## How to Fix a Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal Unit
Garbage disposals are convenient appliances that help to keep our kitchens clean and tidy. However, like all appliances, they can sometimes break down. If your garbage disposal is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it yourself before calling a plumber.
### Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Here are some of the most common problems that can occur with garbage disposals:
1. **The garbage disposal is not turning on.** This could be due to a number of factors, including a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a faulty power cord.
2. **The garbage disposal is making a humming noise but not grinding.** This could be due to a jammed impeller, a clogged drain line, or a faulty motor.
3. **The garbage disposal is leaking.** This could be due to a damaged gasket, a cracked housing, or a loose connection.
4. **The garbage disposal is smelling bad.** This could be due to a buildup of food waste, grease, or other debris.
### Safety First
Before you begin working on your garbage disposal, be sure to take the following safety precautions:
1. **Unplug the garbage disposal from the power outlet.** This will prevent you from being electrocuted if you accidentally come into contact with any electrical wires.
2. **Turn off the water supply to the garbage disposal.** This will prevent water from leaking out of the disposal while you are working on it.
3. **Put on a pair of safety gloves.** This will protect your hands from any sharp objects or chemicals that you may come into contact with.
### Troubleshooting and Repairing a Garbage Disposal
Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, you can begin troubleshooting and repairing your garbage disposal. Here are some steps to follow:
**1. Check the circuit breaker or fuse.** If the garbage disposal is not turning on, the first thing you should do is check the circuit breaker or fuse. If either of these has tripped or blown, reset it or replace it.
**2. Check the power cord.** If the circuit breaker or fuse is not the problem, the next thing you should do is check the power cord. Make sure that the cord is securely plugged into the power outlet and that it is not damaged.
**3. Check the reset button.** Some garbage disposals have a reset button that can be used to reset the unit if it has tripped. If your garbage disposal has a reset button, press it and see if that solves the problem.
**4. Check the impeller.** If the garbage disposal is making a humming noise but not grinding, the next thing you should do is check the impeller. The impeller is the part of the garbage disposal that grinds up food waste. To check the impeller, remove the splash guard from the top of the garbage disposal and look inside. If the impeller is jammed, you can try to free it by using a pair of pliers.
**5. Check the drain line.** If the garbage disposal is not draining properly, the next thing you should do is check the drain line. The drain line is the pipe that carries wastewater away from the garbage disposal. To check the drain line, disconnect it from the garbage disposal and look for any clogs or blockages. If you find any, remove them and reconnect the drain line.
**6. Check the gaskets and seals.** If the garbage disposal is leaking, the next thing you should do is check the gaskets and seals. The gaskets and seals are located around the edges of the garbage disposal and help to prevent water from leaking out. If any of the gaskets or seals are damaged, you will need to replace them.
**7. Call a plumber.** If you have tried all of the above steps and your garbage disposal is still not working properly, you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
### Tips for Preventing Garbage Disposal Problems
Here are a few tips for preventing garbage disposal problems:
1. **Do not put hard or sharp objects into the garbage disposal.** This includes things like bones, pits, and metal objects.
2. **Do not put too much food waste into the garbage disposal at one time.** This can overload the motor and cause it to burn out.
3. **Run cold water while using the garbage disposal.** This will help to flush food waste down the drain and prevent it from clogging the disposal.
4. **Clean the garbage disposal regularly.** This will help to remove food waste and grease that can build up over time and cause problems.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come.