Diagnosing & Fixing Garbage Disposal Problems*
Nothing gets in the way of a clean kitchen more than a garbage disposal
that's not working well. Problems usually involve jams or clogs and occasionally
leaks. According to the appliance experts at American Home Shield the best way to ensure solid service from your disposal
is to run cold water as you dispose of garbage and for one minute afterward.
Disposals vary, so consult your owner's manual for specific operating
guidelines.
Safety Tips
When dealing with your garbage disposal, please follow these safety tips:
- If dismantling the disposal or working on electrical connections,
shut off power at the main disconnect.
- Never put your hand in the disposal. Use pliers or tongs to remove an object.
- Never pour a chemical drain cleaner into your disposal.
- Never put glass, metal or rubber in your disposal.
- Disposals vary, so consult your owner's manual.
Helpful hints for common problems:
Jams
- If your disposal makes a loud whirling noise or stops, it has jammed.
Turn it off and wait five minutes. Then firmly press the reset button
on the bottom of the motor housing. (Machines without buttons reset
automatically.)
- Still not working? See if it's designed to be unjammed from below.
It may have a small crank or a socket for an Allen wrench to turn the
flywheel. Or it may have a reversing switch. Lacking these, angle a
broom handle against an impeller blade and work the blade back and forth
until the jam dislodges. Then press the reset button.
Clogs
- To cure a clog, disassemble the trap and use a snake.
Leaks
- Water dripping from the disposal usually indicates one or more seals
are worn and need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems
| Problem |
Possible solutions |
| The motor doesn't turn on. |
- If there's no power, check the fuse box/circuit breaker. If
the disposal is plugged into a wall outlet, check the outlet.
- Could be a defective on/off switch. On continuous feed models,
check the wall switch. On batch-feed models, check the stopper switch.
- Check for a tripped overload protector switch. If the flywheel
is jammed, free it. Then, push the reset button.
- Could be a defective motor. In this case, the unit must be replaced.
|
| The motor hums, but the unit does not grind. |
- Check for a jammed flywheel.
- The motor bearings could be frozen. You'll probably have to
buy a new unit.
|
| Your disposal continuously blows a fuse. |
- You may have too many appliances plugged into a circuit. Install
a 15-amp circuit just for the disposal.
|
| Your disposal won't stop. |
- Could be a defective on/off switch.
|
| Your disposal drains slowly. |
- It may not be getting enough water. Run more cold water when using the disposal.
- Could be a clogged drain. Don't use harsh chemical agents. Flush
with hot water to remove a grease clog, then remove the drainpipe
and clear it.
- If the disposal isn't grinding finely enough, replace a dull
shredder ring or any broken flyweights.
|
| Your disposal makes an unusual amount of noise. |
- Check for metallic object in the unit. Inspect the unit and
fish out the object with tongs or forceps.
- Could be loose mounting screws. Tighten the mounting screws.
- If the flyweight is broken, tighten the drain flanges or replace the drain gasket.
- The motor could be defective. The unit must be replaced.
|
| Your disposal is leaking. |
- If the sink connection is loose, tighten the flanges holding
the gaskets or replace the gaskets.
- Check for loose drain connections, then tighten the drain flanges
or replace the drain gasket.
- Finally, it could be a damaged housing gasket. Replace the gasket.
|
To learn about the benefits of a home warranty plan, schedule an appointment with the experts at American Home Shield.
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience
level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to
your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact
a professional. Every home, home appliance and system are different as
are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced
above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems.
American Home Shield
can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions
taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
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