Having a sink disposal in your kitchen is an excellent way to manage food scraps and keep your kitchen clean. However, when your sink disposal breaks down, it can be frustrating to deal with. Luckily, fixing a sink disposal is not as complicated as it seems. In this article, we will explain how to fix sink disposal in easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
The first step in fixing a sink disposal is to turn off the power. You can do this by unplugging the disposal or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it. This step is crucial to avoid any accidents when working on the disposal.
Step 2: Check for Clogs
If your sink disposal is not working correctly, it may be due to clogs. You can check for clogs by looking down the disposal with a flashlight. If you see any food scraps or debris, use tongs or pliers to remove them. Be careful not to put your hands down the disposal to avoid injuries.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
If your sink disposal stops working suddenly, it may be due to an overload. Most disposals have a reset button located at the bottom. Press the reset button to restart the disposal. If this doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Use an Allen Wrench
If your sink disposal is making a humming noise but not working, it may be due to a jam. Most disposals come with an Allen wrench that you can use to unjam it. Insert the Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth until it moves freely. If the disposal still doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
Step 5: Replace the Disposal
If none of the above steps worked, it may be time to replace the disposal. You can do this by following these steps:
- Turn off the power to the disposal.
- Disconnect the drain and plumbing connections.
- Remove the mounting assembly and the old disposal.
- Install the new disposal by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reconnect the drain and plumbing connections.
- Turn on the power to the disposal.
Conclusion
Fixing a sink disposal may seem daunting, but with these easy-to-follow steps, you can do it yourself. Remember to turn off the power before working on the disposal and be careful not to put your hands down it. If you are not comfortable fixing the disposal yourself, call a professional plumber. A functioning sink disposal is essential for keeping your kitchen clean and efficient.