When your garbage disposal fails, there are a several things you can do before resorting to calling a professional plumbing contractor.
1. Is there a reset button?
There is usually a reset button on the bottom of a disposal unit. Press that and see if you have solved your problem.
2. Is it jammed?
Disposals often come supplied with a hex wrench to use in freeing a jam. The socket will be on the bottom of the unit. Try to move it back and forth to free up that jam.
3. Is the power on?
Check switches, breakers, and fuses to be sure the power is getting to the disposal. If your unit is plugged into a socket under the sink, as is often the case, you might test with a small appliance to be sure the socket is live.
4. Is it leaking?
Locate the leak. If the leak is in the plumbing, fix it if you can, or call in the plumber. But a leaking disposal unit may mean a problem that will require the disposal to be replaced. Often that is the most economical choice, rather than getting into the inner workings of the unit.
5. Do you have a broken blade?
If your disposal turns freely but doesn’t process the garbage, then you likely have a broken blade problem. That is another case where replacement is the more economical choice.
The household garbage disposal is normally a long lasting fixture. When properly installed and used according to directions, they often last ten years or even longer. But eventually you may face the bad disposal problem and need to call the contractor to get yourself a new garbage disposal installed.
Norwalk/La Mirada, CA 91766 | (562) 219-4085
