Whether you’re having trouble unclogging the garbage disposal or you haven’t been able to find a way to repair your garbage disposal, you’re not alone. This is a common problem and there are some tips to help you get your garbage disposal running again.
Troubleshoot a clog
Having a clogged garbage disposal is a real problem. It can cause nasty odors and even lead to damaged unit. Fortunately, clogs can be repaired with a few simple tools and tips. But it’s always best to contact a plumber if you can’t fix the problem yourself.
There are several reasons why garbage disposals get clogged. Some common culprits include chicken bones, eggshells, and avocado pits. Other clogs are caused by not flushing water down the drain properly.
One of the best ways to troubleshoot a clog in your garbage disposal is to use the plunger. This will force the clog past the kitchen sink drain. It’s important to make sure the plunger is completely covering the drain hole. You may need to push the plunger in until there is no water left in the sink.
You can also use a sink auger to clear out any obstructions. If you do not have a sink auger, you can clear the clog using a pair of long-handled tongs.
Unclog a jam
Getting a jam in your garbage disposal can be a frustrating experience. Luckily, there are steps you can take to unclog your garbage disposal. This will help prevent a clog in the future.
First, you’ll want to unplug your garbage disposal. This ensures safety while you’re working on it. After that, you’ll want to reset the reset button on the unit. This is usually located on the underside of the unit. The reset button is usually red and makes a clicking sound when pushed.
Second, you’ll want to run cold water down the drain for a couple minutes. This will flush any loose debris through the drain system. You’ll also want to clear the clog using a sink auger or plunger. This will help loosen clogs, but you should avoid using your hands when working on the disposal.
Third, you’ll want to clear the drain trap. The drain trap is a U-shaped fitting located downstream of the disposal’s discharge pipe. This trap collects debris and is usually full of water.
Repair a broken disposal
Trying to repair a broken garbage disposal yourself might not be as difficult as you think. In many cases, the trouble can be fixed in minutes. The problem might be in the wiring, the motor, or the disposal itself.
To start fixing a broken garbage disposal yourself, you should first unplug the appliance. If the problem is caused by a leak, you should tighten up the connections on the plumbing. If the problem is caused by a wiring issue, you might need to change a switch.
The best way to find out if the problem is caused by a plumbing leak is to check the drain line. If water is standing in the sink, you’ll know that the drain line is clogged. You can use a broom stick to clear up any clogs. If the broom doesn’t work, you can use a large Allen wrench to remove a clog.
If the clog is caused by a foreign object, you’ll need to remove it. You can use a broomstick or a pair of pliers to do the job.
Troubleshoot a humming sound
Several reasons can cause your garbage disposal to make a humming sound. In some cases, the humming can be caused by a clogged motor. If this is the case, you should try to clear out the clog.
If your garbage disposal makes a humming sound but does not turn, it could be a problem with the circuit breaker. If this is the case, you will need to reset the circuit breaker. This can be done by pressing the reset button, located on the bottom of the unit.
Another cause of humming is a tripped ground fault circuit (GFI). A tripped GFI will cause your garbage disposal to not receive enough power. If this is the case, you can fix the humming sound by pressing the reset button again.
Another problem can be the failure of the capacitor. If this is the case, you should contact a professional to repair the garbage disposal. You can also use a voltage tester to determine the problem. This will allow you to find out the problem more easily.