This is a thorough and helpful guide for troubleshooting garbage disposal issues and maintaining it properly.
- Garbage disposal is not turning on
- The motor hums but doesn't grind
- Items to avoid putting in your garage disposal
- Maintenance best practices
If it’s not turning on:
- Never reach into the grinding chamber.
- Check the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Push it back in if popped out.
- Verify the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
If the motor hums but doesn’t grind:
- The flywheel may be stuck. Use an Allen wrench in the flywheel hole at the bottom to free it. Turn clockwise until it moves freely.
- Reset the unit and run water while testing.
Avoid these items in your disposal:
- Grease, bones, fibrous foods like celery, coffee grounds, and hard objects like fruit pits.
- Starchy foods such as potato peels or pasta that can create clogs.
Best practices for maintenance:
- Always use cool running water during and after operation.
- Feed small amounts of food into the disposal slowly.
- Run the disposal every few days to prevent rust and residue build-up.
- Clean with warm water and lemons to freshen it up.
If these tips don’t solve the issue, contact a plumber or the Alturas Customer Care team for assistance.