A garbage disposal is an important appliance in most homes. It enables us to reduce of the amount of waste that goes into the trash by shredding food particles and flushing them down the drain. Nevertheless, just like any other appliance, it can develop problems and fail to operate correctly. One of the distinct issues that homeowners encounter is a garbage disposal that doesn’t drain or turn on. Here are some standard explanations for why this may happen.
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Reasons why your garbage disposal has issues
Clogged Drain
One of the most typical causes, of why garbage disposal doesn’t drain, is due to a clogged drain. Over time, food particles, grease, and other debris can assemble up in the pipes and compel a blockage. This blockage prevents water from draining properly and can cause the garbage disposal to back up. If you notice that your sink is draining slowly or not at all, it’s likely that you have a clogged drain. To fix this problem, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Alternatively, you can use a drain snake or a coat hanger to clear the clog manually. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to help you.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Another explanation for why your garbage disposal may not turn on is due to a tripped circuit breaker. This is a safety element that stems from electrical overloads and can be activated when there is a power surge or other electrical issue. If your garbage disposal suddenly quits working, inspect the circuit breaker to see if it has misstepped. If it has, merely reset the breaker and try turning on the disposal again.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring can also yield your garbage disposal to not turn on. Over time, wires can evolve frayed or damaged, and this can cause a short circuit. This can transpire due to wear and tear or due to exposure to water. If you suspect that faulty wiring is the problem, it’s essential to turn off the power supply to the disposal before attempting any repairs.
Jammed Disposal
Another common reason why garbage disposal may not turn on is due to jammed disposal. This transpires when a foreign object, such as a spoon or a small piece of bone, gets lodged in the disposal. When this happens, the disposal may become stuck and stop working. To fix this problem, you can try resetting the disposal by pressing the reset button located at the bottom of the unit. If this doesn’t work, you may need to manually remove the object causing the jam.
Worn Out Motor
A worn-out motor can also compel your garbage disposal to not turn on. Over time, the motor can become worn and may eventually stop working altogether. If this is the case, you will demand to substitute the motor to get your disposal working again. It’s paramount to cite that substituting a motor can be a complex process and may require the help of a professional.
Rusty or Corroded Parts
Another reason why garbage disposal may not turn on is due to rusty or corroded parts. This can happen due to exposure to water or other environmental factors. If you witness that the parts of your garbage disposal are rusty or corroded, you may need to replace them to get your disposal working again.
Improper Installation
Ultimately, improper installation can also generate your garbage disposal to not drain or turn on. If the disposal was not established accurately, it may not be competent to operate adequately. If you reckon that this is the problem, you may need to call a plumber or an electrician to help you.
A garbage disposal that doesn’t drain or turn on can be a frustrating concern for homeowners. Nevertheless, by identifying the typical explanations for why this may transpire, you can bear measures to settle the situation and get your disposal operating again. It’s essential to determine that some of these problems may mandate the assistance of a professional and endeavoring to fix them yourself could be dangerous. If you’re unsure about what the problem is or how to fix it, it’s best to seek the guidance of a trained professional.
To avoid these issues in the future, it’s paramount to adequately preserve your garbage disposal. This encloses running cold water while using the disposal, avoiding putting large or hard items down the drain, and regularly cleaning the disposal to prevent buildup. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your garbage disposal continues to function properly for years to come. You can know more about top-rated Vancouver plumbers at Sarkinen Plumbing for professional help.
