How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals can greatly facilitate cleaning up after dinners, a contemporary convenience. These devices chop food refuse into tiny bits so a Sewer system can pass it. Garbage disposals are typically dependable, but occasionally they may have issues. Fortunately, many of these problems can be fixed without the help of a plumbing expert. This guide will provide an overview of the most common garbage disposal problems and how to fix them.

What Is a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal is a device that is installed under a kitchen sink and is designed to break up food waste into small pieces so that it can be easily removed through the plumbing system. The device usually consists of a motorized unit that is mounted on the underside of the sink drain and a cutting mechanism that is connected to the motor.

When food waste is placed in the sink and turned on, the motor spins the cutting mechanism at high speed, breaking the waste into small particles that can be washed away. Garbage disposals are commonly used in homes and commercial kitchens to help reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills, as well as to help keep sinks and drains free of food debris.

How Does Garbage Disposal Work?

A garbage disposal is a culinary device with electrical power mounted below a sink. Food that refuses to travel through the plumbing system is made to shred into tiny fragments. When the trash disposal is switched on, food scraps are forced against a fixed grind ring by a rotating plate or impeller, which uses pointed blades to chop the scraps into tiny fragments.

After that, water is used to discharge the ground-up refuse down the sink. Garbage disposals typically need cool water flowing while in use, and they shouldn’t be used to discard non-food items or items that aren’t biodegradable, like glass, plastic, or metal.

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How to Fix Garbage Disposal?

Before we dive into the different problems and their solutions, it’s important to review safety precautions when working with garbage disposals. First and foremost, never put your hand or any other object into the disposal while it is running or plugged in. Turn off the power supply to the garbage disposal by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker that controls it.

Always wear gloves and safety goggles when working with garbage disposal. Safety should always be a top priority when working with any electrical appliance, and garbage disposals are no exception.

Problem 1 – Garbage Disposal Is Not Working

The first thing to verify if your garbage disposal isn’t functioning is whether it is getting electricity. Verify the circuit breaker is not triggered and that the garbage disposal is connected. The garbage disposal could be blocked if it gets electricity but is still not operating. To clear the jam, you will need to spin the blades physically.

Verify that the power source is off first. The blades can then be turned in both directions by finding the hex tool (often included with the garbage disposal). Any obstacles that are creating the jam should become looser as a result. Turn the electricity back on after you’ve rotated the blades a few times to check the garbage disposal’s functionality.

If the garbage disposal is still not operating, there might be a motor issue. For fixes in this situation, it is recommended to contact a licensed plumber.

Problem 2 – Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

With garbage disposals, leaks are a frequent issue. If you observe water or other substances leaking from your garbage disposal, you should address the problem immediately. Loose or broken connectors, worn gaskets, or fractures in the disposal can cause leaks.

Begin by inspecting all the joints to ensure they are tight and safe. Tighten the connections or repair any damaged components if you detect any leaks. If the issue continues, it may be a problem with the gaskets. In this situation, dismantle the garbage disposal and replace the worn-out seals. If you detect any fractures in the disposal, they must be changed.

Problem 3 – Garbage Disposal Is Making Strange Noises

Strange noises from your garbage disposal are typically the result of different objects becoming trapped in the disposal or worn-out or damaged blades. If you hear rattling or grinding, a strange item has most likely become stuck in the disposal. In this situation, switch off the electricity and extract the item with pliers or tongs. Never use your hand to remove any object from your garbage disposal.

If the blades become old or broken, you must replace them. Replacement blades are available at most supply shops and online. Hiring a plumber is best if you need to be more positive about changing the blades.

Problem 4 – Garbage Disposal Is Smelling Bad

If your garbage disposal smells bad, it’s probably because of food particles and other detritus accumulation. Fortunately, this is a simple matter to resolve.
First, switch off the garbage disposal’s electricity source. Then, using a scrub brush, baking soda, and vinegar combination, clear the inside of the disposal.

Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the garbage disposal. Allow the combination to settle for a few minutes before cleaning the inside of the disposal with the scrub brush. Turn the electricity back on and stream water to remove residual residue after cleaning. Try sliding lemon or lime rinds through the disposal to freshen the fragrance.

Problem 5 – Garbage Disposal Is Slow to Drain

A clog in the sewer system is most likely to blame for a slow garbage disposal discharge. An accumulation of food pieces, oil, or other debris may be the reason.
First, switch off the garbage disposal’s electricity source. Then, attempt to remove the obstruction using a tool. Cover the overflow drain with a damp cloth to stop air from leaving. If the plunger doesn’t clear the obstruction, you should use a plumbing tool.

Also, dump boiling water down the sink to clear any blockages. Breaking up any blockages with vinegar and baking powder is a different choice. After pouring a cup of vinegar down the sink, add a cup of baking soda. Before flushing the pipe with hot water, let the combination rest for a while.

Conclusion:-

Garbage disposals are a beneficial appliance that can make kitchen cleanup much simpler. However, as with any other appliance, they can occasionally experience problems. In this guide, we’ve covered how to repair some of the most common garbage disposal issues. Always observe safety precautions when working with garbage disposal and disconnect the power source before attempting repairs. If you are still trying to figure out how to solve a problem, consult a professional plumber.

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