Know About Garbage Disposal’s Repair Solutions and Don’t Let Your Garbage Disposal Bring You Down

Garbage Disposal Repair in Bucks County PA

A garbage disposal can be very useful in a kitchen, but only if it works properly. When it stops working, it can lead to a host of other problems in the home. Luckily, there are some simple steps that you can take to get it running again. Start with making sure it is plugged in and that the switch is in the on position. It’s also a good idea to check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped.

If your disposal is plugged in and the switch is turned on, but it still isn’t turning on or making any noise, the flywheel inside might be jammed. The first step is to turn off the power and make sure that it is safe to work on. Most units come with a wrench that is used to manually rotate the inner mechanism. To use this, lay down on the ground beneath the unit and insert the wrench into the hex-shaped manual flywheel rotation opening located at the bottom of the disposal. Once the flywheel is dislodged, you should be able to hear and feel it move freely and you can then remove any object that may be blocking it.

Garbage Disposal Installation in Bucks County PA

Another common problem is the disposal draining slowly, which is usually caused by the same type of clogs that can slow any sink drain. These clogs are often due to fats, oils and grease, which should never be put down any drain or into your garbage disposal because they will congeal and cause a clog elsewhere in the plumbing system. If this is the case, a local plumber in Bucks County PA will need to be called in.

Leaking is another common disposal problem that can be difficult to fix without the help of a professional. A leak between the disposal flange and sink opening typically indicates that a new gasket is needed. It’s also possible that a new seal is needed on the discharge tube or dishwasher nipple, depending on where the leak is occurring.

Garbage Disposal Replacement in Bucks County PA

It is also important to regularly clean your disposal. Pouring a few ice cubes and some vinegar into the disposal every two or three weeks will help clean it and remove any build-up of food waste that is causing an unpleasant odor. Once or twice a month, freeze some vinegar in ice cube trays and toss them into the disposal while it’s running to sanitize and sharpen the blades. A natural way to eliminate stubborn odors is to pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of borax down the disposal (such as Twenty-Mule Team Borax found in the laundry aisle at the supermarket). This will both clean and sanitize the drain and kill any bacteria that might be growing there. You can also purchase a disposal cleaning kit that contains all the tools you need to clean and sanitize your disposal. This kit is usually available at hardware stores.