Beyond Bending Tell You How
If you have a garbage disposal, you know how convenient it can be. But when it gets stuck, it can be quite frustrating. Luckily, fixing a stuck garbage disposal is not too difficult. Here are some steps you can follow to fix a stuck garbage disposal:
Step 1: Turn off the Power
The first thing you need to do is turn off the power to the garbage disposal. You can do this by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it. This is important to prevent any accidents while working on the disposal.
Step 2: Identify the Problem
The next step is to identify the problem with your garbage disposal. There are usually two common reasons why a garbage disposal gets stuck: something is jammed in it or the motor has overheated and shut off. You need to figure out which of these is the problem before you can fix it.
Step 3: Check for Jammed Objects
If something is jammed in your garbage disposal, you need to remove it. Start by using a flashlight to look inside the disposal. Never put your hand inside the disposal! Use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove any objects that are stuck.
Step 4: Use the Wrench
If there are no visible objects jamming the disposal, you can use the wrench that came with the disposal to manually turn the blades. Insert the wrench into the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth until the blades move freely.
Step 5: Reset the Motor
If the motor has overheated and shut off, you can reset it by pressing the reset button. This button is usually located on the bottom of the disposal. Press it and then turn the disposal back on to see if it works.
Step 6: Check the Flywheel
If the disposal still doesn’t work, you may have a problem with the flywheel. The flywheel is the part of the disposal that the blades are attached to. If it is stuck, you may need to manually turn it using a hex key or wrench.
Step 7: Clean the Disposal
Once you have fixed the problem, it’s a good idea to clean the garbage disposal. You can do this by pouring some dish soap and cold water down the disposal while it is running. This will help to remove any buildup and keep the disposal running smoothly.
Step 8: Prevent Future Problems
To prevent future problems with your garbage disposal, there are a few things you can do. First, never put any hard or fibrous materials down the disposal. This includes things like bones, fruit pits, and celery. Second, run cold water while using the disposal. This will help to flush any debris through the pipes. Finally, use the disposal regularly to keep it from rusting or corroding.
Conclusion
A stuck garbage disposal can be frustrating, but it’s usually not too difficult to fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to get your garbage disposal up and running again in no time.
