Garbage disposals are one of those appliances that make kitchen clean-up simpler. They quickly clear out food scraps, ensuring your kitchen remains clean and odor-free. Occasionally, these appliances also get stuck and stop working. To restore their functionality, you have to press the reset button. Let’s understand how you can quickly reset your garbage disposal.
The Purpose of the Reset Button
All garbage disposals have a reset button that helps protect the motor and prevents electrical issues. If the disposal becomes overloaded, jammed, or overheated, the reset button automatically pops out and shuts off the unit. This built-in safety feature prevents damage to the motor and ensures your safety while you address the issue. Pressing this button helps restore power to the disposal, allowing it to operate normally.
How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal
When you reset the garbage disposal, ensure that the power to the unit is turned off. Try to locate the reset button, it is usually located on the bottom of the disposal. If you are not sure where the button is located, you can check your disposal’s manual or search for a diagram online. Once you find the button, press it until you feel it click back into place. This helps reset the internal circuit breaker.
Before restoring the power supply, it’s essential to check the disposal properly for any blockages. You can use a flashlight to look inside the unit. However, remember not to reach inside the disposal with your hands, as it can be dangerous even when the disposal is turned off. Instead, you can remove visible debris with the help of tongs or pliers. Once you’ve cleared the stuck debris, restore the power.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, even after the reset button has been pressed, disposals don’t function properly. They may be jammed or stuck. In such cases, you should turn off the power and use a wrench to manually rotate the blades to dislodge the debris.
Leaks are another common problem. If the water is escaping from the unit, it may be caused by a loose connection or damaged gaskets. You should tighten the fittings under the sink if necessary, or if the gasket is damaged, you should replace it promptly. Disposals also clog at times if certain types of food are put down the drain. You should avoid fibrous vegetables, starchy items and greasy food scraps and run cold water while using the disposal to remove debris stuck in the pipes.
Maintenance Tips for Your Disposal
If you want your garbage disposal to last long and function smoothly, you should maintain it regularly. Running cold water before, during and after using the disposal can help solidify fats so they can be chopped and flushed away easily. Periodically cleaning the disposal is also vital. You can grind a few ice cubes and citrus peels to remove build-up on the blades. Putting a small amount of dish soap through the disposal while it operates also helps remove grease and keeps odors at bay.
After troubleshooting, if your garbage disposal is still not functioning properly, reach out to CGC Home Services. We offer comprehensive garbage disposal repair and installation services. Our expert team helps maintain your appliance so that it lasts for years. Call us anytime you face challenges with your garbage disposal and need a plumber in Ann Arbor, Howell and Brighton, MI.
