Garbage Disposals and Problems It Can Have

When you have a garbage disposal in your home, it is important to understand that there are various problems that it can have. Some of these include clogged or jammed, odors, and a humming sound. In order to learn how to repair these, you must know the cause of the problem and what you can do to fix it. 

odors 

If you have a garbage disposal, you probably want to keep it smelling fresh and clean. Odors are a nuisance and may even lead to clogged drains. There are several techniques you can use to ensure your disposal stays in top shape. 

For starters, you should make sure you clean the rubber flap. This should be done regularly to prevent a foul odor from accumulating. You can do this by using a stiff nylon brush or an all-purpose kitchen cleaner. 

You should also keep an eye out for rotting food. Not only does this contribute to an odor, it can produce mold. When mold forms, unhealthy spores are produced that can be harmful to your health. 

clogged 

If you have a clogged garbage disposal, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. Before you start, it’s important to know why your disposal has a clog. This will help you prevent the problem from happening again. 

One of the main reasons that a garbage disposal becomes clogged is because it doesn’t break down food properly. Some of the most problematic foods are grease, fats, fibrous vegetables, and eggshells. 

The best way to prevent a clog is to never put food scraps in the garbage disposal. It is also possible that you don’t use enough water when you run the device. 

won’t turn on 

If you have a garbage disposal that won’t turn on, it is important to know what to do to fix the problem. First you need to make sure it is plugged in properly. You may also have to reset it. 

A common reason why a garbage disposal doesn’t work is because of a tripped electrical circuit breaker. However, there are other reasons for a faulty disposal. It’s a good idea to take a look at the electrical panel to check out the circuit breaker. 

Sometimes the easiest way to solve the problem is to unplug the unit and restart it. This eliminates the possibility of being shocked by the appliance and is a quick and easy solution. 

humming sound

If you hear a humming sound when you use your garbage disposal, it could be a sign of a problem. This noise is caused by either a foreign object, electrical problem or overheating. Depending on the source of the problem, resetting your unit may be all that is needed to fix the issue. 

First, you should check the power switch for your disposal. Most units will have a reset button on the base. 

Next, you should test the unit for overheating. Overheating could cause the GFCI outlet to trip, leaving you without power. To prevent this from happening, unplug your unit from the electrical source. 

jammed 

If your garbage disposal is jammed, there are some steps you can take to fix it. However, you should remember that you shouldn’t attempt to work on your disposal with the power on. 

You can try turning the circuit breaker off. You can also use a voltage tester to test the outlet. This is a quick and easy way to tell if the electrical problem is related to your garbage disposal. 

You should also remove any foreign objects from the garbage disposal. Items like paper, foil, sponge, and fabric don’t cut well on the impeller blades. They can block the drain pipe and prevent other items from going down the drain. 

don’t put fats, oils, or grease down the drain 

Fats, oils, and grease are a big cause of clogged sewers. They can also be hazardous to your plumbing system and the environment. The following tips can help you avoid these problems. 

To start, never flush fats, oils, or grease down the drain. Instead, place them in a sealed container. Alternatively, you can mix the fats, oil, or grease with absorbent materials such as coffee grounds. After soaking them, dispose of the liquid in a trash receptacle. 

Besides causing clogged drains, fats, oils, and grease are also a major source of sanitary sewer overflows. These overflows can damage local waterways and cause a mess for you. If you find yourself in need of a plumber in Melbourne, go online and look for reputable plumbing companies to assist. Sometimes trying everything will not fix the problem without professional equipment.