FAQs

 

How safe are InSinkErator® products?

InSinkErator® waste disposers have no blades. The grinding mechanism is incredibly safe.

Do I need a particular sink to use a food waste disposer?

No. An InSinkErator® food waste disposer will fit a single bowl or half bowl, stainless steel or other material. The standard 3.5 inches (90mm) sink opening is ideal and the disposer comes with an attachment for that size. However, accessory flanges are available for most non-standard holes/sinks. Remodelling the kitchen is an ideal time to think about the importance of convenience and hygiene and how to eliminate the problems of food waste. A disposer can also be installed into an existing sink/kitchen.

If you have a ceramic sink, we recommend that you choose one of our Evolution models. Evolution disposers are fitted with anti-vibration technology, so this will ensure there are no strong vibrations that could damage a delicate material like ceramic sinks.

In addition, for the air switch a 35mm opening next to your sink is needed. 

Do I need a double bow sink to have a food waste disposer?

No. A food waste disposer can be installed with both a single bowl sink or a double bowl sink, this is a personal preference. Check sink and food waste disposer dimensions for details.

How do I keep my disposal unit performing as good as new?

An InSinkerator® food waste disposer is designed to be maintenance-free. The best way to keep it in good condition is simply to use it regularly. Keep it clean with a moderate stream of cold water after you've used it.

You can use bo-carbonate of soda (baking soda) to freshen the waste disposal unit up, particularly if a little food waste has been left inside it. And here's an InSinkErator® tip for extra freshness – grind a lemon or citrus fruit in the machine for a few seconds without water. Never put bleach in the food waste disposer.

How do I clean my food waste disposer?

Food waste disposers are very low maintenance appliances. However, if you smell any odours coming from your disposer, it's usually the sign of food build up.

Over time, food waste particles can accumulate inside the grind chamber and sink baffle.

To clean your disposer, follow these simple steps:

  1. Turn off your disposer
  2. Remove the sink baffle and clean the underside of the baffle with a scouring pad
  3. Place the baffle back in the sinkhole
  4. Turn on your disposer and run a medium stream of cold water
  5. Place ice cubes mixed with lemon/lime wedges down your disposer to freshen it up


How much does food waste disposal cost?

The cost for operating any waste disposer is relatively low. InSinkErator® disposers grind faster, so they use less electricity. Operating a .55 HP waste disposal unit for a month consumes power equal to a 100 watt light bulb switched on for an hour. Disposers use very little water, but the speed of an InSinkErator® food waster disposer keeps it to the absolute minimum — on average just a .04% increase in water consumption.

How noisy are food waste disposers?

Surprisingly quiet... a lot quieter than many imagine. InSinkErator motors are particularly quiet and certain models have even greater quietness features.

Where does the food waste go and how often do I have to empty it?

A common misconception is that a food waste disposer works similar to a standard bin or composting unit. However, the reality is far different. An InSinkErator food waste disposer breaks food waste down into very fine particles, almost liquifying them so that they can be flushed through your plumbing. 

What can I put in a food waste disposer?

Our food waste disposers can dispose of most food wast in a matter of seconds. However, certain food types are only recommended for our Evolution models.

Our Evolution models can grind most food waste, and our M-Series models cand grind any food apart from stringy and fibrous materials such as banana peel, celery and rhubarb.

An InSinkErator food waste disposer effortlessly grinds food waste into tiny particles that are flushed down the drain and to the local wastewater treatment plant - where they can be used to create biogas.

What NOT to put down your food waste disposer

There are certain things you should never put down your drain, whether you have a disposer or not.

Please avoid putting fats, oils, harsh cleaning products and other non-food products down your disposer.

Are there any blades or knives in an InSinkErator food waste disposer?

No, it is as simple as that! InSinkErator food waste disposers are perfectly safe and don't have blades or knives. Instead, lugs are used to throw food waste against a stationary grind ring. The grind ring breaks food waste down into very fine particles, almost liquefying them, so they can flush down your plumbing.


It has stopped working and there seems to be no power

It is likely that the overload protector has been activated to protect the motor from stress. With the power switched OFF, check inside the InSinkErator® disposer and remove anything that may have fallen inside, such as a metal utensil. Then press the reset button on the base of the disposer. Simply pressing the button back in will re-engage the motor. If there is still no power, check the plug connection.


I think my disposal unit may be jammed:

Every unit is supplied with a wrenchette (a simple Allen spanner). Inserting and rocking this spanner back and forth will generally release any jam. Turn the power off and insert the key into the socket under the base of the food waste disposer. Turn the key backwards and forwards until you can rotate the key a full 360°. Remove the spanner and press the red reset button.

What if I have a septic tank?

Having a septic system does not represent an obstacle. Septic systems already require a certain amount of food-derived substances to accelerate the various biological reactions. A normal 1800-litre septic tank is perfectly adequate.