How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Grinding Away
Often, garbage disposal repair and installation is a job for a professional contractor. The cost is worth the reassurance your disposal will work when you need it.
If you are handy or have plumbing experience, installing a new disposal may be a DIY project. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. But there are instances in which even those of us who are not handy can fix a broken disposal.
A disposal that is humming but not grinding may not be broken. Most garbage disposal units have a reset function when the motor overheats and automatically turns off. Make sure the disposal is not running, then hit the reset switch located on the front or bottom of the disposal, below the sink.
If the unit does not operate after hitting the reset switch, make sure the disposal is plugged in at an outlet. The outlet is located in the cabinet below the sink. If the disposal is plugged in but not working, reset the appropriate circuit breaker on the electrical panel.
In some cases, you may need to test the outlet by plugging in another appliance, such as a hair dryer.
A hard object that goes down the sink can prevent a disposal from operating. With the disposal turned off, shine a flashlight down the drain to see. Use needle nose pliers, bent coat hanger or even a crochet needle to dislodge the object. Again, make certain the unit is not turned on.
A few suggestions to keep your garbage disposal operating for years:
• A garbage disposal is designed to grind biodegradable food only. Fibrous materials such as onion skins and celery should be thrown in a garbage can.
• Oil, grease and fat will clog drains and should also go in the garbage can. Harder materials such as ice cubes, egg shells, and small chicken and fish bones are OK to put down the disposal, because they perform a scouring action.
• Drop and grind orange or lemon peel occasionally into the garbage disposal to clean the inside of the unit and leave a fresh scent.
D.L. Vaughn Plumbing performs a range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including installation and repairs of garbage disposals. Call us today at 334-265-8713.
Originally posted on: www.dlvaughnhvac.com














