Garburator Maintenance - How To Troubleshoot Common Garburator Issues

Are you experiencing difficulties with your garbage disposal unit? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered! At Jack’d Up Plumbing we understand the frustration that can arise from a malfunctioning garburator, and work hard to assist you in troubleshooting and resolving the most prevalent issues.

While numerous professional plumbing service providers in Calgary can assist you with garburator maintenance, it is beneficial to know the common issues that can arise and their resolutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with step-by-step solutions to ensure your garburator regains its optimal performance.

Garburator Not Turning On

If your garburator is not turning on, it can be due to various reasons. Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot this issue:

Check The Power Connection

Start by verifying that the garburator is properly connected to the power source. Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a functioning outlet. If it’s connected to a switch, make sure the switch is in the “On” position. Sometimes, loose connections or tripped circuit breakers can also cause this problem.

Reset The Garburator

Many garburators are equipped with a reset button or overload protector. Locate the reset button, usually located on the bottom or side of the unit, and press it firmly. This action can often resolve power-related issues and restore the garburator’s functionality.

Check For Jammed Objects

A common cause of garburator failure is the presence of foreign objects or food particles that have become lodged in the unit. Before proceeding, make sure to turn off the power to the garburator.

Additionally, using a flashlight, inspect the chamber for any obstructions. If you find any, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove the objects, ensuring your safety by avoiding direct contact with the garburator blades.

Also Read: Choosing The Right Garburator For Your Home: Factors To Consider

The Garburator Is Draining Slowly Or Not Draining At All

Is your garburator draining slowly or not draining at all? This can be a frustrating issue, but don’t worry; there are solutions to resolve it.

Clear Clogs And Build-Up

The most common cause of slow draining or no drainage is a clogged garburator. Here’s what you can do for long-term garburator maintenance:

Start by turning off the garburator’s power.
Look for a hexagonal hole at the bottom of the unit. Insert an Allen wrench into the hole and rotate it back and forth a few times. This action helps to dislodge any clogs or debris. Many garbage disposals have a hexagonal hole at the bottom, commonly referred to as the “reset button” or “flywheel hole.” By inserting an Allen wrench into the hole and moving it back and forth, you can manually rotate the flywheel to dislodge any clogs or debris that may be causing the unit to malfunction.
Once you’ve cleared any visible blockages, turn the power back on and run water through the garburator to check if the drainage has improved.

Address Plumbing Issues

If clearing clogs didn’t resolve the problem, there might be plumbing issues causing the slow drainage. Check the following:

Ensure the garburator’s drain line is properly connected to the plumbing system.
Inspect the P-trap (the curved pipe) beneath the sink. Remove it carefully and clean out any debris or clogs.
If the slow drainage persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional plumber who can diagnose and address any complex plumbing problems.

Garburator Produces Unpleasant Odours

Unpleasant odours emanating from your garburator can quickly become a nuisance. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate these odours and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Clean And Deodorize The Garburator

Follow these steps to clean and deodorize your garburator effectively:

Start by turning off the garburator and cutting the power to it.
Pour a cup of ice cubes into the unit, followed by a cup of rock salt or vinegar. The ice helps to dislodge debris, while the rock salt or vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer.
Turn the garburator on and run cold water for about 30 seconds to allow the ice, salt, or vinegar to clean and deodorize the unit thoroughly.
Finish by running water through the garburator for an additional 30 seconds to flush away any remaining residue.

Regular Garburator Maintenance

Prevention is key to avoiding unpleasant odours. Incorporate these maintenance tips to keep your garburator smelling fresh:

Avoid disposing of grease, oil, or fibrous materials (e.g., potato peels, coffee grounds) down the garburator, as they can contribute to odour and clogging issues.
Periodically grind citrus peels in the garburator to naturally freshen it up.
Run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the garburator to ensure proper waste disposal and prevent lingering odours.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a professional plumbing company in Calgary, offering a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties. Our experienced team provides prompt assistance and high-quality work and ensures industry-standard completion of every job.