When your garbage disposal breaks, your sink can clog, and it’s suddenly very difficult to get any cleaning done. But before you dial your local plumbers, we’ve got a few tips on what you should check on first.
Try these steps
You should first find out whether only the disposal is broken, or if the power has gone out completely in the areas near your kitchen sink. Try resetting the circuit breaker that leads to the kitchen, or replacing a fuse if you have an older electrical box. If the garbage disposal makes no noises at all when you flip the switch, you might also want to check under the sink to see that it’s plugged in.
In some cases, a temporary jam will force the garbage disposal’s reset button to pop out. It may be that you can simply press the button in to get the unit working again. Look under your sink, and the button should be right underneath the garbage disposal unit. But whatever you do, don’t reach your hands into the drains.
Call a plumber
For any major issues with the garbage disposal, you should leave the job to a professional plumber only. Reaching your hand into the drain is dangerous, even if you believe the power is shut off. A plumber can help you evaluate the state of your disposal, and decide whether or not you need a new unit. Upgrading to a faster disposal unit with a higher horsepower can help to protect your pipes and make cleaning up after meals even easier.
Looking for an upgrade? We’ve got the jam-free GrindSmart ¾ HP disposals with a 10-year in-home warranty, and the GrindSmart ½ HP disposals with a 5-year in-home warranty. Call our super friendly team for exceptional service in Boca Raton, FL.
