Simple Tips To Complete A Garbage Disposal Repair Yourself

Before you start calling around to comparison shop for the best rates on a garbage disposal repair, you should try a few tricks first.  Of course, this is a machine that few home owners are really familiar with but you wouldn't hire someone if your light burnt out in your oven or new Amana freezer without trying to fix the appliance first yourself by changing a bulb.

Below are some of the most common problems which can occur with a garbage disposer, with appropriate solutions to fix the problem yourself.

Problem 1 - Disposal Won't Turn On

If there is no noise and the unit won't even turn on, try pushing the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal.  Yes it could be that simple!  This could be compared to trying to run the dishwasher without it being latched all the way and wondering what the problem is.  If the button doesn't do the trick, check the circuit breaker and make sure that it hasn't tripped.  Should the unit still not turn on, you are probably dealing with a faulty switch or you may just need a whole new unit.

Problem 2 - Stuck Flywheel

If the disposal makes a humming sound when you turn it on you need to unclog the flywheel because something is jammed in there.  Take the wrench that came with the disposal (if you have it) and insert it into the hole found at the very bottom.  Once you have your wrench inserted, turn it in a clockwise direction to try to dislodge the flywheel that is stuck.  You'll know when it's fixed because it will spin freely.

Problem 3 - Leaking Garbage Disposal

No, your disposal isn't cheap just because it starts leaking.  These things happen and leaks can occur quite commonly in specific places.  At the mount, turn the unit to the left to remove it from this mounting flange.  Tighten up the three mounting bolts.  If the bolts are tight, the problem could be from faulty or old plumber's putty.  Loosen up the bolts and then push the flange so it is slightly above the sink's surface.  Force a bit of putty around the perimeter of the flange, lower back down and tighten the bolts back up.  Be sure to wipe away any putty that oozes up into your sink.  Reinstall the disposal, power on and check for leaks.

There could also be a leak where the dishwasher connection is.  Tighten the clamp up where the hose is connected.  Alternatively, you may need to replace the hose.  Lastly, the leak could also be where the discharge drainpipe is.  Check the bolts at  the area for tightness.  If it still doesn't solve the problem, remove the pipe and the bolts and replace the gasket.

Problem 4 - Slow Drain

If the unit isn't draining in adequate time, there is a good chance you have a clog in the drain line.  Never pour a chemical drain cleaner down a sink with a garbage disposal!  If your garbage disposal repair is because of a clog, remove the bolts that are holding the discharge pipe, disconnect the trap and remove the trap and the pipe.  Check for clogs and clean them.  If you don't see any, the obstruction could be in the vertical pipe in the wall.