containing surfactants, bacteria, and enzymes, which keep drain lines clean and help digest the waste in the septic system, with a citrus scent that helps keep the disposer and drains smelling fresh.
• 3/4 Horsepower Dura-Drive 1725-RPM Induction Motor with manual reset overload protection.
• 4-Year Warranty, with In-Home Service covering parts and labor just call 1-800-558-5700, & press 2.

The owners of InSinkErator Evolution disposers give them rave reviews citing its quiet trouble free operation. I can tell you personally from a plumber’s point of view that I have never been to a service call on one for either a disposer jamb or a clogged drain resulting from improper grinding.

Insinkerator offers many accessories for their disposers such as color and finish coordinated flanges and stoppers, optional countertop mounted switches also color and finish coordinated, and a power cord kit.

The InSinkErator, the “Twist-On, Twist-Off” Quick-Lock Mount makes for an easy installation for anyone even a DIYer with only modest electrical and plumbing skills. Tools and supplies required would be:  “Hercules Sta-Put Ultra Plumbers Putty” for a stain free installation on any sink, screwdriver, channel lock pliers, adjustable wrench, and tubular brass or, plastic drain tubing to fit your application.

Specifications:

Type of Feed: Continuous

On/Off Control: Wall Switch

Motor: Single Phase

HP: 3/4

Volts: 120

HZ: 60

RPM: 1725

Amp: (Avg. Load) 8.1

Time Rating: Intermittent

Lubrication: Permanently Lubricated Upper & Lower Bearings

Shipping Weight: (Approx.) 25.5 lbs.

Unit Finish: Black Enamel Gray TEN-1706

Overall Height: 12 5/8”

SoundSeal Technology

• Anti-Vibration Mount a flexible rubber mount lowering vibration transmission to the sink.
• Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount a flexible rubber mount for the disposer tailpiece lowering vibration transmission to the drainpipes.
• Quiet Collar Sink Baffle covering the opening of the sink drain controlling noise and splashing.
• SoundLimiter Insulation surrounding the unit controlling noise.

MultiGrind Technology featuring a GrindShear Ring a 2-stage dual action ring that grinds and shears waste.

Bio Charge Injection System to assist the septic system digesting the waste and help keep drain lines clean and fresh smelling.

Grind Chamber Capacity: 40 oz.

Motor Protection: Manual Reset Overload

Average Water Usage: 1/4 Gallon Per Person Per Day

Average Electrical Usage: 1/2 KWH Per month

Drain Connection: 1-1/2” Anti-Vibration (Hose Clamp)

Dishwasher Drain Connection: Yes

The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposers are available at Home Depot, Lowes, and many other locations. Check them out today.

The entire InSinkErator Evolution Garbage Disposer line is a revolution in technology that incorporates both features for quiet operation and reliability into the line and the InSinkErator Compact is the solution for those that do not have a lot of space in the cabinet under their sink. The InSinkErator Evolution Compact measures only 12 1/8” in height and has a distance of only 6” from the sink to the centerline of the waste disposal outlet allowing installation in very tight spaces.

The InSinkErator Evolution Compact features include:

• MultiGrind a long lasting 34.6 ounce 2-stage stainless steel grinding chamber which will grind many foods that you would not dream of putting in another disposer.
• SoundSeal, which is an isolation mounting that insulates the Evolution Compact from the sink and the drainpipe making it 30% quieter than many other disposers.
• 3/4 Horsepower Dura-Drive 1725-RPM Induction Motor with manual reset overload protection.
• 4-Year Warranty, with In-Home Service covering parts and labor just call 1-800-558-5700, & press 2.

The owners of the InSinkErator Evolution Compact give it rave reviews citing its quiet trouble free operation. I can tell you personally from a plumber’s point of view that I have never been to a service call on one for either a disposer jamb or a clogged drain resulting from improper grinding.

Insinkerator offers many accessories for their disposers such as color and finish coordinated flanges and stoppers, optional countertop mounted switches also color and finish coordinated, and a power cord kit.

The InSinkErator, the “Twist-On, Twist-Off” Quick-Lock Mount makes for an easy installation for anyone even a DIYer with only modest electrical and plumbing skills. Tools and supplies required would be:  “Hercules Sta-Put Ultra Plumbers Putty” for a stain free installation on any sink, screwdriver, channel lock pliers, fractional allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, and tubular brass or, plastic drain tubing to fit your application.

Specifications:

Type of Feed: Continuous

On/Off Control: Wall Switch

Motor: Single Phase

HP: 3/4

Volts: 120

HZ: 60

RPM: 1725

Amp: (Avg. Load) 8.1

Time Rating: Intermittent

Lubrication: Permanently Lubricated Upper & Lower Bearings

Shipping Weight: (Approx.) 19.5 lbs.

Unit Finish: Black Enamel Gray TEN-1706

Overall Height: 12 1/8”

SoundSeal Technology

• Anti-Vibration Mount a flexible rubber mount lowering vibration transmission to the sink.
• Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount a flexible rubber mount for the disposer tailpiece lowering vibration transmission to the drainpipes.
• Quiet Collar Sink Baffle covering the opening of the sink drain controlling noise and splashing.
• SoundLimiter Insulation surrounding the unit controlling noise.

MultiGrind Technology featuring a GrindShear Ring a 2-stage dual action ring that grinds and shears waste.

Grind Chamber Capacity: 34.6 oz.

Motor Protection: Manual Reset Overload

Average Water Usage: 1 Gallon Per Person Per Day

Average Electrical Usage: 3-4 KWH Per Year

Drain Connection: 1-1/2” Anti-Vibration (Hose Clamp)

Dishwasher Drain Connection: Yes

The InSinkErator Evolution Compact is available at Home Depot, Lowes, and many other locations.

Worn Out Disposers

Frequently a disposer will continue to run long after it has been worn out. Many of the lower priced disposers frequently called “Builder Grade” have a grinding chamber made of galvanized steel. These units have a relatively short life expectancy and all they really are is a cheap disposer that the seller can say is there. The manufacturers typically offer only a one or two year warranty on these product lines. The teeth of the grinding chamber on these “Builder Grade” units rust and wear away quite quickly and once that occurs the waste is pushed into the line without being ground up and the drains tend to clog from this. Look inside your disposer with a flashlight at the grinding teeth around the edge of the turntable to see if the teeth are worn. Take a look at the teeth of the disposer in the picture and compare them to your disposer. Another sign of a worn disposer is water leaking through the unit. Water leaking through the unit is a sign that the shaft seals are worn out. If the disposer is worn out there is no repair option in most cases and replacement is the only option. There are a few manufactures that offer replacement parts but I question whether they are even worth repairing. If your disposer is worn out I would suggest replacement with a new Insinkerator Evolution Series disposer if you are planning on keeping the house for more than a few years.

The Disposer Does Not Run

View of Bottom of Disposer showing circuit breaker reset button and unjamming wrench hole.

If the Disposer does not run there is no other symptom that matters except being worn out. A disposer that is not running will rapidly clog with food debris giving the appearance of being clogged. Merely rotating the turntable will in many cases instantly start the disposer draining again but without the unit running it will clog again rapidly.  To check the disposer turn the turntable with the unjamming wrench or if the disposer does not have a hole in the base for unjamming insert something into the top of the disposer to catch the grinding hammers on the turntable and turn the turntable to free up the jam until the turntable turns freely again. Press the circuit breaker reset button and turn on the disposer. In most cases it will run again and be ready for use. In some cases something may be banging around inside the grind chamber shut the disposer back off and inspect the grinding chamber to see the object and remove it. If the unit only hums but does not run check for jamming again, if the turntable is free spinning and the motor only hums the disposal requires replacement. If the disposer does nothing recheck the circuit breaker reset button and try turning it on again. If the disposer still does nothing make sure that power is available to the disposer when turned on. If there is power supplied to the disposer and it does nothing then replacement is needed.

The Disposer Runs But Water Doesn’t Drain From the Sink

Gabage Disposer Grind Chamber showing condition of grinding teeth.

In this case unless the disposer is worn out the problem is only a clogged drain. Sometimes when too much garbage is processed at once or the wrong things are put in a disposer clogs can result. Remove as much water as possible from the sinks before starting to work. Place a container large enough to catch the remaining water in the sink, disposer and pipes under the drainpipes of the sink and take the drainpipes under the sink apart to see if you can find where the plugged section is. Frequently the clog will be in the p-trap, baffle tee where the two sinks of a double sink come together, or in the disposer elbow itself. If you find the clog in the drainpipes under the sink reassemble the pipes and test the drainage. Hopefully this clears the clog and gets you drain running again. If the pipes under the sink are not clogged then the clog is past where it can be reached without a drain snake. If the drain requires snaking I would recommend calling a plumber to snake the line clear with an electric powered snake. With a clogged disposal drain I recommend a close inspection of the disposer grinding chamber to make sure it is working properly and not sending ungrounded food waste down the drain. If the disposer is badly worn the line will reclog.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and I will reply.

The entire InSinkErator Evolution Garbage Disposer line is a revolution in technology that incorporates both features for quiet operation and reliability into the line and the InSinkErator Excel® is the flagship of the line with more features than any of the other disposers in the InSinkErator Evolution line. No other disposer manufacturer can come close to the quietness or, reliability the InSinkErator Evolution line offers never mind compete with the InSinkErator Evolution Excel®.

Insinkerator Evolution Excel

InSinkErator Disposer Flange Options

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel® features include:

• MultiGrind Plus™ a long lasting triple stage stainless steel grinding chamber ensuring food is ground into the smallest possible size before entering the drain.
• SoundSeal Plus™ a superior isolation mounting which insulates the Evolution Excel® from the sink and the drain pipe making it 60% quieter than standard disposers.
• Jam-Sensor® Circuit which senses an impending jam and increases the torque of the motor up to 500% of its normal operating torque while pulsing 60 times per second giving it a hammering effect. The Jam-Sensor® Circuit can also reverse the rotation direction.
• 1.0 Horsepower Dura-Drive® 1725 RPM Induction Motor gives you the highest horsepower in the residential garbage disposers.
• 7-Year Warranty, We Come To You® In-Home Service covering parts and labor just call 1-800-558-5700, & press 2.

Optional Sink Top Switches available in a variety of finishes.

The owners of the InSinkErator Evolution Excel® give it rave reviews citing its quiet trouble free operation and many of them have purchased a second one after buying a new home. I can tell you personally from a plumbers view that I have never been to a service call on one for either a disposer jamb or a clogged drain resulting from improper grinding.

A full line of accessories such as color and finish coordinated flanges and stoppers, optional countertop mounted switches also color and finish coordinated, and a power cord kit make this an easy and attractive installation in any kitchen new, remodeled, or old.

The InSinkErator, the “Twist-On, Twist-Off” Quick-Lock® Mount makes for an easy installation for anyone even a DIYer with only modest electrical and plumbing skills. Tools and supplies required would be:  “Hercules Sta-Put Ultra Plumbers Putty” for a stain free installation on any sink, screwdriver, channel lock pliers, fractional allen wrenches, and tubular brass or, plastic drain tubing to fit your application.  If you do not have 120 volt electrical power under the sink an electrician may be needed to supply power to the disposer. The disposer should be on a GFCI protected circuit. The disposer adds 6 11/16″ to the depth of the drain. If the drain is not low enough in the wall a plumber may be needed to lower the drain in the wall. Additional pipes added to the trap effecting the depth of the trap water seal can have an adverse effect on drainage and void the disposer warantee due to improper installation.

InSinkErator Quick Lock® Mount

Specifications:

Type of Feed: Continuous

On/Off Control: Wall Switch

Motor: Single Phase

HP: 1.0

Volts: 120

Reversing: Auto-Reverse Grind System™ feature

HZ: 60

RPM: 1725

Amp: (Avg. Load) 10.2

Time Rating: Intermittent

Lubrication: Permanently Lubricated Upper & Lower Bearings

Shipping Weight: (Approx.) 25.5 lbs.

Unit Finish: Stainless Steel Light Gray TEN-1706

Overall Height: 13-1/2”

SoundSeal Plus Technology™

• Anti-Vibration Mount™ a flexible rubber mount lowering vibration transmission to the sink.
• Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount™ a flexible rubber mount for the disposer tailpiece lowering vibration transmission to the drain pipes.
• Quiet Collar™ Sink Baffle covering the opening of the sink drain controlling noise and splashing.
• Multi-Layer SoundLimiter™ Insulation surrounding the unit controlling noise.

MultiGrind Plus Technology™

• GrindShear Ring™ a dual action ring that grinds and shears waste through 40 pass through windows.
• Tri-Action Lug System™ feature includes fixed and swivel lugs that help grind the waste better and creates a water rinsing effect that helps keep the disposer clean and odor free.
• Undercutter Disk™ Third Stage Grinder a rotating disc behind the grind shear ring that cuts waste one more time reducing clogs.
• Jam-Sensor Circuit™ that senses an impending jam and can increase motor torque up to 500%, with 60 pulses per second creating a hammering effect, and can reverse motor rotation.

Grind Chamber Capacity: 40 oz.

Motor Protection: Manual Reset Overload

Average Water Usage: 1/4 Gallon Per Person Per Day

Average Electrical Usage: 1/2 KWH Per Month

Drain Connection: 1-1/2” Anti-Vibration (Hose Clamp)

Dishwasher Drain Connection: Yes

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is available at Home Depot, Lowes, and many other locations.

If you have any questions or, need additional information please leave a comment below.