# InSinkErator Foodservice Disposers, PowerRinse and WasteXpress

> How to choose, install, run and care for InSinkErator SS-Series disposers, the LC-50, PowerRinse, WasteXpress and instant hot water dispensers.

How-to by Norpex. Published 2026-10-15, updated 2026-10-15.
Canonical: https://norpex.ca/guides/insinkerator-foodservice-disposers-guide

![Stainless steel foodservice food waste disposer](https://norpex.ca/m/ba/16/ba16a7c5a75e1e28d3e596ef45bff541f224f8df9f84438056ef3981edbea745.jpg)

Pictured: [InSinkErator – Medium Capacity Foodservice Disposer – SS-200](https://norpex.ca/product/insinkerator-medium-capacity-foodservice-disposer-ss-200)

This guide covers the InSinkErator foodservice line in the Norpex catalogue — the SS-100, SS-200 and SS-500 disposers, the LC-50, PowerRinse PRS, PRP and PRT, the WasteXpress WX500, and the C1300 and HC1300 hot water dispensers — using the maker's own sizing, installation, operation and care figures.

## Key takeaways

- The SS-100 (1 HP), SS-200 (2 HP) and SS-500 (3 or 5 HP) disposers step up by grind capacity; the LC-50 is a 1/2 HP unit for light-duty kitchens.
- Start the water, feed waste in a steady continuous flow, and run the disposer and water about three minutes after the final load.
- Clam or oyster shells, glass, china, plastic wrap, large bones, metal, grease, oil, syrup, drain cleaner and extremely hot water must never go in.
- PowerRinse collects solids in a scrap basket without grinding; WasteXpress grinds and dewaters, cutting waste volume by up to 85 percent.
- Plumbing and electrical work belongs to a qualified, licensed installer; repairs go through InSinkErator Factory Authorized Service Centers.

## The InSinkErator foodservice line

The InSinkErator foodservice line in the Norpex catalogue runs from small prep sinks to high-volume dish lines. The disposers are the SS-100 small capacity, SS-200 medium capacity and SS-500 large capacity models, plus the LC-50 light capacity unit. Around them sit the PowerRinse waste collection systems in standard (PRS), pot/pan (PRP) and trough (PRT) tray sizes, the WasteXpress WX500 food waste reduction system, and the C1300 and HC1300 instant hot water dispensers.

The SS-Series disposers share one build: a corrosion-resistant stainless steel grind chamber, a 3/4 inch rubber isolation mount above the grind chamber enclosed in chrome-plated covers, a totally enclosed 1725 RPM induction motor with built-in thermal overload protection, reverse-action shredding elements, double-tapered roller bearings, and a triple lip seal with a secondary spring-loaded oil seal. The SS-100 carries a 1 HP motor, the SS-200 a 2 HP motor, and the SS-500 a 3 or 5 HP motor.

The LC-50 is the light-duty model: a 1/2 HP continuous-duty commercial motor with automatic reversing at 1725 RPM, single phase, a stainless steel grind chamber and a cast nickel chrome cutting element. It fits a standard 3-1/2 to 4 inch sink opening with no welding required, runs from a standard wall switch, and the Canadian/US LC50-11 version is 120V, 60Hz, 5.8A, CUL.

## Choosing a disposer size

InSinkErator's video InSinkErator® SS-Series Disposers: How to Choose the Right Disposer for Your Commercial Kitchen covers the SS-100 through SS-1000 models and explains how to size a disposer based on kitchen volume and menu type.

The SS-Series installation manual ties each model to a recommended cold water flow and drain line diameter: the SS-100 at 5 GPM standard (3 GPM optional) with a 1-1/2 inch drain line, the SS-200 at 7 GPM (5 GPM optional) with 2 inch NPT, and the SS-500 at 8 GPM (7 GPM optional) with 3 inch NPT. Our listing notes the SS-500's AquaSaver standard usage at 8 GPM (30.3 LPM).

Electrical service narrows the choice. Our listing gives the SS-100 in 1-phase 115/208-230V at 11.6/5.1/5.7A or 3-phase at 2.0/2.4/1.2A, the SS-200 in 1-phase at 17.4/7.7/8.7A or 3-phase at 3.6/4.4/2.2A, and the SS-500 in 3-phase 208-230/460V at 8.5/11.0/5.5A only. The manual is explicit that motor voltage and phase must match the electrical supply. For light duty, the LC-50 installation manual names grocery and convenience stores, office and church kitchens, fast food restaurants, and bed and breakfast inns. Ask Norpex if you are unsure which model fits your kitchen.

## Installing an SS-Series disposer

The SS-Series installation manual is written for the installing contractor, and InSinkErator states that it and its Factory Authorized Service Centers do not make original installations. Plumbing and electrical connections must be made by a qualified, licensed installer to local code.

Before mounting, the installer clears hardened waste from the horizontal drain pipe between the trap and the main waste line with a drain auger. InSinkErator recommends a minimum countertop thickness of 16 gauge stainless steel to avoid excess vibration, and the manual requires at least 1 inch of clearance between the bottom of the disposer and the floor. The mounting flange fits over the collar adaptor lip or sink bowl flange, the mounting gasket must be fully seated, and the screws protrude about 1/4 inch below the gasket to engage the keyhole slots in the disposer body flange; on SS-200 through SS-1000 the legs are adjusted to support the unit. The maker's InSinkErator Food Service Disposers Installation Video covers SS100-SS1000 disposer and controller installation.

The manual's plumbing requirements:

Electrically, disposers ship from the factory not wired for a specific voltage; the motor connection wiring diagram inside the terminal box gives the connections. All control centres and disposers must be grounded, and a properly fused disposer control with a marked off position must be installed at the electrical supply source. The manual adds that pressure switches may be connected across the line at 5 horsepower or less, larger motors require connection in the pilot circuit of a magnetic starter, and a time delay may only be used with a water solenoid valve.

- Place the P-trap as close to the disposer outlet flange as possible; do not connect the drain line to a grease trap, interceptor or drum trap.
- Keep horizontal runs as short as possible, with a minimum fall of 1/4 inch per foot.
- Connect to the cold water line only; fittings are 1/2 inch NPT, except sink bowl nozzles at 1/2 inch compression.
- Install the flow control valve, solenoid valve and syphon breaker according to the flow arrows on each body, with the syphon breaker above the sink flood plane per local plumbing codes.

## Daily operation

The Disposer Operation Instructions set a four-step routine. Push the start button on the control box; the disposer runs and water flows. Confirm a steady stream of water before feeding anything, then feed food waste in a steady, continuous flow. When the waste is flushed away, push the stop button.

Two rules protect the unit. Never pre-load waste before starting; the installation manual warns that pre-loading can cause excessive strain and loosen mounting components. And never stop the disposer with waste inside — run the disposer and water approximately three minutes after the final load, which the instructions say keeps the unit clean and odour-free and avoids drain line stoppage.

Water flow is set by horsepower: 1 HP needs 5 GPM, 2 HP needs 7 GPM, 3 and 5 HP need 8 GPM, and 10 HP needs 10 GPM, all cold. For volume adjustment, the top of the swirling water should occasionally crest to the body water inlet; grinding efficiency drops if the swirl rises more than halfway up the disposer body. The Manual Reversing Switch uses three-button FWD/STOP/REV operation, and the manual says not to restart until the rotating shredder has come to a stop.

Never put these into the disposer:

- Clam or oyster shells, large bones and metal objects.
- Glass, china and plastic wrap.
- Drain cleaner, grease, oil, syrup and extremely hot water.
- Explosive materials.

## PowerRinse and WasteXpress

The PowerRinse PRS/PRP manual describes a system that increases scrapping speed and reduces bulk waste: a plume of recirculated water aids pre-rinsing and scrapping, solids collect in a scrap basket for emptying into a waste or compost receptacle, and water-soluble waste goes down the drain. The manual positions it as an alternative to a disposer or pulper, and the maker's video InSinkErator Foodservice - Power Rinse Collection System presents it. The PRS standard tray measures 23.75 by 21.5 inches, the PRP pot/pan tray 35.5 by 21.5 inches for oversized cookware such as large sheet pans, and the PRT uses a 19.10 inch round trough tray with a 1/4 HP pump. PRS and PRP need 1 GPM of fresh water per hour and recirculate up to 30 GPM; the PRT needs 1 GPM per cycle and recirculates up to 70 GPM.

Installation points from the manual: hot and cold supplies feed the mixer valve at 1/2 inch NPT with a minimum of 30 psi at the valve, and regulators are needed if pressure exceeds 80 psi. The drain is a 2 inch line through a P-trap, and the pump motor fan needs at least 1 inch of clearance from any wall or obstruction. A tray in line with a dishwasher mounts at least 24 inches from the loading end to leave dish rack space, each system fits under a standard table at a minimum height of 33 inches, and the built-in shutoff timer is factory set at 20 minutes.

In operation the scrap basket must always be in place, the cover is optional but recommended to maximize workspace, and the pump engages about 70 seconds after pressing start, once the tank reaches its fill level. Adjust the ball valve until the plume hits the centre of the scrap basket or cover, scrap dishes under the plume, and press stop when done. On 3-phase units verify the pump motor fan rotates clockwise, and never use corrosive chemicals for scrapping.

The WasteXpress WX500 pairs a 5 HP disposer with a dewatering unit that grinds waste, presses out water and expels semi-dry particles into a 10-gallon waste bin; the manual states the exiting solid waste is up to 85 percent less in volume, and our listing rates throughput at 700 lb (317.5 kg) per hour. The unit fits under a 34 inch table and carries a safety interlock on the discharge chute. The dewatering unit sits within 10 feet of the disposer outlet flange with no more than four 90 degree elbows (45 degree preferred), on a 2 inch NPT waste line sloped 1/4 inch per foot; hot water only feeds the WasteXpress spray, cold water only feeds the disposer, and the waste outlet should empty into a floor drain rather than a small inside grease trap. Plastic wrap, cans, silverware, rubber, glass and crockery cannot be processed, though paper, light rigid plastic and food wrappings can be when mixed with a minimum of 50 percent food waste. The WX-101A control runs both units from one button, reverses the disposer motor automatically on restart, flushes the drain line for up to 10 minutes after shutdown, and shuts the system off automatically after 10 minutes of running.

## Jams, resets and operator care

If the disposer stops suddenly, the operation instructions point to overloading or a foreign object jam. Turn the control to the off position, insert the dejamming wrench (not supplied) slot down through the sink opening, place the slot over the raised bars on top of the rotating shredder, and twist back and forth until the shredder revolves freely. Remove all foreign materials with long-handled tongs or pliers, never fingers, let the disposer cool 3 to 5 minutes, then press the red reset button to reset the overload protector. Never strike the reset button with objects.

The installation manual's troubleshooting table adds two start-up checks. If the disposer will not start and water does not flow, check the incoming water; reactivating the electrical disconnect switch starts a 30 second delay before the system can restart. If water flows but the disposer will not start, the overload protector is tripped or the disposer is jammed.

If the unit remains inoperative, both manuals direct you to the nearest InSinkErator Factory Authorized Service Center, and the service manual says troubleshooting beyond the listed problems belongs to a qualified service person. Have the model number, serial number, voltage and phase from the specification decal on the motor trim cover ready. The LC-50 clears jams with its own self-service wrenchette, and its manual repeats the rule to switch off before freeing a jammed rotor. Day to day, replace the splash baffle when it wears, post the operating instructions near the disposer as the sheet instructs, and make sure the disposer is off before you leave the area.

## Instant hot water dispensers and service

The C1300 and HC1300 dispensers hold a 2/3 gallon tank delivering up to 200°F water on average, on 115V AC with a 1300 watt, 11.3 amp heating element and a 36 inch cord with grounded plug. The snap-action thermostat adjusts from 160°F to 210°F and is factory pre-set at about 200°F, recommended supply pressure is 25 to 80 psi, and the HC1300 adds a dual cold lever with an optional filtration system. The maker's video InSinkErator Foodservice - Instant Hot Water Dispenser presents the line.

The dispenser manual's key points: the tank needs a grounded GFCI outlet under the sink, fused at 15 amp for 120 volt, and not controlled by the same wall switch as the disposer; the tap needs a 1-3/8 inch (35 mm) hole in a counter no thicker than 3 inches (76 mm); and the tank must sit within 16 inches (400 mm) of the tap and 30 inches (760 mm) of the outlet, mounted vertically and level. Fill the tank before connecting power, and allow 12 to 15 minutes for the water to reach target temperature.

For care, the manual says do not allow the water to boil, use only mild cleaners on the tap and plastic parts, replace the filter cartridge every 6 months or sooner if flow drops, and unplug and drain the unit for extended shutdowns or below-freezing conditions. Repairs go through InSinkErator's Factory Authorized Service Center network. For questions about which model fits your kitchen, ask Norpex.

## Videos from the maker

- [InSinkErator Food Service Disposers Installation Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N99PtfRIKNw) (InSinkErator)
- [InSinkErator® SS-Series Disposers: How to Choose the Right Disposer for Your Commercial Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGn0Dc7WPAs) (InSinkErator)
- [InSinkErator Foodservice - Power Rinse Collection System](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1iQj4ZFkA0) (InSinkErator)
- [InSinkErator Foodservice - WasteXpress System](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs0Wi8jDERI) (InSinkErator)
- [InSinkErator Foodservice - Instant Hot Water Dispenser](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWhaoO1VM4) (InSinkErator)

## Common questions

### Which InSinkErator disposer size does my kitchen need?

The maker's How to Choose video sizes by kitchen volume and menu type across the SS-100 through SS-1000 range. In our list the SS-100 is 1 HP with a 5 GPM standard flow control valve, the SS-200 is 2 HP at 7 GPM, and the SS-500 is 3 or 5 HP at 8 GPM. The 1/2 HP LC-50 suits the light-duty applications its manual names, such as fast food restaurants and office or church kitchens.

### What must never go into the disposer?

The manuals prohibit clam or oyster shells, drain cleaner, glass, china, plastic wrap, large bones, metal objects, explosive materials, extremely hot water, grease, oil and syrup.

### How do I clear a jam?

Turn the control off, insert the dejamming wrench slot down over the raised bars on the rotating shredder, twist until it revolves freely, remove the foreign material, wait 3 to 5 minutes, then press the red reset button. Never strike the reset button. If the disposer still will not run, contact an InSinkErator Factory Authorized Service Center.

### Does PowerRinse grind food waste?

No. Solids collect in a scrap basket that you empty into a waste or compost receptacle while water-soluble waste goes down the drain, and the manual presents the system as an alternative to a disposer or pulper.

### Can WasteXpress process non-food waste?

Plastic wrap, cans, silverware, rubber, glass and crockery cannot be processed. Paper, light rigid plastic and food wrappings can be, when mixed with a minimum of 50 percent food waste.

## Related guides

- [Commercial Sinks Explained: Compartment, Hand and Prep Sinks](https://norpex.ca/guides/commercial-sink-guide)
- [Commercial Dishwasher Buying Guide: Undercounter, Door-Type or Conveyor](https://norpex.ca/guides/commercial-dishwasher-buying-guide)

## Shop the catalogue

- [Drains](https://norpex.ca/products/drains)
- [Sink Accessories](https://norpex.ca/products/sink-accessories)