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How to Fix a Stuck Garbage Disposal?

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worker is showing how to fix garbage disposal

A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient appliances in your kitchen, making it easier to manage food waste and maintain a clean environment. However, like all machinery, garbage disposals can experience issues from time to time. One common problem is a stuck or jammed garbage disposal. Knowing how to fix a stuck garbage disposal can save you time and money, as well as the inconvenience of calling a professional every time something goes wrong.

Understanding the Problem

A stuck garbage disposal usually means that something is lodged in the grinding chamber, preventing the blades from rotating. This can be caused by a variety of substances, such as fibrous vegetables, bones, or even utensils, that mistakenly find their way into the disposal. Before diving into how to fix garbage disposal issues, it’s crucial to first understand the tool and what could possibly go wrong.

Safety First

Before attempting any repairs on your garbage disposal, ensure the unit is completely turned off. Safety should always be your priority.

  1. Turn Off the Power: Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker panel. Never rely simply on the switch on the wall.
  2. Double-Check: Confirm that the power is off by flicking the switch on and off before you start working.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you roll up your sleeves, gather the necessary tools:

– Allen wrench (usually comes with the garbage disposal)

– Flashlight

– Tongue-and-groove pliers

– A wooden dowel or a broom handle

Step-by-Step Guide

 

Step 1: Use an Allen Wrench

Most garbage disposals have a hex slot at the bottom that allows you to manually rotate the impellers.

  1. Locate the Hex Slot: Usually, this is found at the bottom center of the unit.
  2. Insert the Allen Wrench: Insert a ΒΌ-inch Allen wrench into the slot.
  3. Rotate Counter-Clockwise: Turn the wrench counter-clockwise for a few turns, then clockwise. This back-and-forth movement can help dislodge the item causing the jam.
  4. Test the Disposal: Once you feel the blades turning freely, restore power to the unit and test it to see if it’s working.

Step 2: Manual Removal

If using the Allen wrench doesn’t dislodge the object, you might need to manually remove it.

  1. Disconnect the Power Completely: Double-check that the power is off.
  2. Use a Flashlight: Shine a flashlight down into the disposal to locate the obstruction.
  3. Use Pliers or Dowels: Use tongue-and-groove pliers to extract the item or a wooden dowel to push it free. Never use your hand to remove any object.
  4. Rotate the Blades: Once the obstruction is removed, rotate the blades using the mentioned Allen wrench technique to ensure they move freely.
  5. Test the Unit: Restore power and test the disposal.

Step 3: Reset the Unit

Sometimes, even after manual intervention, the unit may still not work. This could be due to an internal circuit breaker tripping.

  1. Locate the Reset Button: Generally found at the bottom of the disposal unit.
  2. Press the Reset Button: You should feel or hear a click once pressed.
  3. Test the Unit: Restore power and check if the disposal is functioning.

Preventing Future Problems

To ensure your garbage disposal operates smoothly for years to come, consider these preventive tips:

  1. Avoid Hard Substances: Never put bones, fruit pits, or hard shells into the disposal.
  2. Watch What You Grind: Avoid fibrous food like celery, corn husks, and onion skins that can wrap around the blades.
  3. Run Cold Water: Always use cold water when operating the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease, making it easier to chop up.
  4. Regular Maintenance: Monthly maintenance using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can keep your disposal clean.
  5. Run Disposal Frequently: Regular use prevents rust and corrosion, ensures all parts keep moving, and prevents obstructions from accumulating.

When to Call a Professional

While most minor jams can be fixed with the tools and techniques mentioned above, some problems might require a professional touch. If you experience persistent issues or your unit frequently jams despite following preventive measures, it might be time to call the experts.

Common Signs You Need a Professional:

  1. Frequent Jamming: If your disposal jams frequently, even when used correctly.
  2. Persistent Odors: Unpleasant odors that won’t go away even after thorough cleaning.
  3. Leaks: Water pooling under your sink is an obvious sign of a leak.
  4. Strange Noises: Unusual noises louder than the typical operational sound might indicate an internal issue.

Schedule Service Today

Knowing how to fix a stuck garbage disposal can be a lifesaver in maintaining an efficient and functional kitchen. With this knowledge, you can confidently tackle minor jams and prevent future issues through proper usage and maintenance. However, knowing when to call a professional is equally essential.

If you’re ever in doubt or face persistent issues, don’t hesitate to contact PlumbSmart. From air conditioners to heaters, drains to water heaters, and ducts to garbage disposals, we offer reliable and comprehensive plumbing and AC services in Mesa, AZ, and Valley-wide. Call us today and let the experts at PlumbSmart take care of all your plumbing and AC needs!