Before we delve into how to repair a garbage disposal, we must first find out the major problems that these apparatus do suffer from time to time. Below are them:
- Not working and no noise
At times, the disposal may not turn on or generate the humming sound. This may indicate an electrical fault that typically prevents the appliance from generating the current. You may have to call in a trained and qualified electrical expert to help you with the issue’s identification and solution.
- Jammed
If the unit turns on yes, but does not generate the torque and instead only hums, you may indicate that the flywheel contained in it is jammed. In this sense, the appliance’s reset button may pop up or trip faster than is naturally expected to be the case.
- Disposal grinds poorly
This refers to a situation in which the appliance powers on and actually grinds the contents. However, it does not yield smoother and finer grinding outcomes that are generally yearned for. This may signify broken blades or some clogs in between the blades. That of course, may require some overhaul of the blades.
- Clogged and not draining
It occurs when the wastewater won’t sink in the drainage or plumbing system of the home. That may, for a large part, signify plumbing rather than a garbage disposal problem. If and when the water stands in the sink for too long, that may cause foul stench to arise and the attendant contaminations.
- Leaking
Garbage disposal leaking is often characterized by the passage of fluids in the plumbing mechanism, and this one tends to soil the areas underneath this piece of plumbing equipment. If left unattended for a longer duration, the result may often be a foul stench, poor hygiene, and the possible contaminations of the spaces affected.
- Drains slowly
Closely related to the clogging, this one is characterized by the wastewater taking too long to seep out into the plumbing system. It is largely caused by the over-accumulation of the food wastes, drying, hardening of the same within the plumbing system, or placement of larger chunks of waste disposal.
- Overheating
In some instances, the unit does generate too much heat; beyond the accepted thresholds. This may usually be a pointer to some faults in the electrical systems of the garbage disposal. Like the case of not working at all above, you may yet again have to bring in a trained expert to help out.
- Power problems
The garbage disposal relies on a large part of the electrical energy to operate. Thus, any fault or issue with the electrical systems does impede the smooth working of the disposal. In most cases, it is the power supply unit that malfunctions and makes it impossible for the gadget to power up.
- Weird noises
Ever turned the system on and heard some weird noises? This could signify that the system has jammed or that some of the moving parts have sustained irreversible damages. Try out to check whether anything could have got in between the flywheel and eliminate it.
- Foul odors
The emergence of foul odor is a common problem with these garbage disposals. For a large part, this problem arises mainly due to the dirt that hardens and settles in the plumbing system. To remedy it, you may have to pour some hot water and use vinegar to dissolve it.
- Excess smoke
Though rare, the garbage disposal may also often generate some smoke in discharging its duties. A faulty or defective garbage motor is the one that causes this issue to arise. You may want to examine the circuit to look out for any signs of short-circuiting.
- Dead garbage disposal
Garbage disposal is considered ‘dead’ if it just won’t respond to any prompt or switches. If and when this issue arises, many factors or dangers may converge. These include the short circuit, failing motor, or faulty connectivity at the same time. An extensive examination of the disposal may be necessary to remedy this issue.