Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting | Plumber Arlington

Proper care and use will maintain the performance of your garbage disposal, ensuring it will provide reliable service for some years to come. Unfortunately, like any other mechanical device, eventually the disposal will require repair or replacement. When your garbage disposal malfunctions, help is only a phone call away from a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington. Check out the following garbage disposal troubleshooting guide before you call a plumber in Arlington.

The Disposal Doesn’t Run

If your garbage disposal won’t run check out the following:

1. If the disposal isn’t hard wired ensure it is plugged in. If this isn’t the problem, go to the next step.
2. Check to see if the reset button is popped out. The reset button is typically located on the bottom of the appliance. In some models it may be on the front or the side. Push the button in and turn the disposal on. If it still won’t run go to the next step. If the reset button continues to trip there is an additional problem requiring the services of a plumber in Arlington.
3. Check the breaker for the disposal in the home’s electrical panel. If the breaker is off, turn it on and check for operation. If the breaker continues to trip there is an additional problem. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for repair.
4. Locate the flywheel turning hole, which is typically on the bottom of the appliance. Use a service wrench (usually included with the disposal at purchase), to check whether it will turn freely. Turning the flywheel manually can free it when it becomes jammed, after clearing the jam. Once the jam is cleared, press the reset button to enable the appliance to restart. If you don’t have the service wrench, use an Allen wrench or other appropriate tool.

Instructions to Clear a Jam

1. Allow any accumulated water in the sink to drain or bail it out.
2. Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposer. The hole is located in the center of the bottom of the disposal. Use the wrench like a crank, working it back and forth in both directions. Repeat the cranking motion until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.
3. Check for an overload protector, which is a different button from the reset button. The overload protector is located on the bottom of the disposer and is often a small square red button. If the overload protector has been activated, it will be slightly dropped down. Gently press the red button. If it doesn’t stay up, wait ten minutes and press again.
4. Check inside the disposal’s grinding chamber. Look down into the disposer using a flashlight. Do not place your hand into the disposal. If you see anything in the disposal, remove it using tongs or pliers. Needle nose pliers are convenient with their long thin straight jaws.
5. After removing the material turn on the water. The disposal should now run. If it jams again, use the wrench again. You may need to repeat the process several times to remove all of the clogging debris.
6. If the disposal continues to jam, or won’t operate, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington.

Safety First

Before servicing your garbage disposal, turn off the power supply. Unplug the appliance if it isn’t hard wired. If hardwired turn it off in the electrical service panel. If you’re unsure which breaker controls the disposal contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for assistance and repair. Never place your hand in the garbage disposal, not even when the power is off.

You may need one or more of the following items:

• Flashlight
• Turning tool – service wrench, Allen wrench or broom handle.
• Slender tongs on needle nose pliers

Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On – Makes No Noise

When your garbage disposal doesn’t run and doesn’t make a sound, there’s an electrical problem. Follow these steps or call a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington:

• Ensure the disposal is plugged in, if it isn’t hard wired.
• Press the reset button. If it’s popped out, simply pushing it in may correct the problem. Repeated tripping will require a plumber in Arlington for repair.
• Check the garbage disposal’s circuit breaker in the home’s electrical panel. If it has tripped, reset it and turn the disposal on. Like the reset button, repeated tripping indicates an additional issue and will require a plumber in Arlington for repair.

Garbage Disposal Doesn’t Run and Makes a Humming Noise

When the disposal won’t run and makes a humming noise, promptly turn it off. It is likely that the flywheel is jammed with material between the impeller and shredder ring or around the flywheel itself. Follow the above instructions for clearing a jam.

Proper Care and Use of the Garbage Disposal

Unless you take care of your new disposal, it won’t last as long as intended. Utilize the following tips to extend its service life as long as is possible:

• Don’t place potato peelings, banana peels, pasta, celery, or any other stringy, fibrous materials in the disposal. In addition, don’t drop coffee grounds and eggshells, bones, plastic, metal, glass or rubber, grease or oil in the disposal.
• Run plenty of cold water when using your disposal. Start the water before turning the disposal on and allow the water to run for 20 seconds or longer after shutting the disposal off. This rinses the disposal and helps to prevent drain clogs.
• Use cold water while the disposal runs. You can use hot any other time, but not when the disposal is running.
• Don’t overfill the unit. Place a few cut-up items at a time into the disposal.
• To deodorize your disposal, grind up lemon peels. You may also freeze vinegar in an ice tray, and drop a few cubes into the disposal, allow it to run.

By following these tips in our garbage disposal troubleshooting guide, your garbage disposal can last much longer. For professional repair or replacement by a licensed Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington contact us today to schedule service. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.