Do you have a garbage disposal that isn’t working? If so, you’re in luck! I recently had the same problem myself and thankfully was able to fix it without needing to call in a professional. In this article, I’m going to share with you my experience and what I did so that you can save time and money by fixing your own garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals are an essential part of every kitchen, but when they stop working it can be a huge inconvenience. It’s usually not something we think about until it stops working, and then we want it fixed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many people assume that they need to call in a professional plumber to get the job done. However, this isn’t necessarily true! With some simple troubleshooting tips and a few tools, you may be able to fix your garbage disposal yourself.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience of how I fixed my garbage disposal myself. I’m also going to give you some helpful tips on troubleshooting common garbage disposal problems and provide step-by-step instructions on how to repair your unit yourself if needed. So let’s get started!
Troubleshoot The Garbage Disposal
Time to don your handyman hat and get to work! First things first, it’s time to troubleshoot the garbage disposal. The age-old adage “when in doubt, check the power source” comes into play here – start by making sure that it is plugged in and that its circuit breaker has not been tripped. If this doesn’t do the trick, then you’ll need to take a look inside.
Since these units come in two main types – batch feed and continuous feed – each requires a slightly different approach. With batch feed systems, turn off the power at the breaker before attempting any repairs; with continuous feed systems, simply unplug or shut off the switch under the sink. Now we’ve got our safety gloves on and are ready to roll!
Let’s begin by checking for any obstructions near the blades of your unit. If you find something lodged in there, use pliers or tongs to remove it carefully. Also check for corrosion or hard water residue buildup around the blades – if so, clean them with a small scrub brush and white vinegar solution. And make sure that all components are tightly secured and there are no cracks in any of the pieces as well.
All set? Plug or switch back on and give it a test run! If you hear grinding noises or a humming sound without any action taking place, then you may need to reset your disposal unit by pushing its reset button located at its base or underneath (depending on type). And if all else fails, call in an expert plumber who can inspect your unit further and suggest solutions accordingly.
Check The Power Source
Have you checked the power source yet? If your garbage disposal won’t start, it could be a problem with the power. Let’s take a look at how to check if the power source is working.
First things first, make sure that the electrical outlet is securely connected and in good condition. Look for any signs of damage or an indication that it may be loose. You also want to inspect the wall switch if you have one. It should also be securely attached and in good condition.
Next, check for tripped breakers or blown fuses by resetting them or replacing the fuses as necessary. Here are some other steps you can follow: • Check if there is a reset button on the garbage disposal unit • Inspect the wiring from the wall switch to make sure it’s still secure • Look for any corroded wires leading from the unit to the outlet box • Examine for any loose connections between the unit and wall switch
If none of these steps have solved your issue, then you may need to unclog your garbage disposal before proceeding.
Unclog The Garbage Disposal
Now that the power source has been checked, it’s time to unclog the garbage disposal. It’s not uncommon for a sink to get clogged up with food particles, dirt, and other debris. To tackle this issue, you’ll need some simple tools and supplies: rubber gloves, pliers, and a flashlight.
Start by putting on your rubber gloves and using your flashlight to look inside the garbage disposal. If there’s anything stuck in there, like a bone or vegetable peelings, use a pair of pliers to carefully remove it. You can also try using a plunger or an auger to help dislodge any clogs that are farther down into the drainpipe.
Once you’ve cleared out any debris, run cold water through the disposal for several minutes while turning on the electric switch. This should help clear away any remaining bits of food or dirt that may have been causing a blockage. If everything is still working correctly after this step, then your garbage disposal should be back up and running again!
Reset The Garbage Disposal
Resetting a garbage disposal isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. It’s a simple fix that can often solve the issue of your garbage disposal not working. Here’s how to do it with ease, just like any handyman would:
First, make sure you’re prepared for the task. Get a flashlight, pliers and an Allen wrench ready. Then, take the flashlight and inspect the bottom of the unit to see if there are any obstructions or jams. Once you’ve done that, move on to the next step: resetting the garbage disposal.
It’s time to get down and dirty! Reach in with your pliers and find the small round button located at the very bottom of your garbage disposal unit – this is where you’ll reset it. Using your Allen wrench, press down on this button until you hear a click that signals that it’s been successfully reset. Finally, take out your flashlight again and check if everything is clear inside before turning it back on.
If all goes well, you should now be able to use your garbage disposal again without any hiccups! So go ahead and give it a try – if everything is good to go then move onto inspecting the impellers for any wear-and-tear or blockages that may have caused your issue in the first place…
Inspect The Impellers
So, you thought resetting the garbage disposal was tough? Oh, boy, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Inspecting the impellers is a whole different ball game! Yes indeed, this is where we take our handyman skills to the next level.
First up, let’s make sure we got the right tools for the job. You’ll need a flashlight and screwdriver for starters. Now, open up the unit and locate the impeller blades – they look like little fan blades on an axle. Take your flashlight and give it a thorough inspection – make sure there’s no debris or buildup around them that could be blocking their movement.
If everything looks good in there but it still isn’t working properly, then it’s time to take a closer look at those blades themselves. See if any of them are bent or broken. If so, then it might be time to replace them entirely – you can find replacement impellers at most hardware stores.
Time to move onto the next step: inspecting the flywheel…
Inspect The Flywheel
Now it is time to inspect the flywheel. This component of the garbage disposal is located near the bottom of the unit and helps to move the blades. If this wheel does not spin freely, then it could indicate an issue with the disposal. To check for a problem, you should remove any debris from around the wheel and spin it with your fingers.
If you find that it will not turn at all or if it turns but makes a grinding sound, then there may be something stuck inside. In this case, you should disconnect power to the disposal and use a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any foreign objects that are blocking it.
After removing debris, you should check to see if the flywheel spins freely again. If it does not, then you may need to replace the entire disposal unit. TIP: Make sure that when checking for a problem with your garbage disposal’s flywheel, you never attempt to solve it while power is still connected as doing so may result in electrical shock or injury!
Replace The Disposal
If you have inspected the flywheel, and it seems to be functioning properly, then it might be time to consider replacing the disposal. This is a more difficult task than simply fixing the problem, but it can still be done.
Replacing a garbage disposal is not for the faint of heart; there are a few steps involved in the process that require some handyman know-how. First off, make sure to unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before starting any work. Then, turn off water supply valves and disconnect all pipes connected to the disposal unit. Once this is done, loosen mounting assemblies with wrenches and remove existing disposal unit from sink opening.
Next up, install new disposal unit by connecting tailpiece tube and dishwasher connection pipe to bottom of new disposer before mounting it onto sink flange and tightening mounting screws. Finally, reattach power cord to wall outlet and turn on water supply valves. With those steps completed, your new garbage disposal should be ready for use!
Clear The Disposal Jam
Is your garbage disposal jammed? Don’t worry, there’s still hope! With a few simple tricks, you can get it running again in no time.
First, make sure the power to the disposal is off. Then, reach down into the disposal and try turning the impellers by hand. If that doesn’t work, use a broomstick to try and loosen any blockage or jam in your unit. If you’re still not having any luck, it may be time to break out the Allen wrench.
Unscrew the screws on the bottom of your unit and remove the plate covering its interior. You’ll see a hex-shaped hole at its center – this is where you insert an Allen wrench and turn counterclockwise until resistance is felt. This will clear any debris built up inside the unit and your garbage disposal should be good as new!
Check The Drain Line
Right after tackling the disposal jam, it’s time to move on to the drain line. If the clog is happening in the drain line, then it won’t matter how much you unclog your disposal. So make sure that’s checked off the list before moving on.
You’ll need a few tools for this one: a flashlight, a pair of pliers, and a flathead screwdriver. Start by checking for any visible blockages with your flashlight and then use the pliers to remove any debris that might be stuck in there. Lastly, use the flathead screwdriver to loosen up any gunk that may have accumulated over time.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber or plumbing service as they’ll be better equipped to handle tougher cases like this one. But if you stay on top of maintenance and regularly check for build-up or blockages, you should be able to troubleshoot most problems yourself! With that being said, let’s move onto checking out the dishwasher connection.
Check The Dishwasher Connection
If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. You’ve already identified the problem, now you need to take action to fix it. To get your garbage disposal running like a champ again, the tenth step is to check the dishwasher connection. Here’s how:
• First, make sure the electricity is off and you’re ready to work safely. • Next, locate where your dishwasher hose connects to the disposal unit and disconnect it. • Inspect the hose for any blockages that could be stopping water from reaching the drain. • Finally, reattach the hose and turn on the power – if everything is in good working order, you should hear water start flowing through!
Now that you’ve checked all connections, it’s time to do some clean up. A clogged or dirty garbage disposal can cause issues with draining – so taking some time to get in there and give it a good scrubbing can help prevent future problems from happening.
Clean The Garbage Disposal
Who would’ve thought that cleaning your garbage disposal could be the cure-all for all your problems? Well, it just might be! Believe it or not, this simple step can often be the solution to getting your appliance back up and running.
It’s easy to overlook this one but it’s worth taking a few minutes to give your disposal some TLC. Start by removing anything that may be blocking the drain and then take a look at the blades. If they’re looking dull or gunked up, you can use a bottle brush to clean them off.
After that, fill the sink with warm water and add some dish soap. Allow the disposal to run for about a minute before turning off the switch. This will help flush out any debris or excess food particles that have been stuck inside. And voila – you should now have a fully functioning garbage disposal again! No need for costly repairs or replacements; just a bit of elbow grease will do the trick!
With your newly cleaned disposal ready to go, it’s time to move onto replacing the splash guard – another seemingly small step that can make a big difference in how well your appliance works.
Replace The Splashes Guard
Now that you’re done cleaning the garbage disposal, it’s time to replace the splash guard. Don’t worry, this part is easy! First, make sure there’s no power running to your disposal. If it’s still plugged in, unplug it or shut off the circuit breaker. Then locate the ring underneath the sink and unscrew it with a wrench. Once that’s out of the way, remove the old splash guard by gently pulling on it with your hands. Now, take a new splashes guard and insert it into the opening where you just removed your old one from. You’ll want to make sure it fits snugly in place so that nothing can get inside your disposal and clog up your drains. Finally, secure the new splash guard by screwing back on the ring underneath your sink with a wrench. And you’re all set!
Re-Install The Disposal
Now that the splash guard is in place, it’s time to re-install the garbage disposal. Depending on the type of garbage disposal you have, this step may require some special tools. First, make sure to turn off the circuit breaker before proceeding any further. Then, lower the garbage disposal into place and begin to secure it by tightening the mounting ring with a wrench. After that, connect the disposal to the mounting assembly using a screwdriver.
Finally, you’ll need to connect both hot and cold water lines from your sink plumbing to the garbage disposal. Make sure each connection is secure with a wrench or pliers before testing it out. Once all connections are in place, you’re ready to move on and see if your efforts were successful!
Test The Garbage Disposal
Once you’ve re-installed the garbage disposal, it’s time to test it out. Testing a garbage disposal is like taking a car for a spin: you want to make sure everything is running smoothly before you take it for a long drive. To test your garbage disposal, first turn on the cold water tap and reset the power switch. Then reach in with a wooden spoon or similar utensil and press against the blades to see if they are turning properly. If they’re not, then double check that all hoses and connections are secure and tight.
If everything looks good and the blades are spinning freely, you can give it a try with some food waste. Start by pouring in some cold water before adding small pieces of food scraps one at a time. Once all of your food scraps have been processed, let the water run for another minute or two just to ensure that everything has been ground up properly.
Now that your garbage disposal is up and running again, you’ll want to keep an eye on it going forward. Check periodically to make sure everything is still connected securely and that there are no leaks around the base of the sink or in any of the hoses leading from the unit itself. Regular maintenance will help keep your disposal working optimally for years to come!
Maintenance Tips For Your Garbage Disposal
Oh boy, maintenance tips for your garbage disposal? It’s like a never-ending chore! But don’t worry, I’m here to help make it easier.
First off, let me give you this amazing list of 3 must-do maintenance tips:
- Make sure to regularly clean out the inside of your garbage disposal with a brush or an old toothbrush.
- On a weekly basis, pour some ice cubes and rock salt down the drain to get rid of any stuck-on food particles in there.
- Once a month, flush half a gallon of hot water down the drain to really clean it out and make sure everything is working properly.
Now that you’re all set up with these simple maintenance steps, you’ll be able to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come. And hey – if anything does happen to go wrong again – no worries! You’ve got the skills now to fix it up yourself without any hassle.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed the steps in this article and still haven’t been able to get your garbage disposal up and running, then it’s time to call a professional for help. A handyman can assess the issue and advise you on the best course of action to take. It may require replacing some parts, or the entire unit itself.
In the meantime, don’t forget about maintenance! Regularly cleaning out your garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar can help keep it running smoothly. Also, check for any leaks or rust spots around the unit and fix them as soon as possible to avoid any further damage or costly repairs down the line.
The bottom line is that taking care of your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some basic understanding of how it works and these simple steps, you can easily troubleshoot most common issues yourself. Now, you’re probably wondering: “Can I handle other projects around my house in a similar fashion?” The answer is yes – all it takes is the right knowledge and tools!