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Garbage Disposal Repairs
Can you make your own garbage disposal repairs? Without the disposal you wind up throwing food waste in the trash. This often results in some foul smells. The odors can have far reaching impact on your ability to enjoy life. How much nicer it is when we can grind it up and have the run down the drain.
A garbage disposal is both a mechanical and an electrical device. Therefore, you can have problems with both aspects. With garbage disposals, power and quality are issues. Poor quality units may not grind things up fine enough and can get clogged up easier.
Don't despair, garbage disposal repairs are within your grasp. You won't even have to sign up for night classes. In fact you will find some the repairs pretty easy to do.
Garbage Disposal Repair - Information
What Can You Save?
Assuming that the garbage disposal is not broken you will be faced with a service call, $50 to $75. If the serviceman tells you that your unit is at death's door and just happens to have a new one in his truck, you could be looking at a couple of hundred dollars.
How Hard Could It Be?
Replacing the disposal with a new unit would be the hardest job. Most other garbage disposal repairs are possible for the average home owner.
Check the Simple Things!
The garbage disposal is plugged in. Check the GFCI and the breaker first. Make sure it has power. There is also a reset button on the bottom. It will kick off when the unit jams. Wait a half an hour and try the reset, assuming you have the jam freed up (see below).
What Can Go Wrong?
A thoroughly clogged garbage disposal can mean a sink full of dirty water. Take precautions for dealing with the water. Rags and pails are a must. Never stick your hand in the unit. Make sure the power is off before working on it. You can get hurt from this device. Getting the unit or drain dismantled and not getting it together will render the sink unusable. Not a great way to please the family.
Electrical Problems
Dealing with garbage disposal electrical problems are usually related to a jammed garbage disposal. There is generally a loud electrical noise, like a motor binding when this is the case.
Did the garbage disposal jam? Now it won't do anything? It is likely that the safety feature on the motor tripped the reset. There is a button on the unit, usually on the bottomed that will need to be pushed. You will usually have to wait several minutes to a half an hour before the button will hold.
You need to free up the jam before you try to run the unit again, see the link below for instructions. After freeing up the jam, you can push the reset button. Let the unit cool off first.
WARNING!! Make Sure the Power is OFF!!! BEFORE You Work on Electrical Devices!!!
Garbage disposal electrical problems may also include tripped breakers and GFCI protection.
If you have lost power for no apparent reason you will want to check the GFCI at the plug for the unit or one nearby (plugs that follow a GFCI receptacle are also protected). Has it tripped? Reset it and try the garbage disposal again. Still no power, check the breaker, reset it as needed.
Still won't work? Try plugging something else into the receptacle or checking it with a tester. With the unit cool and power to the receptacle it should run. If not it may need replacing, see the article below on replacing a garbage disposal for more information. Hopefully your garbage disposal repairs were fairly simple and you can move on to more fulfilling pursuits.
Stuck Objects
Removing objects from a disposal may be needed when the disposal can't grind them up. As a rule you're careful. Once in a while something gets in the disposal that it can't handle.
Silverware, coins or other metal objects are quite popular. The noise usually sets off the alarm and you know you got a problem. Other things like plastic bags and bones may not be as loud but are just as annoying.
Unless the handle of a fork is obviously sticking up out of the opening you want to make sure the power is off. Always shut the power off before attempting any garbage disposal repairs.
With the power off try to take the rubber strainer out. Take a look and see if you can identify the object. You may need a flashlight.
With tongs or a pair of pliers get a hold of the object and remove it. Check again and make sure you got it all. Satisfied everything is clear? Put the stainer back in and turn the power on. Try it and see if it runs quietly again. Yes? Great, you have completed your garbage disposal repairs, at least for now.
WARNING!! Never Put Your Fingers Inside the Garbage Disposal!!!
Jammed Garbage Disposal
Fixing a jammed garbage disposal is a common problem. Most of the time it is not too difficult to correct.
When you turn the switch on to get that loud electrical sound and no action from the disposal? Shut the switch off quickly, you don't want to burn up the motor. Something has gotten into the unit that it cannot handle. Now it has jammed.
For complete coverage of this topic, see the article 'Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal'. This series of articles discusses the methods that can be used to free up a jammed disposal. It also covers the tools you will need, one of them should have come with your disposal.
Dealing with garbage disposal repairs of this kind are just one click away. Follow the above link to read more information on this subject.
Summary
Whatever you faced, we hope that is over now. Your garbage disposal repairs are complete and new horizons have opened up to you. At the very minimum you are free to move onto other repair projects in your home.
Smelly Garbage Disposal
Do you have a 'Stinky Garbage Disposal? Don't feel bad, it is a common problem. What is better is that you can fix the problem without too much trouble.
The kitchen is where the food is prepared and having foul odors is the last thing we want. There are things that can be done to prevent odors and smells, most of them very simple. There are other things that can be done once odors have developed.
Why we get garbage disposal odor is not much of a mystery. The garbage disposal performs a less than glamorous task. Grinding up unwanted food and kitchen waste. It is effective at getting rid of these items, but there is a dark side.
When food rots, it smells. Food that gets left over inside of the disposal is going to rot and eventually smell. Proper usage and periodic maintenance will likely eliminate the problems. You don't have to live with foul smells.
A Stinky Garbage Disposal - The Issues
What Can You Save? - This is not something that you would normally call someone for. If you did, it would likely be a service call, between $50 and $75. The odor can be a bother, fortunately there are easy ways to take care of it.
How Hard Could It Be? - dealing with a stinky garbage disposal is not a hard job at all. These repairs will have a Difficulty Level of: Simple. These repairs require a Skill Level of: Total Novice. For and explanation of the terms in this section, see 'How to Use This Site'.
Check the Simple Things! - This is already a fairly simple problem. See the information below for the best practices in dealing with this unwanted odors. For other garbage disposal issues, see 'Repairing a Garbage Disposal', for more information.
What Can Go Wrong? - Not dealing with this problem in a timely way can lead to deeply entrenched odors. When this happens they will be harder to get rid of. Nothing worse than going to prepare a meal and you have a bad smell in the kitchen.
Causes of Garbage Disposal Odor
The cause of garbage disposal odor should not be a mystery. The purpose of a disposal gives it away.
Rotting food smells and bad smells from the disposal mean rotten food. The garbage disposal grinds up food waste. Odors come from food waste that has not been washed down the drain.
It may seem like good economic sense to shut off the water as soon as the food is ground up. However, this may leave food on the sides of the disposal that later begin to rot.
The rubber baffle is another place that food waste can collect, especially the under side of it. The water does not rinse it and the grinding action of the disposal throws bits of food up onto it that stick to the baffle.
In addition, the garbage disposal has other nooks and crannies that food can stick to. When these bits and pieces of food start to rot, you get odor.
The amount of food and the length of time will affect how much odor. Make it a practice to run water after the food is ground up. See the section below on proper garbage disposal maintenance.
Commercial Cleaners
If a 'commercial garbage disposal cleaner' does not appeal to you, there are other options. One would be to clean the garbage disposal manually with old fashioned soap and water.
This an effective but low tech method. Before you begin make sure that power to the disposal is off. Don't just trust the switch, unplug it or shut the breaker off.
You will need a stiff brush with a long handle and a smaller brush to clean the rubber baffle. An old tooth brush will work for the smaller brush. Mix some dish detergent with warm water and scrub the inside of the disposal thoroughly with the long handled brush. Make sure the sides of the disposal are cleaned thoroughly. Try to get the brush up under the rim and scrub that area as well.
Many garbage disposals have a fixed baffle that cannot be removed. Flip back the rubber and scrub the underside with the small brush. Continue pulling up the baffle until you have the entire underside cleaned.
Scrub the grinding cutters and bottom plate with the long handled brush. Try to move it around and get the perimeter completely cleaned. The cutters move around so make sure they are clean. This method requires a little elbow grease to accomplish. You have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing a thorough job.
After you are done with the brush, plug the disposal back in. Run first warm water and then cold water through it with the disposal running. Repeat the process if you are still getting odor.
Scrubbing a Garbage Disposal
If a 'commercial garbage disposal cleaner' does not appeal to you, there are other options. One would be to clean the garbage disposal manually with old fashioned soap and water.
This an effective but low tech method. Before you begin make sure that power to the disposal is off. Don't just trust the switch, unplug it or shut the breaker off.
You will need a stiff brush with a long handle and a smaller brush to clean the rubber baffle. An old tooth brush will work for the smaller brush. Mix some dish detergent with warm water and scrub the inside of the disposal thoroughly with the long handled brush. Make sure the sides of the disposal are cleaned thoroughly. Try to get the brush up under the rim and scrub that area as well.
Many garbage disposals have a fixed baffle that cannot be removed. Flip back the rubber and scrub the underside with the small brush. Continue pulling up the baffle until you have the entire underside cleaned.
Scrub the grinding cutters and bottom plate with the long handled brush. Try to move it around and get the perimeter completely cleaned. The cutters move around so make sure they are clean. This method requires a little elbow grease to accomplish. You have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing a thorough job.
After you are done with the brush, plug the disposal back in. Run first warm water and then cold water through it with the disposal running. Repeat the process if you are still getting odor.
Home Remedies for a Stinky Garbage Disposal
This article covers a couple of home remedies for removing garbage disposal odors, stink and smells. Neither of these costs much and will work if the odors are not too severe.
Do not use bleach or bleach based products to get rid of odor. Your disposal has several rubber seals that may be damaged by the bleach.
Bleach can also react with other chemicals and create dangerous fumes. Other methods are just as effective and not as dangerous.
Lemons and Ice
One popular method for eliminating odor is to cut a lemon into quarters and put them in the disposal along with a couple of big handfuls of ice. Grind up the ice and lemons for several seconds and then let set.
Run the disposal with warm water to finish grinding up the lemons and ice. Run plenty of water down the disposal. Repeat this process as needed or every few weeks to keep your disposal lemony fresh. This will prevent you from having a stinky garbage disposal in the future.
Oxy Clean
Another thing to try, would be using a oxygen based cleaner like Oxy Clean. This cleaner is fairly safe and bio degradable.
With a little water it will produce a foam that will also kill odors. Another suggestion is to dump excess water with Oxy Clean in it down your disposal. Make this a habit and your odor problems will be reduced.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
One other home remedy is to use a liberal amount of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. This is natural odor killing solution. Allow it to foam up and stand in your garbage disposal for 15 - 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly while running the disposal. Repeat this process as needed until the odor is gone.
Using Commercial Cleaners
There are several commercial garbage disposal cleaners available. They all claim to solve all your odor and cleaning problems.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Garbage disposal maintenance does not need to sound ominous. Caution with certain material and a lot of water are mostly all that is needed.
I had a disposal that would clog every time you put a lot of raw vegetable material in it. The fibers would bind up into a tight ball inside the drain. The obvious solution would be to throw material like that away. Or to grind it up slowly with a lot of water.
Run plenty of water down your disposal. This will help to wash away food particles that can later decay. Let the water run after all of the food has been ground up. You can also pull the rubber strainer out and rinse the disposal out with the spray attachment on your faucet.
Plenty of water and some occasional disinfectant and your disposal will always smell sweet.
Stinky Garbage Disposal – Summary
In this article we covered the main cause fro a stinky garbage disposal, decaying food. We also talked about some things you can do without spending a lot of money to rid yourself of the smell.
We covered some methods for removing the smell and provided a link to an article on giving your disposal a professional cleaning. Lastly, we talked about some preventative maintenance and good practices that you can do on a regular basis.
How To Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
What could be worse than a garbage disposal clog. The idea behind a kitchen sink is to keep the dishes clean. A clogged sink works against that. The other part of the problem is that you probably put a lot of food waste in it before you knew it was clogged. Could be a little messy. You have the skills to fix it, don't despair.
For related information see the articles 'Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems' and 'Sink Drain Plumbing Problems'.
What can you do to solve this problem? Take a look at the evaluations and the steps below for guidance. See if this is something you want to try and fix yourself. In the last step there are some guidelines for avoiding a clog in the future.
Before you proceed you will need to determine where and what your problem is. Is the disposal jammed? Is it the disposal drain or the sink drain that is clogged? The information below has everything you need to take care of a garbage disposal clog.
Fixing a Garbage Disposal Clog - Information
What Can You Save?
Unclogging a garbage disposal should be a service call. Around $50 to $75. Of course if the technician just finished his up selling course he may try to convince of the wisdom in replacing the unit. Could be upwards of two hundred dollars if he is successful.
How Hard Could It Be?
Most of the time you have to take the drain apart to get the clog out. This is a little more challenging than just using a plunger.
Check the Simple Things!
Is the unit running? Or is the power off? Check the plug, GFCI and breaker in that order. A jammed unit may not drain. Make sure the unit is turning freely before you tear the drain apart.
What Can Go Wrong?
A sink full of dirty water could wind up all over the floor. Have a pail ready if you take the drain apart. Taking apart the drain will render the sink unusable, so make sure you are in a position to get it back together.
Troubleshooting Disposal Clogs
You begin troubleshooting disposal clogs by a process of elimination. There is just a short section between your disposal and the sink drain. Yes certain types of food waste can clog this location. See below for narrowing down your problem.
You can get a garbage disposal clog in two ways. One you get a clog in the unit itself. This is usually taken care of when you turn the unit on. Try that first, run the disposal and see if the water goes down. Yes, boy that was easy. No? I know you probably already thought of running the unit. It just runs and the water doesn't go anywhere. You definitely have a clog.
Is the garbage disposal jammed? Are you getting that loud electrical sound when you turn the switch on? Yes, well you have a different problem. Go to the article 'Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal', to find out about this problem. Once you free up the motor the water will likely drain down.
The next question you have to answer is whether the water is backed up in both sinks? Yes, this means that the sink drain is clogged and not the garbage disposal. Go to the article 'Fixing a Clogged Sink Drain', for the correct information. The problem is similar, but at a different location in the drain.
Is it only the sink that has the disposal attached? Yes, then the problem is probably between the disposal outlet and the tee in the drain where the two sink drains connect together. Your garbage disposal has clogged the drain. See the information below for the instructions on dealing with this problem.
WARNING!! Keep Your Fingers Out of the Disposal!!! Turn the Power Off Before Working On It!!! WARNING!!!
Plunging a Garbage Disposal
Plunging a garbage disposal is usually not a good idea. For a clog in the drain that won't go away when the unit is turned on, you cannot generate enough pressure.
Plungers work by creating pressure against the clog. Since the disposal has blades and a turntable in the way it tends to diffuse the pressure created by the plunger. Either that or garbage disposal clogs are harder to free up than other clogs. The plunger is certainly worth a try, since it is easier than the alternative.
A word of caution here. It is possible to blow the fittings on the drain apart with a plunger. If that happens you will have a mess on your hands. Clean the area out under the sink and have a pail in place under the drain. Keep some rags handy for any splashing that may occur.
Make sure you have enough water in the sink to cover the base of the plunger. Make sure the plunger is seated and then push down quickly and firmly. Give it a several good tries to see if you can break the clog free. It worked? Great, you have taken care of your garbage disposal clog. No? Bummer, go to Step Three for further instructions.
Checking the Disposal Drain
Checking a disposal drain is the first place to look for a clog. There is a tailpiece that is attached to the disposal and a waste arm that connects it to the sink drain. This short section of pipe is where the problem will be.
Before you do anything you will need to examine your sink drain. Is it white or black plastic? Yes, that is good news from a repair point of view. The plastic is easier to work with. Is it brass or chrome metal? Yes, not so good.
For a sink drain that is metal you will need to examine it to see how bad of shape it is in. Does is look corroded? Does it look like it will fall apart when you touch it? Yes? You probably need to think about replacing some or all of the drain parts. Don't get too upset, they are not that expensive.
Make a list of what you think you need. If you go to a home supply store you may find kits that deal with your situation. A word of caution. The kits always seem to be short a nut and washer. Buy a couple extra ones at the same time. For a drain that is not exposed to view plastic is the way to go.
For more information on working with sink drains you want to see the article 'Sink Drain Plumbing'. This article will give you tips and tricks for cutting, tightening and checking your drains.
Make sure the power is turned off to the disposal before you work on it. With a pair of adjustable pliers you want to loosen the nuts on the tailpiece for the disposal.
The tailpiece may be attached to the disposal via a plate that has screws holding it in place. Loosen the screws. make sure you have a pail under the drain to catch the water. Loosen the fittings enough to let the water drain out. Let it drain completely before proceeding.
After the water has drained out you should be able to remove the tail piece and the pipe that leads to the tee. Do you see the clog? Take a stick and clean out the clog. Into the trash is a likely choice. With the clog removed you can put the drain back together. Install the existing or new pieces as required. Tighten the fittings snugly and then try the disposal. Run water down it gingerly until you are sure it is draining correctly.
The disposal is running and the water is going down? Great, you are done fixing this garbage disposal clog. Checking a disposal drain did not turn out to be that difficult.
Maintenance
Garbage disposal maintenance does not need to sound ominous. Caution with certain material and a lot of water are mostly all that is needed.
I had a disposal that would clog every time you put a lot of raw vegetable material in it. The fibers would bind up into a tight ball inside the drain. The obvious solution would be to throw material like that away. Or to grind it up slowly with a lot of water.
Any material that you know will give your disposal trouble should be fed in slowly with a lot of water. The more water the better. Let the water run for several seconds after the disposal is done grinding. This will help to flush out the pipes after each use.
Newer heavy duty units have two stage grinding capabilities and are less prone to clogging. They grind the food up finer, so that it flushes through drain better. Replacing you garbage disposal is an option but usually not a necessity.
Summary
Hopefully you were able to take care of your problem in a half an hour or so. Maybe you had to buy a few parts. Not too expensive I hope. You may have been among the fortunate few that succeeded with a plunger. I never could get a plunger to work. I just gave up after a while.Worst case is that you took a look at your disposal and decided that it was beyond hope. Even replacing a garbage disposal is not that hard. With your garbage disposal clog gone you can now move on to other rewarding pursuits.