The unit itself rarely needs much from you. What it needs is a steady habit at the sink, a few checks each month, and a clear response when it jams. Build the routine once, write it down, and keep it with the rest of your owner's record.
Every time you use it
Run cold water before you switch the unit on, keep it running while the unit grinds, and let it run a few seconds after the sound stops. Feed waste in small amounts. Keep grease, oil, and fibrous peelings out of the drain. Never pour cooking fat down the sink expecting the disposal to carry it away.
Once a week
Flush the chamber with cold water and a few ice cubes, which helps clear built-up residue from the grinding area. Avoid chemical drain openers. They sit in the trap and can stress the sink and the connections. A plain cold flush is the routine.
Once a month
Look under the sink. Check the drain connection, the mounting ring, and the dishwasher hose connection for any sign of seepage or staining. Wipe the splash guard and the stopper area. Confirm the unit still sits firmly and does not rattle against the sink. Write down anything new, such as a change in sound or slower draining, and note the date you saw it in your owner's file.
When it jams
Switch the unit off at the wall switch or the breaker before you reach in. Use the hex socket on the underside to turn the flywheel back and forth until it moves freely. Clear the object that caused the jam. Press the reset button only after the power is off and the chamber is clear. Then restore power and run it with cold water to test.
What to keep on file
Keep a short log of what you run through the unit, what you do each month, and any change you notice. When a jam or a leak happens, the log tells you whether the problem is new or part of a pattern. For the typical service life and when to plan a replacement, see the garbage disposal service life page.