Start at the sink. Look at the drain connection under the disposal, the stopper or splash guard above it, and the switch or cord that powers the unit. A disposal that gets attention at this level rarely surprises its owner, and the routine that keeps it working is short.
Set the routine
Run cold water before the first scrap goes in, keep it running while the unit grinds, and let it run a short time after the sound stops. Cold water keeps any fat or grease firm enough to move through the grinding chamber and down the line. Feed the unit in small amounts rather than all at once.
Check the manual for the model you own. It lists what should stay out of the chamber. The list is often longer than people expect. Grease, fibrous peels, bones, and anything that swells once wet are the usual entries.
Clear a jam the safe way
Switch the unit off at the wall switch or the breaker before you reach near the chamber. Most disposals have a hex socket in the bottom center of the unit. Use the wrench that came with it, or a hex key of the right size, to turn the grinding plate back and forth until it moves freely. Remove whatever caused the jam with tongs, never with your hand. Many units also have a reset button on the base. If the unit stops and hums, check the reset after the jam is clear and power is restored.
Name who does what
Write down who feeds the unit and who runs the water while it is in use. Name who clears a jam, who runs the periodic flush with cold water, and who looks at the splash guard and drain connection each season. If two people share the kitchen, the owner of each task should be the person most likely to notice a problem first.
Log the visits
Keep one line in the log for each service: what was done, what was found, and whether the unit was reset or cleared. Put the install year beside the entries. The age is a planning input, and the planning date for the unit comes from its own guide.
The disposal guide lists its typical service life and shows how to turn the install year into a planning date. Read it once you have the year from the nameplate under the sink. Garbage Disposal: typical service life and when to plan