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3 Reasons Why Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working

Did you realize that the garbage disposal is over 90 years old?  Yep, it was invented in 1927 by an architect named John W. Hammes.

It’s a household appliance that most of us use every day without noticing it…until it doesn’t work.  You have a sink full of leftover food and water, and suddenly the garbage disposal is not doing what it is supposed to do.  That is the last thing you want while cleaning up after dinner at the end of the night.  The good news is there are three common for reasons for a broken garbage disposal, and 2 of them can be fixed by yourself.

So, what is the problem that is keeping you from relaxing on the couch with some ice cream and Netflix?

There’s Something Stuck In It

Garbage disposals can do a good job of slicing up a lot of different foods into pieces, but there are certain things that should never make their way down it.  These things, such as chicken bones, can get stuck and stop the blades from turning.  When reaching your hand to break the food free, be sure that the disposal is actually switched to OFF.  You do NOT want to clear the blockage and have the blades begin turning while your hand is still in there.

There’s a Voltage Problem

The problem might not actually lie with the garbage disposal.  Since they require electricity to operate, the problem may actually be related to your electrical panel.  Check to see if there are any blown fuses or to see if your home is experiencing a brown or black out.  If it seems like you are having a serious electrical issue, be sure to contact a licensed electrician.

It’s Old

Like everything, garbage disposals can also get old and the motor can simply wear out.  If this is the case, replacement is usually a better option than trying to repair it.  Typically garbage disposals have a lifespan of around 12 years.

None of these common garbage disposal problems seem to apply to your situation?  Contact FLAME for help and to learn more about our residential plumbing services.

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