1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, installation, and maintenance of your InSinkErator M-Series ISE-56 Food Waste Disposer. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use, and keep it for future reference. The InSinkErator ISE-56 is designed to provide a permanent in-house solution for the segregation and disposal of wet food waste, contributing to a cleaner and more hygienic kitchen environment.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock. Risk of Personal Injury. Risk of Property Damage.
- Always disconnect power before attempting to install, service, or clean the disposer.
- Do not put hands or fingers into the disposer opening.
- Never use caustic drain cleaners in the disposer, as they can cause serious damage to the unit and plumbing.
- Ensure proper grounding of the unit to prevent electrical shock.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
3. Product Overview
The InSinkErator M-Series ISE-56 is a robust food waste disposer designed for continuous feed operation. It features a high-torque Dura-Drive induction motor and durable stainless steel grind elements.
Key Features:
- Manual Reset Switch: For easy troubleshooting and resetting the unit in case of overload.
- Built-in Air Switch: Provides a safe and convenient way to operate the disposer.
- Stainless Steel Grind Elements: Ensures efficient grinding and long-lasting performance.
- Dishwasher Drain Connection: Allows for easy connection to your dishwasher for simultaneous draining.
- No Blades, but Lugs: Utilizes impellers (lugs) to force food particles against a stationary grind ring, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- High-Torque Dura-Drive Induction Motor: Provides powerful and reliable grinding performance.
- 0.55 HP Motor: A real 0.55 horsepower motor for effective waste disposal.
- Continuous Feed: Allows you to add food waste continuously while the unit is running.
- Capacity: 980 ml grind chamber capacity.
Included Components:
- Food waste disposer unit
- Air switch
- Installation kit
- Operating manual (this document)

Figure 3.1: Front view of the InSinkErator M-Series ISE-56 Food Waste Disposer.

Figure 3.2: Side view of the disposer, showing the drain and dishwasher connections.
4. Setup and Installation
Installation of the InSinkErator ISE-56 requires basic plumbing and electrical knowledge. It is highly recommended to have the unit installed by a qualified professional to ensure proper function and safety.
General Installation Steps (Consult full installation guide for details):
- Prepare the Sink Opening: Ensure the sink flange opening is clean and ready for the disposer.
- Mount the Sink Flange: Securely attach the sink flange assembly to the sink drain opening.
- Connect the Disposer: Lift and twist the disposer onto the sink flange assembly until it locks into place.
- Plumbing Connections: Connect the disposer's discharge tube to your household drain line. If connecting a dishwasher, remove the knockout plug and attach the dishwasher drain hose.
- Electrical Connection: Wire the disposer to a dedicated, properly grounded electrical circuit. Ensure the power is off at the circuit breaker before making any electrical connections. The unit operates on 220-240 volts.
- Install Air Switch: Mount the air switch button in a convenient location on your countertop or sink. Connect the air tube from the switch to the disposer.

Figure 4.1: Dimensional diagram of the disposer for installation planning.

Figure 4.2: Illustrative diagram of the disposer installed beneath a kitchen sink, showing the flow of food waste and water.
5. Operating Instructions
Operating your InSinkErator ISE-56 is simple and efficient.
Steps for Operation:
- Turn on Cold Water: Turn on a medium stream of cold water from the faucet. Cold water helps to solidify greases and oils so they can be flushed away more easily.
- Activate Disposer: Press the air switch button to turn on the disposer. You will hear the motor start.
- Feed Food Waste: Slowly feed food waste into the disposer opening. Allow the disposer to run until all food waste is ground and flushed away. You will hear only the sound of the motor and running water when grinding is complete.
- Turn Off Disposer: Press the air switch button again to turn off the disposer.
- Flush Remaining Waste: Let the cold water run for a few seconds after the disposer is turned off to flush any remaining particles from the drain line.

Figure 5.1: Demonstrating the feeding of food waste into the disposer while water is running.

Figure 5.2: A hand activating the disposer using the air switch button.
What NOT to put into your disposer:
- Large bones (e.g., beef, pork)
- Fibrous materials (e.g., corn husks, artichokes, onion skins)
- Grease, fats, or oils (pour down the drain only with cold water and disposer running)
- Coffee grounds (in large quantities)
- Expandable foods (e.g., pasta, rice)
- Non-food items (e.g., plastic, metal, glass, paper)
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your InSinkErator ISE-56.
- Regular Cleaning: Grind small bones or citrus peels (lemon, orange) to help clean the grind chamber and remove odors.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water when operating the disposer. This helps to keep fats and greases in a solid state so they can be ground and flushed away, preventing clogs.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the disposer with too much food waste at once. Feed waste gradually.
- Manual Reset: If the disposer stops operating, check the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Press it firmly. If it trips frequently, contact a service professional.
7. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their solutions for your InSinkErator ISE-56.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Disposer does not start (no sound) | No power, tripped circuit breaker, or tripped reset button. | Check power supply. Reset circuit breaker. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposer. |
| Disposer hums but does not grind | Object lodged in grind chamber. | Turn off power. Use a broom handle or wooden spoon to dislodge the object. NEVER use your hand. Press reset button if needed. |
| Water leaking from disposer | Loose connections, cracked housing, or seal issues. | Check all plumbing connections for tightness. If leak persists or is from the housing, professional service is required. |
| Unpleasant odors from disposer | Food particles trapped in grind chamber or drain line. | Grind citrus peels (lemon, orange) with cold water. Use a disposer cleaner. Ensure sufficient water flow during operation. |
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | InSinkErator |
| Model Number | 77970T (ISE-56) |
| ASIN | B01BLDF4YQ |
| Power | 380 watts |
| Operating Voltage | 220 - 240 volts |
| Motor Horsepower | 0.55 HP |
| Capacity | 980 Milliliters |
| Item Weight | 8 kg |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 22 x 37 x 22.2 Centimeters |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
9. Warranty and Support
The InSinkErator M-Series ISE-56 Food Waste Disposer comes with a 3-year warranty on the product. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact InSinkErator customer service or your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty validation.
For more information, you may visit the official InSinkErator website or contact their customer support line. (Specific contact details are not provided in this manual; please refer to your product packaging or the manufacturer's website for the most current support information.)





