Garbage disposals are a convenient way to get rid of food scraps, but they can also be a source of problems if not properly maintained. Here are five issues you may encounter with your garbage disposal and how to fix them.

The Disposal Is Not Turning On

If your disposal is not turning on, the first thing you should check is whether it is plugged in. If it is plugged in and still not working, you may need to reset the breaker. If the breaker is not the problem, there may be something blocking the blades, such as a spoon or a piece of silverware. If this is the case, you can try to dislodge the object using a wooden spoon.

The Disposal Is Not Draining

If the disposal is not draining, the first thing you should check is the drain line. If the line is clogged, you can try to clear it with a plunger. If the line is clear, the disposal may be clogged. To clear the clog, you can try using a plumbing snake.

The Disposal Is Making Strange Noises

If the disposal is making strange noises, it may be due to a foreign object caught in the blades. You can try to dislodge the object using a wooden spoon. If the noise continues, the disposal may need to be lubricated.

The Disposal Is Leaking Water

If your garbage disposal is leaking water, it may be because the seal needs to be replaced. This is a fairly simple repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.

The first step is to disconnect the power to the disposal. Then, use a socket wrench to remove the retaining bolts that hold the disposal in place. Once the bolts are removed, the disposal should lift right out. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the retaining ring that holds the seal in place. Once the ring is removed, the seal can be pulled out of the disposal. The new seal can then be installed in reverse order. Be sure to tighten the retaining bolts securely and replace the retaining ring. Once the seal is in place, reconnect the power to the disposal and test it for leaks.

The Disposal Is Not Grinding the Food Properly

If the disposal is not grinding the food properly, it may be due to a foreign object caught in the blades. You can try to dislodge the object using a wooden spoon. If the problem continues, the disposal may need to be descaled.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you tackle any issues that you may have with your garbage disposal. While garbage disposals can be a convenient way to dispose of food waste, they can also be problematic if not properly maintained. Make sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can resolve any issues that you encounter.

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