How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal
You do not have to call in an expert whenever your garbage disposal stops working. Sometimes, all it takes is a few simple steps to fix and maintain your unit. Learn simple techniques to help get it back up and running quickly and safely. Follow these steps for a successful repair and keep your garbage disposal in top shape.
However, if you do not feel up to the task, it may be best to call the experienced professionals at Downey Plumbing. Our technicians are licensed and highly trained to handle any repair job. You can trust us to diagnose and repair the issue quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your kitchen.
Diagnose The Problem
The first step in fixing your garbage disposal is figuring out why it is not working. Check for a power source and ensure the switch is on. If there is no power, check for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Check The Power Supply
The very first thing to do is to check the power supply. If there is no power, you will have to check if the appliance is plugged in. While this may seem like an obvious step, it is still worth checking. Also, make sure that the switch near the sink is on and that it has not been tripped by a surge or something else. If the garbage disposal is plugged in and the switch is on, move on to the next step.
Check The Breaker or Fuse Box
Next, check your breaker box or fuse box for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. If either has been tripped or blown, reset the switch and check the disposal to see if it is running again. If this does not work, you may need an electrician to look at the appliance. If it does work then it may be that too many outlets are connected to the same circuit. When this is the case, then too many appliances were probably running at the same time and caused a surge or something else to trip the breaker. In order to prevent the existing circuit from overloading and causing issues with the garbage disposal, it is recommended that you hire an electrician to install one or more additional circuits.
Check The Reset Button
If you cannot find the issue with the power supply, check for a reset button on the disposal. It is usually located near the bottom of the unit and should be marked as “reset”. If there is one, then press it to see if it will reset and start working again. If this does not work, then it may be time to call a repair professional.
Check For Obstructions And Leaks
Once you have checked that there is power going to the garbage disposal, check for any obstructions in the unit. Garbage disposals can become jammed if too much food is put down them at once or if hard objects like bones are put in them. If the blades are blocked, turn off the power and use a plumber’s snake or an Allen wrench to try and clear the obstruction. Also, check for any leaks in the sink and around the garbage disposal. If you find any, tighten the nuts until they stop leaking.
Rotate The Flywheel And Impellers
If the above steps have not fixed the problem, then there may be an issue with the flywheel and impellers. Turn off the power supply and check to ensure that they are rotating freely. If they are stuck or jammed, then you can use a hex wrench or a pair of needle-nose pliers to try and fix it. You can also try to spin the flywheel and impellers manually.
At the bottom exterior of the garbage disposal, there is a small recess designed to receive a ¼-inch hex-head wrench. Place the garbage disposal key or wrench into the recess and firmly twist it back and forth to rotate the flywheel and impellers, effectively freeing any jammed item.
Contact a Professional
If none of these steps have fixed the problem, then it may be time to contact a professional. They will be able to inspect the unit and determine what the issue is, as well as advise you on the best course of action. At Downey Plumbing, our professionals can diagnose and repair any garbage disposal issues quickly and safely.
With these simple steps in mind, you can keep your garbage disposal in good working order with minimal effort. If at any time you feel that you are in over your head, contact Downey Plumbing and let our experienced professionals take care of it. You can trust us to get the job done right the first time. Contact us today for a quote or to schedule an appointment!
Contact Downey Plumbing Today to Get Your Garbage Disposal Up And Running
At Downey Plumbing, our experienced technicians are able to diagnose and repair any problems you may have with your garbage disposal. Our team is highly trained and committed to providing the best service possible. Contact us today at 562-646-1221 for an efficient and reliable repair job.
