Home & Garden Improvements

Those of us who have them use them all the time, but perhaps we don’t truly appreciate our waste disposals until they stop working.  Usually the problem is simply something blocking the waste disposal blades or it is clogged or overloaded.  This is easily fixed. 

There are times when a waste disposal simply becomes overloaded and switches off.  If this happens, allow the waste disposal unit to cool off, and then push the reset button.  Turn on a steady stream of cold water and turn the unit on again. 

First and foremost, always make certain that the power is shut off to the waste disposal unit.  To be completely safe, if you can, turn off the electrical supply to the kitchen. 

If you suspect something is blocking the waste disposal blades, shine a torch into the disposal hole to see if you can find it.  If you do, try to remove the object with long metal tongs.  The blades are quite sharp and can cut your skin easily.  If you must use your hand, consider wearing protective gloves. 

If you can’t see the obstruction, use a broom handle to turn the blades back and forth several times to possibly loosen it.  Try locating it again with the torch and remove it. 

If the waste disposal’s drain is clogged, you can attempt clearing it out with a regular drain cleaner.  If this isn’t successful, you will have to use a pipe wrench and unscrew the fitting on the drain trap under the sink.  If the clog is not there, try pushing an auger deeper into the pipe to unclog it.