Most modern homes contain a garbage disposal in the kitchen. While this addition to your sink can be a convenience, it can also require more maintenance on your part. It’s not uncommon for garbage disposal motors to burn out, but sometimes you might think this is the problem when your disposal is really just jammed. Here are the steps for determining whether you need a new garbage disposal motor:
Preliminary Precaution
Before you get started, it’s important that you double check that your garbage disposal is turned off. The breaker associated with the disposal should be switched off to avoid any accidents, and you should never try to clear a jam by simply sticking your hand down into the disposal.
Checking the Motor
- The first step when your disposal is not working is to check to see if the circuit breaker has been tripped. Try switching the circuit breaker on and off, then turn the garbage disposal on to see if it works. As always, avoid placing your fingers near the disposal.
- You can also use a special wrench designed for garage disposals to work on the blades at the bottom of your disposal. This may help the motor kick start, but be sure to only make contact with the blades with your wrench.
- There should be a reset button for your disposal. If the above suggestions don’t work, try holding this button in for approximately 30 seconds.
- Unplug your garbage disposal and plug a different appliance in the outlet to see if the problem is your power source. If there’s no electrical current flowing through the outlet, you’ll need to consult with an electrician to remedy the problem without risking injury.
If your garbage disposal motor is broken, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to get it fixed. Contact Roth Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment in Vancouver today today.
