Garbage disposals are convenient kitchen appliances that help to efficiently dispose of food waste, but like any appliance, they can encounter problems over time. Learning how to fix a garbage disposal can save you money on repairs and reduce downtime in your kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover common garbage disposal issues, step-by-step troubleshooting techniques, and tips from professionals like Surfside Services to keep your disposal running smoothly.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
Before attempting how to fix a garbage disposal, it’s helpful to understand its basic components and how it works:
Grinding Chamber: Where food waste is pulverized by rotating impellers.
Impellers: Blades or lugs that grind food waste into smaller particles.
Motor: Powers the impellers to grind food waste.
Reset Button: Safety feature that resets the disposal after it trips due to overload or jamming.
Flywheel: Rotates impellers and is connected to the motor.
Drain Pipe: Where shredded food waste exits the disposal and enters the plumbing system.
Common Garbage Disposal Issues
Jammed Disposal
A common issue occurs when the disposal becomes jammed and stops working. This is often caused by large or tough food items, such as bones or fruit pits, getting stuck between the impellers or in the grinding chamber.
Clogged Disposal
Clogs can happen when food waste or grease accumulates and restricts the flow of water and waste through the disposal and drain pipe. This can lead to slow drainage or water backing up into the sink.
No Power
If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on at all, the problem could be due to electrical issues, a tripped circuit breaker, or a malfunctioning switch.
Loud or Strange Noises
Unusual noises such as grinding, humming, or rattling can indicate mechanical issues, loose components, or foreign objects stuck in the disposal.
Fixing a Garbage Disposal
Safety First
Before starting any repairs on your garbage disposal, ensure safety by following these precautions:
Turn Off Power: Locate the circuit breaker that controls the disposal and switch it off to prevent accidental activation.
Disconnect Power: Unplug the disposal from the electrical outlet or turn off the disposal’s electrical switch if it has one.
Identify the Problem
Determine the specific issue with your garbage disposal. Listen for any unusual sounds, check if it hums when turned on, or inspect for any visible obstructions.
Reset the Disposal
Many disposals have a reset button located underneath the unit. Press the reset button to attempt to restart the disposal. This can often resolve issues caused by overload or overheating.
Clear Jammed Disposal
If the disposal is jammed, follow these steps to clear it:
Use the Wrench: Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the impellers and dislodge any obstructions.
Turn the Flywheel: Some disposals have a slot on the bottom where you can insert a hex key or wrench to manually rotate the flywheel and free up the impellers.
Remove Obstructions: Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible food items or debris stuck in the disposal.
Check for Clogs
If the disposal is not draining properly, check for clogs in the drain pipe and disposal unit:
Run Cold Water: Turn on cold water and run it through the disposal to flush out any remaining food particles.
Use a Plunger: Place a sink plunger over the disposal drain and plunge several times to dislodge clogs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal to break down grease and food buildup.
Inspect Electrical Connections
If the disposal doesn’t turn on, check the electrical connections:
Check Circuit Breaker: Ensure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Reset it if necessary.
Inspect Power Cord: Examine the power cord for any damage or loose connections. Replace if necessary.
Test Switch: Test the disposal switch or wall switch with a voltage tester to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Reset and Test
After addressing the issue, reconnect power to the disposal:
Restore Power: Plug the disposal back
into the electrical outlet or turn on the circuit breaker.
Test Operation: Turn on the water and switch on the disposal to test if it’s functioning properly. Run cold water while running the disposal to help flush out any remaining debris.
Tips from Surfside Services for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
Surfside Services, a trusted provider of plumbing solutions, offers expert tips to help homeowners maintain their garbage disposals and avoid common issues:
Use Cold Water
Always run cold water while operating the garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oil in food waste, making it easier for the disposal to grind and flush out.
Avoid Hard Items
Avoid putting hard items such as bones, fruit pits, or hard shells (like shrimp shells) into the disposal. These can damage the impellers or cause the disposal to jam.
Cut Large Items
Cut large food items into smaller pieces before putting them into the disposal. This reduces the strain on the motor and prevents jams.
Clean Regularly
Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prevent buildup of food particles and odors. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or commercially available disposal cleaning products.
Use Disposal Properly
Use the garbage disposal for food waste only. Avoid putting non-food items, fibrous materials (like celery or corn husks), or expandable foods (like pasta or rice) into the disposal.
Run Water After Use
After using the disposal, continue to run cold water for a few seconds to ensure all food waste is flushed out of the disposal and drain pipes.
Schedule Maintenance
Consider scheduling annual maintenance for your garbage disposal with a professional plumbing service like Surfside Services. They can inspect the disposal, clean it thoroughly, and check for any potential issues.
When to Call a Professional
While many garbage disposal issues can be resolved with DIY techniques, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional plumber:
Persistent Jams: If you’re unable to clear a jam using the reset button or wrench, a plumber can safely disassemble the disposal to remove the obstruction.
Electrical Issues: If you suspect electrical problems with the disposal or its connections, a licensed plumber can diagnose and repair the issue safely.
Leaks or Water Damage: Any signs of leaks, water damage, or unusual noises should be inspected by a plumber to prevent further damage to your kitchen and plumbing system.
Conclusion
Learning how to fix a garbage disposal can be a valuable skill for homeowners, saving both time and money on repairs. By understanding the basic components of a garbage disposal, identifying common issues, and following step-by-step troubleshooting techniques, you can often resolve minor problems on your own.
However, it’s essential to prioritize safety and know when to seek professional help. Plumbing companies like Surfside Services offer expert assistance for more complex issues or when DIY efforts aren’t effective. By following maintenance tips and treating your garbage disposal with care, you can ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently, contributing to a well-functioning kitchen and plumbing system in your home. Regular maintenance and proper use will extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal and minimize the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.