If you’re a homeowner, you likely have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Garbage disposals are a convenient and efficient way to dispose of food waste, but they can also be prone to issues if not properly maintained. In this article, we will cover how to fix and take care of your garbage disposal to ensure it continues to function properly.
One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is a clogged or jammed unit. This can happen when large pieces of food or other debris get stuck in the disposal. We will provide tips on how to safely unclog and unjam your garbage disposal. Additionally, we will discuss how to properly maintain your garbage disposal to prevent future issues. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and avoid costly repairs.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
Components and Functionality
Your garbage disposal is a kitchen appliance that is installed under your sink. It is designed to shred food waste into small pieces to prevent clogging in your plumbing system. A garbage disposal typically consists of the following components:
- Grinding Chamber: This is the area where the food waste is shredded by the blades.
- Motor: The motor powers the blades to shred the food waste.
- Impellers: The impellers are attached to the motor and help to force the food waste towards the blades.
- Blades: The blades are responsible for shredding the food waste into small pieces.
- Drain Connection: This is the point where the garbage disposal connects to your plumbing system.
When you turn on the garbage disposal, the motor spins the impellers which in turn force the food waste towards the blades. The blades then shred the food waste into small pieces which are then flushed down the drain.
Common Garbage Disposal Models
There are two common types of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed.
A continuous feed garbage disposal is the most common type. It allows you to continuously add food waste while it is running. This type of disposal is controlled by a switch that is mounted on the wall or countertop.
A batch feed garbage disposal, on the other hand, requires you to load the food waste into the disposal and then turn it on using a special stopper. This type of disposal is considered to be safer because it prevents accidental injury while the disposal is running.
When it comes to choosing a garbage disposal, it is important to consider factors such as motor power, noise level, and ease of installation. It is also important to choose a disposal that is appropriate for your household’s needs.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Cleaning Best Practices
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, it’s important to clean it regularly. A simple way to do this is to fill the sink with a few inches of warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Turn on the disposal and let it run until the water has drained. This helps to flush out any food particles that may be stuck in the disposal.
Another effective way to clean your garbage disposal is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then run hot water down the drain to flush it out.
Preventing Clogs and Odors
To prevent clogs and odors, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down the disposal. Avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods, such as celery or potato peels, down the disposal, as they can get tangled in the blades and cause clogs. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as they can solidify and cause clogs as well.
To prevent odors, try running cold water down the drain for 10-15 seconds before and after using the disposal. You can also grind up citrus peels or ice cubes to freshen up the disposal.
Regular Inspection and Upkeep
It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your garbage disposal to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Check the disposal’s blades for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary. You should also check the disposal’s mounting assembly to make sure it’s secure and stable.
Finally, it’s important to regularly check the disposal’s electrical connections to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If you notice any issues with the electrical connections, it’s important to call a professional to have them repaired.
Troubleshooting and Repairs
Identifying Common Issues
Before attempting to fix your garbage disposal, it is important to identify the issue. Here are some common problems and their possible causes:
- Garbage disposal won’t turn on: This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a faulty switch.
- Garbage disposal is clogged: This is often caused by putting the wrong type of food down the disposal or overloading it.
- Garbage disposal is leaking: This could be due to a damaged seal or a loose connection.
Step-by-Step Repair Guide
If you have identified the issue with your garbage disposal, follow these steps to fix it:
- Turn off the power: Before attempting any repairs, turn off the power to the garbage disposal by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Check for clogs: If your garbage disposal is clogged, use tongs or pliers to remove any debris. Never put your hand down the disposal.
- Reset the disposal: If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, try resetting it by pressing the reset button located on the bottom of the unit.
- Check the wiring: If your garbage disposal still won’t turn on, check the wiring to make sure it is properly connected.
- Replace the switch: If the wiring is fine, the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced.
- Replace the seal: If your garbage disposal is leaking, the seal may be damaged and need to be replaced.
When to Call a Professional
If you are not comfortable attempting to fix your garbage disposal or if you have tried to fix it and it still isn’t working, it may be time to call a professional. A licensed plumber or electrician can diagnose and repair any issues with your garbage disposal safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not operating?
If your garbage disposal is humming but not operating, it is likely that the blades are jammed. To fix this issue, turn off the power to the disposal unit and use a special wrench or an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades. Once the blades are free, turn on the power and try running the disposal again.
How do I reset my garbage disposal unit?
If your garbage disposal is not working at all, it may have tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse. To reset the unit, locate the red reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it. If the unit still doesn’t work, check the circuit breaker or fuse box.
What should I do if my garbage disposal is jammed?
If your garbage disposal is jammed, turn off the power to the unit and use pliers or tongs to remove any visible debris from the disposal. You can also use a special wrench or an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades and remove any jammed debris. Once the jam is cleared, turn on the power and try running the disposal again.
How can I remove metal objects that are stuck in my garbage disposal?
If a metal object, such as a spoon or fork, is stuck in your garbage disposal, turn off the power to the unit and use pliers or tongs to carefully remove the object. Do not use your hands to remove the object, as it could cause injury.
What routine maintenance should be performed on a garbage disposal?
To keep your garbage disposal in good working order, run cold water while using the disposal and avoid overloading it with food waste. You can also clean the disposal by grinding ice cubes and citrus peels in the unit.
What steps can I take to improve the performance of my garbage disposal?
To improve the performance of your garbage disposal, avoid putting hard or fibrous materials, such as bones or celery, into the unit. You can also sharpen the blades by grinding ice cubes in the disposal and keep the unit clean by running dish soap and cold water through it regularly.
