A garbage disposal is a wonderful convenience for any homeowner. Disposals are also very eco-friendly, as they move food wastes away from the landfills. "Consumer Reports" says that some cities are now requiring garbage disposals in new homes. There are times, though, that a garbage disposal can seem like an inconvenience. They jam, sound noisy and just stop working for apparently no reason. Before you decide to replace your garbage disposal, look to see if you can repair yourself. There are many reasons why a unit will stop working. Does this Spark an idea?
Turns on but Nothing Happens
First check to make sure your disposal is plugged in. If it is plugged in, check the red button on the bottom of the disposal. If it has popped out, press it back in to reset the disposal. If the unit will still not operate, check the fuse box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. The only two reasons for the disposal to not operate at this time would be a bad switch that powers the unit or that the disposal needs to be replaced.
Cut the circuit breaker to the disposal at your wall box. Replace the power switch and turn the breaker back on. If the garbage disposal does not work after that, replace the unit.
The Motor Hums
If you turn on the disposal and it makes a humming sound, it is most often jammed. Turn the unit off and cut the power at the main circuit breaker. Insert a ¼-inch Allen wrench (or the wrench that came with the disposal) in the bottom of the disposal at the port. By turning back and forth you will be wiggling the masher plate. This process should dislodge anything that is jammed in there. Press the reset button back in and turn the circuit breaker back on. The unit should work fine now.
It Leaks
Leaks at the point where the disposal fits onto the sink are common. These are easily repaired but will require removing the disposal. Cut off the main circuit breaker to the disposal. Where the disposal mounts, turn it clockwise to remove the unit from the flange. Tighten the mounting bolts. If they are tight, then the leak may be because of the plumbers' putty. Loosen the bolts and lift the flange slightly from the sink surface. Put plumbers' putty all around the flange, set it back on the surface and tighten the bolts. Wipe away all the excess putty. Reattach the garbage disposal. Press the reset button if it has popped out. Turn the circuit breaker back on, and check the unit and the leak.
General Tips
To help your garbage disposal last longer, take care of it by using it properly. Always run cold water when it is in operation. Regularly grind ice cubes and lemon peel in your disposal. This will keep the blades sharp and keep your unit from having bad odors.
Tags: circuit breaker, breaker back, garbage disposal, garbage disposal, bottom disposal
