All Aboard the DIY Express: Fixing a Garbage Disposal That Won't Drain
So you’ve tried turning on your garbage disposal, only to realize, it's not draining! Instead of immediately dialing your go-to plumber's number, or worse, vying for a new garbage disposal unit, what if I tell you it's possible to try and fix it first? Yep, you've got it right! It's time to put on that DIY hat and take charge as we jump right into the role of a temporary repairman. Don't worry; it's not as hard as it sounds. However, do remember safety always takes the first seat. Always disconnect the power source before starting to work on your garbage disposal unit. Let's go!
The Big Three Culprits: A General Diagnosis
In my experienced, grease-stained hands, three prominent villains generally cause your garbage disposal woes.
1. An Obstruction
Garbage disposals have a tough life, occasionally getting clogged by chunks of food or trash that you push down there. If your disposal is humming but not draining, this could potentially be the issue.
2. A Tripped Breaker
Your garbage disposal might shut off due to electrical overloads, causing the internal breaker to trip. If this happens, you'll find your garbage disposal won't turn on at all.
3. A Damaged or Leaky Unit
Over time, your unit may become damaged and start leaking. This could also cause your garbage disposal not to act correctly and stop draining.
Moving on, let's dig a little deeper and explore the DIY solutions to these culprits.
Rule Out the Rebels: Easy DIY Solutions
1. Clearing an Obstruction
To clear an obstruction, begin by disconnecting the garbage disposal from the power supply. Now look beneath the sink and identify your unit. Take a hex wrench and insert it into the breaker socket found at the bottom of the unit. Turn the hex wrench back and forth a few times. This helps to free up any jammed food or debris. However, if your unit lacks a breaker socket, make use of a short broom stick (never your hand) to push against the blades and rotate them manually. When you've cleared the obstruction, power on your disposal and run water to ensure it's unclogged.
2. Resetting a Tripped Breaker
If your garbage disposal unit has tripped due to an overload, you should locate a small red or black button at the bottom of the unit. This is the reset button. Ensure the unit is turned off before pushing it. If it pops back out, wait ten minutes, then reattempt. Once successful, power on and verify that the water drains successfully.
3. Repairing a Damaged or Leaky Unit
Repairing or replacing parts of your garbage disposal can be a challenging task and, in some cases, even not recommended (especially if you're not familiar with how disposals work). However, a simple fix for a leaky unit is tightening the screws using a wrench. Additionally, use plumber's putty to seal around areas if required. Remember though, if the unit is old and repeatedly causing issues, it might be time to consider a replacement.
The Last Stop: Calling in a Professional
While it's incredibly rewarding (and budget-friendly) to resolve these issues on your own, it's also important to understand when to stop. Sometimes a stubborn clog or a severe electrical issue requires a professional’s touch. Don't hesitate to call in a professional plumber when the situation appears to be beyond your control. There's no shame in passing the baton; after all, Rome wasn't built in a day!
So, there you have it, folks! Your DIY express journey to fix a garbage disposal that won't drain. Not so overwhelming when you break it down into smaller, manageable tasks, right?
Remember, being handy around the house is not just about saving money. It's about the joy of problem-solving, the thrill of self-reliance, and the satisfaction of knowing you've added another skill to your DIY repertoire. But remember, we're just one call away if you need us.
As we move into the next unexpected household adventure, remember that it's all a learning curve. Edison didn't invent the light bulb on his first try, and you don't have to either. Keep trying, keep learning, and trust me, you'll reckon yourself as a Mr. or Ms. Fix-it in no time.