| I hate to admit it but my wife taught me how to fix | | | | Often it will, but sometimes it will not. |
| a garbage disposal. First, she taught me what not to | | | | So, there is a second step you can try that I learned |
| put in there. And if you want to keep from having to | | | | when you've got a major obstacle jamming things up. |
| mess with your food waste disposal, you might also | | | | And it might be a good idea to unplug the unit for |
| want to know what not to put in there. And while | | | | this activity. Using some tongs, you can take out any |
| some disposers are advertised as being able to | | | | large items in the disposer. Then with a long |
| handle about anything, it is probably best not to test | | | | screwdriver, stick it down in there into one of the |
| it just to see. First, you shouldn't put stringy | | | | holes on the top of the unit. You might be able to |
| vegetables in there. Two, any kind of grease or lard | | | | break the jam lose by moving the screwdriver back |
| can also cause problems over time. And three, bones | | | | and forth. If it works, take the screwdriver out, plug |
| should not be put in a disposal. | | | | the unit back in (don't forget that one!), push the |
| Ok, so you forget or someone else (like the kids) | | | | reset button, turn on the water and turn on the |
| puts something in there that shouldn't be in there. Or | | | | disposal. You should be back in business. |
| you stuff too much in at a time (it's best to put one | | | | There can be some other problems with disposals |
| thing in at a time). Or a fork or knife accidentally | | | | that will require calling a plumber. It really depends on |
| makes it way in. You flip the switch and no action. | | | | how good you are working on things and how |
| And all you get is a hum. What do you do? This is a | | | | patient you are. If it requires much true plumbing or |
| problem that my wife taught me to fix on my own. | | | | electrical work, I will call the pros. |
| It really is not that hard. | | | | By the way, as far as preventive maintenance |
| On my disposal there is a red reset button near the | | | | another trick I have learned is to put ice and citrus |
| bottom of the unit. The hum means that the unit has | | | | rinds in the disposal from time to time. It helps to |
| tripped out due to the clog. You can wait just a few | | | | keep the blades sharp, reduces the bacteria and |
| minutes, push the reset button and then turn the | | | | makes it smell better. |
| disposal on to see if it is working properly again. | | | | |