The garbage disposal has quickly become an expected appliance within the home. Effective garbage disposal significantly cuts back on the amount of waste piling up in the trash. With proper use, a modern garbage disposal can also prevent unnecessary drain clogs. But what happens when your garbage disposal isn’t working? The good news is garbage disposal repair usually doesn’t require a service technician. Here are 4 areas of concern that just might be the culprit.
Hudson Plumbing provides expert-level garbage disposal maintenance around Morgan County. For garbage disposal replacements or repairs, call Hudson Plumbing at765-349-0900.
My Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
One of the most common problems homeowners experience with their garbage disposal is that it simply isn’t turning on. It might seem funny, but first, verify the device is even plugged in.
If it is in fact plugged into the outlet, but it’s still not working, go ahead and unplug it now before moving on to the next troubleshooting method. This will eliminate any chance of shock. Now locate the reset button on the bottom of the disposal. If the button juts outward, it means the disposal has been tripped. If resetting the device doesn’t work, it may indicate that the circuit breaker has tripped. If this is the case, reset the lever in your home’s circuit breaker.
If neither solution returns power to your garbage disposal, it could be a problem with the wiring. Watch this video below to learn how to rewire the control switch:
My Garbage Disposal Is Humming
Garbage disposal humming is a common issue, and it’s usually a simple fix. If your garbage disposal is humming, chances are a foreign object is wedged in the disposal. Humming occurs when an item is preventing the blades from rotating properly. Remove power to the garbage disposal and examine the blades. Remove the object. Run hot water down the drain and turn the disposal on. The humming noise should have disappeared. Alternatively, you can use the wrench that came with the garbage disposal to turn the hex nut located on the bottom of the appliance. This will manually rotate the blades.
My Garbage Disposal Is Leaking
Is your garbage disposal leaking? This is perhaps the most common problem that arises when owning a garbage disposal. Over time, as you use your garbage disposal, the constant vibration can loosen the mounting mechanism that seals the device to the sink drain. To repair your leaking garbage disposal, remove the power to the appliance. The next step is to remove the disposal from its mounting flange by turning it counter-clockwise from the bottom. According to Mr. Garbage Disposal, “Loosen the mounting bolts and push the sink flange above the surface of the sink.” Apply a new bead of plumber’s putty between the flange and sink. Reverse your steps to properly secure the garbage disposal. If you discover it’s leaking out of the casing, the disposal needs replaced.
My Garbage Disposal Is Clogged
If your sink is draining slowly, it’s most likely because of an old-fashioned clog. Check for clogs by removing the p-trap and clearing any obstructions. If the p-trap is clear, the obstruction will likely need to be forced out with the help of a sink auger. To prevent unnecessary damage to your drains, consult with a professional plumber near you before embarking on the task yourself.
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