Garbage Disposal Maintenance

By Wally Warrantech

Garbage disposal units, or garbage disposers, have become fairly common in today's kitchens.  They are a great convenience when they are working right, but when they are jammed, you are likely to find decaying garbage - and unwanted odors - in your beautiful kitchen.  But by following a few easy maintenance tips, it is easy to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.  Wally Warrantech says:

1. To help maintain water flow through the disposal, always turn the water on before you start it, and turn the water off after the unit has stopped.

2. To really get things flowing, also start the disposal by feeding ice cubes into your unit.

3. To improve both odor control and water flow, you can also feed leftover lemon or lime peels into it - fresh citrus isn't as effective because it's the rinds that actually do the work.

4. If the disposal hums but won't turn, it's probably jammed.  Turn it off, stick an Allen wrench in the fitting in the bottom center of the shaft, then turn it back and forth until it begins to turn all the way around.  If you have to, use tongs - not your fingers - to pick out the jamming material.  BE CAREFUL!

5. And ... if the disposal won't hum when you turn it on, its internal overload protection may have been tripped.  Look at the bottom of the disposal for a red button.  With the power off, at least at the switch, push and release the red button - then try it again.

If for some reason, you still can't get your garbage disposal working, the easiest thing to do is call Warrantech.  When you have a home warranty with Warrantech, just dial 1-800-723-1496, and one of our courteous representatives will be happy to dispatch one of our repair professionals to your home.