Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen can make your life so much easier. No more scraping food scraps into the trash can or dealing with unpleasant odors. However, like any other appliance, garbage disposals can break down or malfunction over time. In this post, we'll give you some tips and tricks for repairing your garbage disposal in Orlando.
How to Know if Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repairing
Before we get into the actual repair process, you need to know if your garbage disposal needs repairing in the first place. Here are some signs to look out for:
- The disposal is making strange noises or grinding sounds
- Water is backing up into the sink
- The disposal is jammed and won't turn on
- There is a foul odor coming from the disposal
- The disposal is leaking
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take action and repair your garbage disposal.
How to Repair Your Garbage Disposal
Now that you know your garbage disposal needs repairing, it's time to get down to business. Here's what you need to do:
- Turn off the power: Before doing anything, make sure to turn off the power to your garbage disposal. You can do this by unplugging the disposal or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Check for jamming: Jamming is a common issue with garbage disposals. To check if your disposal is jammed, use a flashlight to look inside the disposal. If you see anything stuck in there, use tongs or pliers to remove the object.
- Reset the disposal: If your disposal is still not working, try resetting it. Look for a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal and press it. This will reset the disposal and may fix the issue.
- Clean the disposal: Over time, food scraps and other debris can build up in your garbage disposal, causing odors and clogs. To clean your disposal, pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, run hot water down the drain to flush out the debris.
- Replace the disposal: If none of the above steps work, it may be time to replace your garbage disposal. Contact a professional plumber to help you with this process.
Preventing Garbage Disposal Issues
While repairing your garbage disposal is not always avoidable, there are some steps you can take to prevent issues from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Avoid putting non-food items down the disposal, such as plastics, metal, or glass.
- Do not put fibrous foods down the disposal, such as celery or corn husks.
- Runwater down the drain after using the disposal to help flush out any remaining debris.
- Regularly clean the disposal by pouring vinegar and baking soda down the drain.
- Keep the disposal blades sharp by grinding ice cubes or small bones occasionally.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your garbage disposal in good working condition and avoid costly repairs.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can be a frustrating and unpleasant problem. However, with the tips and tricks we've provided, you can repair your garbage disposal and prevent issues from happening in the future. Remember to always turn off the power before attempting any repairs, and if all else fails, contact a professional plumber to help you with the repair process.
