4 Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Is Not Working
Turn To Hill & Co. For Garbage Disposal Solutions
Imagine preparing your favorite meal in your Oklahoma City kitchen, only to find that your garbage disposal won’t turn on. This issue can leave you feeling frustrated and with a sink full of scraps. It’s a scenario that can disrupt your cooking rhythm and the overall flow of your routine.
At Hill & Company, we understand how essential a functioning garbage disposal is to your daily life. Whether it’s a quiet hum that’s suddenly gone silent or an unexpected leak under the sink, dealing with a non-working disposal is something most homeowners want to avoid.
Our experienced OKC plumbers are here to ensure your kitchen remains the heart of your home, uninterrupted and efficient. Read ahead to learn a few common causes of issues with this system and how to troubleshoot them.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
A common reason for disposal issues stems from misunderstandings about its capabilities. This unit is connected to the underside of your sink and uses a motor to function. It collects food waste in the grinding chamber and uses spinning blunt impeller blades to drive food scraps against the sides of the chamber, breaking down the material.
This method pulverizes waste into tiny pieces. Once it reaches a small enough size, the food is washed away by water and removed from the system using holes in the grinding chamber walls. Knowing how to properly use this system is the key to preventing internal problems that impact its functionality.
1. Power Issues: Garbage Disposal Not Turning On
A silent disposal often signals a simple power issue. First, ensure the unit is securely plugged in. Locate the system’s reset button — a small, usually red button on the bottom of the unit. This button can reset the disposal’s internal breaker, potentially resolving the issue with a quick press.
Troubleshooting Electrical Faults
If the reset button doesn’t restore power, the next step is to check your home’s electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. A disposal that frequently trips its breaker might indicate a deeper electrical problem or an internal fault within the unit itself.
Hill & Company’s technicians can diagnose complex plumbing issues, ensuring your unit’s optimal performance.
2. Jammed Blades: Clogged Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal is often the result of jammed impeller blades. Common culprits include hard objects or fibrous foods that the disposal can’t properly grind. While it’s tempting to reach in and remove the obstruction, it’s crucial to take safety precautions.
Always use a tool like pliers or a garbage disposal wrench for this task. Regularly cleaning your disposal can prevent these jams, ensuring the unit’s longevity and reliability.
Preventing Clogs In Your Disposal
To avoid overloading your disposal, be mindful of how much and what type of waste you’re putting down it. A few common foods that can compromise your unit’s health include:
- Oil, fats and grease
- Starchy foods and fibrous materials
- Bones
- Fruit pits
- Eggshells
- Nuts
- Coffee grounds
These items can strain the system. It’s best to dispose of these materials in a trash can or compost bin. Educating everyone in your household on proper disposal use is key to preventing overloading issues.
3. Seal And Gasket Deterioration: Leaking Garbage Disposal
Over time, the seals and gaskets that keep your unit watertight can wear out, leading to leaks. These leaks might appear minor at first but can cause significant water damage over time.
Hill & Company specializes in identifying and repairing such leaks, using only the highest quality parts to ensure a lasting solution.
4. Wear And Tear: Reduced Grinding Efficiency
The effectiveness of your disposal unit relies on its ability to grind food waste effectively. Over time, the grinding components can wear down, leading to reduced efficiency. This can occur due to normal usage or from attempting to grind unsuitable items.
A professional inspection from our team can assess the condition of your disposal unit and determine if repairs are possible or if a replacement unit is necessary.
Trust Hill & Co. To Ensure Kitchen Plumbing Reliability
A well-maintained garbage disposal is a cornerstone of kitchen efficiency in Oklahoma City. Hill & Company is dedicated to providing the expertise and services needed to keep your unit running smoothly.
Regular care and proper use are the keys to a long-lasting kitchen system. If you’re experiencing issues or have questions about your unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hill & Company. Contact us today to maintain a harmonious and efficient kitchen!
