Stuck Garbage Disposal
What do you do when the garbage disposal is jammed, not running or clogged?
So many homes in the Tallahassee area have the convenience of a garbage disposal, but like a lot of things, there are times and events that present problems. Such is the case of garbage disposals when they become jammed or clogged.
A good rule of thumb to avoid unnecessary clogging is to not attempt grinding the peelings from potatoes or carrots, or other skins or peelings that do not grind easily. These items tend to create the clogging of the disposal and or the drains.
It is a good practice to maintain the disposal and the drain lines in good working order.
Often time’s things drop into the garbage disposals that don’t belong there. Things such as silverware, kitchen tools, pits and seeds from fruits and other assorted foods that cannot be ground. These hard to grind items will jam the blades. If you get a jam, try and retrieve any of these objects without putting your hand in the disposal. Start by using a flashlight to see what is in there and causing the problem. Try using tongs or a magnet to retrieve whatever has fallen inside.
Here are some things that can be done to free up the jam:
- When you turn on the Disposal unit, the motor does not make any sound. Located at the bottom of the disposal, there is usually a red reset switch. Push the switch to reset. If the motor begins to hum, and grinding does not begin, there is a jam in the unit. If this is the case, turn the unit off and go to step 2.
- In the center of the bottom of the unit there is a location where an Allen wrench can be inserted that will allow rotating the grinding mechanism this will in most cases free up the item jamming the blades. If the jam does not clear up, go to step 3.
- Call Lance Maxwell Plumbing, the local plumbing expert in Tallahassee that can help you out of this bothersome situation. They are able to clear any drain clogs and either free up the jam or if necessary replace the garbage disposal. And don’t worry, they anticipate most plumbing needs and carry new replacement disposals on the truck. They are able to make the change right away. No muss, no fuss, done right the first time with no return visits needed.