A broken garbage disposal might seem like a small problem at first glance. But if you don’t know what the issue is, it can quickly escalate into a bigger problem that requires professional help to fix. A broken garbage disposal is inconvenient and unsanitary. It can pollute your home with putrid smells, attract rats and pests, and make it even more difficult for you to clean your kitchen. These issues don’t just affect the appearance of your kitchen; they can also be dangerous for your family’s health. A broken garbage disposal can cause harmful bacteria to spread through your food waste, putting you and your family at risk of contracting food poisoning. To avoid such issues, it’s crucial to know how to fix a broken garbage disposal as soon as possible so you can resume using it again and enjoy the convenience of having a functional disposal unit in your home.
What is a garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal is an appliance that grinds waste products into tiny pieces, converting them into a liquid that can be easily flushed down the toilet or drained from a pipe. Traditionally, this was done by hand with a grinder, but today’s models use a powerful motor to grind the food waste and other items faster and more efficiently.A typical model consists of a basin with a lid and a rotating metal blade attached to a motor that grinds items into tiny pieces. The blade is usually adjustable to accommodate different types of food. The motor is usually housed in a small plastic or metal box that sits on top of the disposal unit.
Why do they break?
Even the most durable and reliable of garbage disposal models can break after years of use. Broken garbage disposal units pose serious health and safety hazards to your family. They can attract pests, create unpleasant odors, and pollute waterways and sewage systems with harmful bacteria. They can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria if they are clogged.The most common causes of broken garbage disposal units include:- Overuse: Overloading the unit with food scraps can cause it to overheat and break.- Inadequate maintenance: Inadequate maintenance can lead to excessive buildup of food waste and other debris in the unit. This can cause the motor to overheat, break, and cause a leak.- Debris: Debris can clog up the unit and prevent food waste from entering the blade, causing it to overheat and break.- Electrical issues: If the electrical wiring is faulty or the power is not being provided to the unit, it may cause it to break.
How to fix a broken garbage disposal?
The first step in fixing a broken garbage disposal unit is to determine the cause of the problem. A broken garbage disposal unit may require repairs or replacement. Depending on the problem, this may be a quick and easy fix, or it may require a professional technician to repair or replace the unit. Depending on the type of problem, the first step in fixing a broken garbage disposal unit may be different. Here is a general guide on how to fix a broken garbage disposal unit:- Overload: If the motor is overloaded with an excessive amount of food waste, it may overheat and break.- Clogged: If the unit is clogged with food waste and other debris, it may overheat and break.- Electrical issues: If the power is not being provided to the motor or there is a faulty electrical wiring, it may break.- Malfunctioning blade: If the blade is malfunctioning and not properly grinding the waste, it may break.- Loose bolts: If the bolts connecting the blade to the motor are loose, they may break.
Conclusion
A broken garbage disposal can be inconvenient and unsanitary. It can pollute your home with putrid smells, attract rodents and pests, and make it even more difficult for you to clean your kitchen. These issues don’t just affect the appearance of your kitchen; they can also be dangerous for your family’s health. Fortunately, repairing a broken garbage disposal is easy and can be done by anyone. If you notice that your unit is broken, contact a professional technician to have it fixed quickly and efficiently.