1) Always use cold water when running your disposer. Cold water breaks up greasy substances rather than melting them. Melted grease only hardens as it cools, and can cause clogs further down the pipe.

2) Make a habit of grinding bones, coffee grounds, and similar items in the unit. They help keep the blades sharp and swivels turning.

3) Avoid pouring bleach or other chemicals down your disposer. Chemicals may dissolve seals, resulting in motor failure.

4) Never put vegetables like celery or artichokes down the disposer - the fibrous quality of these vegetables can catch on the blades and will often cause the unit to jam.

5) If your disposer is draining slowly, try the following: