A malfunctioning trash disposal may cause a significant amount of trouble in the kitchen. It has the potential to throw off your normal routine and leave you with a sink full of discarded food items. Even while hiring a licensed plumber is always an option, you may not have the luxury of waiting for them to arrive if the situation is an emergency.
Even if you’re in a rush, we’ll walk you through the process of fixing a damaged trash disposal yourself, step by step, in this post. Note, however, that if you are unsure how to do the activity or if it requires working with electricity, it is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional.
Materials you’ll need
Step-by-Step Process to Fix a Broken Garbage Disposal
Step 1: Precaution is the Primary Priority
It’s important to take these safety measures before beginning any kind of repair work:
- Turn off the garbage disposal: Find the power button for the garbage disposal and flip it to the off position.
- Unplug the disposal unit: Turn off the power to the device to prevent electrocution. While you’re working on it, it won’t go off by mistake.
Step 2: Check for Obstructions
Clogged trash disposal is a common cause of damaged disposals. If you want to get rid of any obstacles, use these methods:
- Use a flashlight to inspect the disposal: First, you should inspect the area for any obviously offending foods or products. If a foreign item is visible, you should use needle-nose pliers to delicately extract it.
- Locate the reset button: The reset button for trash disposal is often found on the base of the appliance. If the disposal stops operating, a hard press on the button may get it going again.
Step 3: Manually Rotate the Disposal
The blades of the trash disposal may be manually rotated to free a clogged unit. Just do what I say:
A little hex-shaped hole may be found below the disposal unit. Try turning the hole back and forth with an Allen wrench or hex key. Any stuck parts should be unlocked by this action.
Step 4: Clear out Buildup and Odor
Faulty trash disposal might be the result of gross accumulation or lingering smells. If you want to give it a new spin, try this:
- Drop some baking soda down the drain. A large quantity of baking soda should be poured down the disposal drain.
- To that, we recommend adding a cup of vinegar. There will be a bubbling reaction caused by the combination, which will aid in the removal of smells and the breakdown of residue.
- Just wait 15 minutes for the baking soda and vinegar to start doing their magic.
- Finally, flush the system by running hot water down the drain for a few minutes to remove any lingering residue and wash away the cleaning solution.
Step 5: Test the Garbage Disposal
- After you’ve finished the preceding procedures, you should test the trash disposal to make sure it’s functioning properly. Just do what I say:
- Power up the garbage disposal by reconnecting it to the wall socket or turning it back on.
- Turn on the tap and allow a constant stream of cold water to enter the garbage disposal (also known as “running water”).
- To turn on the trash disposal, either flick the switch or push the button.
- Pay attention to maintaining the status quo. There shouldn’t be any unusual sounds or vibrations when the disposal begins to operate. If it does, then your broken trash disposal has been rectified.
Conclusion
In a pinch, you may save both time and money by repairing your malfunctioning trash disposal on your own. Follow the advice in this article to fix common problems and restore normal operation to your disposal.
Keep in mind that professional assistance may be required for more complicated electrical or mechanical problems than can be handled by a do-it-yourselfer.
Frequently Ask Questions
Can I fix a broken garbage disposal myself?
If your trash disposal stops working, you may repair it yourself by following the article’s detailed instructions. A professional should be consulted, though, if you feel uneasy about the job at hand or if it includes electrical work.
What materials do I need to fix a broken garbage disposal?
You will need a flashlight, rubber gloves, baking soda, vinegar, an Allen wrench or hex key, and needle-nose pliers to repair damaged trash disposal.
How do I ensure my safety while fixing a broken garbage disposal?
Before doing anything else, make sure the trash disposal is turned off and unplugged from the wall. Taking these measures will keep it from going off while you’re working on it.
What should I do if there is an obstruction in the garbage disposal?
Use a flashlight to check for trash disposal obstructions. Carefully remove any foreign item using needle-nose pliers. Most trash disposals include a bottom reset button. Reset the disposal by pressing it hard.
How can I manually rotate the disposal to clear a jam?
Find the disposal’s hex-shaped hole there. Try turning the hole back and forth with an Allen wrench or hex key. Any stuck parts should be unlocked by this action.
What can I do to clear out the buildup and eliminate odors in the garbage disposal?
Baking soda and a cup of vinegar may be used to deodorize and remove buildup from a garbage disposal. After 15 minutes, flush the mixture with hot water to remove any remaining ingredients.
