There are few kitchen appliances that get as much use as sink waste disposal units and, if they are not maintained or used correctly, costly repairs can be the result. Common problems effecting sink waste disposal units are jamming and leaking but many can be avoided with the correct care. To ensure that your sink waste disposal runs efficiently, turn the cold water on and let it run for a few seconds before disposing of waste. Feed bits of waste into the unit a bit at a time and then let the water run for 30 seconds afterwards to clear it all through and into the drain. Make sure that you do not overload your waste disposal unit. Cut large food items into smaller pieces and feed them into the waste disposal unit slowly. Be aware that there are also some items that are not suitable for sink waste disposal. Avoid glass, rubber and bones, as well as stringy vegetables such as celery.