Beyond Bending Tell You How
If you have a sink garbage disposal, there may come a time when it stops working. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it to get rid of food waste. Fortunately, fixing a sink garbage disposal isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Here are the steps you can take to get it up and running again.
Step 1: Turn off the Power
Before you begin working on your sink garbage disposal, make sure the power is turned off. You can do this by unplugging it from the outlet or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
Step 2: Clear the Jam
If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it may be jammed. To clear the jam, use a hex wrench (or the tool that came with your disposal) to turn the motor shaft back and forth. This should free up any blockages that may be causing the jam.
Step 3: Check for Power
After clearing the jam, turn the power back on and check to see if the disposal is working. If it’s still not working, use a circuit tester to ensure that there’s power going to the disposal.
Step 4: Reset the Disposal
If the disposal still isn’t working, try resetting it. Look for a small red button on the bottom of the disposal and press it. This should reset the unit and get it working again.
Step 5: Clean the Disposal
If your sink garbage disposal is still not working, it may be clogged with food waste. To clean it, turn off the power, unplug it, and use a flashlight to look inside. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible blockages. Then, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the disposal, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Finally, turn on the hot water and run the disposal to flush out any remaining debris.
Step 6: Replace the Disposal
If none of these steps work, it may be time to replace your sink garbage disposal. This is a job that’s best left to a professional plumber, as it involves removing the old disposal and installing a new one.
Conclusion
Fixing a sink garbage disposal may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a fairly simple process. By following these steps, you can get your disposal up and running again in no time.
