Disposal runs but does not grind effectively; food remains unprocessed or takes very long to clear

Safety first: Turn off power before inspecting the chamber.

• Inspect grind ring and impellers: With a flashlight, look for smooth or rounded grind ring teeth and impellers. They should have defined edges.
• Check electrical supply: Ensure the disposal is on a properly sized circuit and that connections are tight in the junction box. Low voltage can reduce performance.
• Use proper operating technique: Run a strong flow of cold water, feed small amounts of food gradually, and let the unit run a few seconds after grinding to clear the line.
• Consider upgrade: If the unit is older or underpowered (e.g., 1/3 HP Badger) and struggles with normal loads, consider replacing with a higher HP InSinkErator Evolution series model.