What do I really need to know about my garbage disposal?
There are many “tips” that circulate regarding your disposal. Eggshells help strengthen the blades, lemon peels make it smell good etc. etc. The 3 things you really need to know are, ALWAYS keep COLD water running when putting anything down your disposal. This helps to prevent oil and other residue build-up that can create issues. The smaller the pieces going down into your disposal the better. Bigger items can create parts to break or become jammed. NEVER, put coffee grounds down into your disposal. They will most definitely create a blockage and create major issues.
A garbage disposal is really not one of those things that you think about repairing or replacing. They usually last 10-12 years, depending on the quality of the disposal and the maintenance it receives. It’s not readily visible, so it’s often forgotten about. Although a garbage disposal may be a minor problem in comparison to other plumbing problems, it can prove to be inconvenient and a hassle. So you wonder what do I do? Is it necessary to call a plumber for my garbage disposal? Can I fix it myself?
Often times you can do a little troubleshooting on your own and remedy the issue at hand. Other times you will need to call a plumbing professional to come out and see if there are repairs that can be done to fix the problem, or tell you if it’s time for a brand new garbage disposal.
Let us walk you through a little troubleshooting. Hopefully the problem was an easy fix and the good ol’ disposal is back at doing it’s job. If not, a call to a licensed plumbing professional may be in order. If you live in Arizona, give Cure All Plumbing a call. We are your local Tempe plumbers that are qualified, highly rated and professional. We will help to find the solution.
Your garbage disposal won’t turn on. It may just need to be reset. If it overheated or tripped, press the red button under the disposal to reset.
Make sure nothing is caught in the disposal (kitchen rags, silverware, etc.) Sometimes items that get caught in the disposal can prevent it from working. Turn disposal off and then check inside the hole and carefully remove anything that may be caught.
If an item jammed the disposal, use a hex key and work it back and forth underneath the disposal in the flywheel hole. The tool should be under your sink with the disposal. If not, find an correct size allen (hex key) wrench (about 1/4″) and go to work.
Check your breaker. Your circuit breaker may have tripped and need to be reset. Make sure this is not the case.
None of these fixes work? If you are still having trouble, give us a call. We offer affordable garbage disposal fixes and installation. We will make sure that all has been done prior to suggesting the installation of a new garbage disposal. We are your trusted Gilbert Plumbers!