How To Prevent And Resolve Garburator Jams

Garburators, or garbage disposals, are a convenient addition to any kitchen, helping to manage food waste efficiently. However, like any appliance, they are prone to issues, with jams being one of the most common problems homeowners face.

A jammed garburator can be frustrating, potentially leading to clogged drains, unpleasant odours, and even damage to the unit if not addressed promptly. It can disrupt your daily kitchen routine and may require costly repairs or replacements if ignored.

Addressing the issue early on helps maintain the efficiency of your garburator and extends its lifespan. This blog will guide you on how to prevent garburator jams and provide practical steps to resolve them if they occur.

Understanding Why Garburators Jam

Before diving into prevention and solutions, it’s crucial to understand why garburators jam in the first place. Several factors contribute to a jammed garburator, including:

• Foreign Objects: Non-food items or tough materials accidentally entering the garburator can cause jams.
• Large Food Particles: Large chunks of food, especially fibrous or starchy items, can get stuck in the blades.
• Grease and Fats: Pouring grease, fats, or oil down the drain can harden over time, leading to blockages.
• Overloading: Putting too much food waste into the garburator at once can overwhelm the blades, causing a jam.

Understanding these causes can help you prevent common issues and keep your garburator running smoothly.

Tips To Prevent Garburator Jams

Preventing garburator jams is easier than dealing with them after they occur. Here are some practical tips to keep your garburator functioning well:

1. Watch What You Put Down The Garburator

• Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins down the garburator.
• Refrain from disposing of starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potato peels, as they can expand and cause blockages.
• Never put non-food items like plastic, metal, glass, or bones in the garburator.

2. Use Cold Water While Running The Garburator

Always run cold water while using the garburator and keep it running for a few seconds after turning off the unit. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fats making it easier for the garburator to chop them up and flush them through the pipes.

3. Cut Large Pieces Into Smaller Sizes

Break down large chunks of food waste into smaller pieces before putting them down the garburator. This reduces the load on the blades and prevents potential jams.

4. Run the Garburator Regularly

Even if you don’t have much food waste to dispose of, run the garburator occasionally with cold water. This helps prevent rust and keeps the moving parts in good working condition.

5. Avoid Overloading The Garburator

Feed the food waste into the garburator gradually rather than dumping large amounts at once. Overloading can strain the unit and lead to jams which can even result in installing a new garburator.

How To Resolve Garburator Jams

Even with the best preventive measures, garburator jams can still happen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely resolve a jammed garburator:

Step 1: Turn Off The Power

Before attempting any repairs, turn off the power to the garburator. Unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker to avoid accidents.

Step 2: Inspect The Garburator For Visible Blockages

Use a flashlight to look inside the garburator for any visible blockages or foreign objects causing the jam. Common culprits include bones, utensils, or large food particles.

Step 3: Use A Garburator Wrench

Most garburators come with a specialized wrench designed to fit into a socket at the bottom of the unit. Insert the wrench and turn it clockwise and counterclockwise to manually rotate the blades and dislodge the jammed material.

Step 4: Remove Obstructions With Tongs Or Pliers

If you spot any objects inside the garburator, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove them. Never use your hands, even if the power is off, to avoid potential injuries.

Step 5: Reset The Garburator

Once the obstruction is removed, reset the garburator. Most units have a small red button at the bottom. Press this button to reset the motor.

Step 6: Test The Garburator

Turn the power back on and test the garburator with cold water running. If it runs smoothly without any unusual noises, the jam has been resolved. If not, repeat the steps or consult a professional plumber.

How Jack’d Up Plumbing Can Help With Garburator Jams

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we understand how frustrating a jammed garburator can be. Our team of skilled plumbers in Calgary is equipped with the experience and tools needed to quickly diagnose and resolve garburator jams, ensuring your kitchen is back to normal in no time.

Why Choose Jack’d Up Plumbing?

• Expert Technicians: Our licensed plumbers are experts in handling all types of garburator jams, from minor blockages to major repairs.
• Prompt and Reliable Service: We prioritize fast and efficient service to minimize any inconvenience to your daily routine.
• Preventive Maintenance: Beyond repairs, we offer regular maintenance checks to keep your garburator running smoothly and prevent future jams.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we ensure all repairs and installations are completed to the highest standards.

Don’t let a jammed garburator disrupt your day! Contact Jack’d Up Plumbing today for professional garburator repair and maintenance services in Calgary