Beyond Bending Tell You How
Garbage disposals are great for keeping your kitchen clean and free of food scraps. However, they can break down over time and cause a lot of frustration. If you’re having trouble with your garbage disposal, don’t worry! This article will guide you through the process of fixing it yourself. With a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, you can get your garbage disposal back up and running in no time.
Step 1: Turn Off Power
The first step in fixing your garbage disposal is to turn off the power. You don’t want to risk electrocution while working on your disposal. Locate the circuit breaker that controls your garbage disposal and turn it off. If you’re not sure which breaker controls your disposal, turn off the main power switch to be safe.
Step 2: Locate the Problem
The next step is to locate the problem with your garbage disposal. Common problems include clogs, jammed blades, and electrical issues. If your disposal is making a humming noise but not grinding, there may be a jam. If there is no noise at all, it may be an electrical issue. If water is not draining, there may be a clog.
Step 3: Remove Debris
If you have a jammed disposal, the first thing you should do is remove any debris that may be causing the jam. Use tongs or pliers to remove any large objects that you can see. You can also use a flashlight to get a better look inside the disposal.
Step 4: Use the Allen Wrench
Most garbage disposals come with an Allen wrench that can be used to manually turn the blades. Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth to loosen any jammed debris. Once the blades are free, turn the power back on and test the disposal.
Step 5: Reset the Disposal
If your disposal is not making any noise at all, it may have tripped a circuit breaker. Look for a small red button on the bottom of the disposal and press it to reset the unit. Turn the power back on and test the disposal.
Step 6: Check for Clogs
If water is not draining from your sink, there may be a clog in the disposal or the drain pipe. Use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog. You can also try using a drain snake to remove any blockages.
Step 7: Clean the Disposal
Over time, food scraps and debris can build up inside your garbage disposal, causing odors and clogs. To clean your disposal, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Step 8: Sharpen the Blades
If your garbage disposal is not grinding food properly, the blades may be dull. Use a special garbage disposal wrench or pliers to turn the blades back and forth to sharpen them. You can also try grinding ice cubes or citrus peels to sharpen the blades.
Step 9: Replace the Disposal
If your garbage disposal is old or damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it. This is a job best left to a professional plumber, but if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, make sure to turn off the power and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Conclusion
Fixing your own garbage disposal may seem intimidating, but with a little know-how and some basic tools, it can be a simple and rewarding task. By following these steps, you can save money on costly repairs and keep your kitchen clean and functioning properly.
