Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re cleaning up after a delightful dinner and your garbage disposal decides to jam up? It’s a common problem that residents in Woodland Hills, Burbank, and the entire San Fernando Valley area run into. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic or call a plumber right away. Most of the time, you can fix the jam yourself with just a few handy tools and a bit of patience. As the Impactful Construction Group, a CA licensed contractor based in Woodland Hills, serving the entire Los Angeles area, we’ve helped countless homeowners fix such trivial home issues.
It’s important to remember that garbage disposals are powerful appliances and can be dangerous if not handled properly. That’s why our experienced team at Impactful Construction Group has put together this comprehensive guide to help you safely and effectively fix your jammed garbage disposal.
Before we begin, a word of caution: never put your hand or any other part of your body in the garbage disposal. Even when it’s off, the blades are incredibly sharp and can cause severe injuries.
Identifying the Problem
The first step to fixing a jammed garbage disposal is to identify what’s causing the problem. If your garbage disposal hums but doesn’t spin, it’s likely that something hard and small is lodged between the impellers (blades) and the drain hole. This could be anything from a bone to a piece of glass or a hard fruit pit.
In some instances, the garbage disposal unit might not make any noise at all. This can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a burned-out motor. In such cases, it’s best to call our experienced team at Impactful Construction Group at (323) 591-3717 for professional help.
Turning Off the Power
Before you attempt to fix the jam, ensure your safety by turning off the power to the garbage disposal unit. You can usually do this by unplugging the unit or switching off the circuit breaker that powers it. This is a crucial step to prevent any accidental activation of the disposal while you’re working on it.
Loosening the Jam
Once you’ve safely turned off the power, you can attempt to loosen the jam. Here are some steps to follow:
- Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. Most units have a hole designed for this purpose.
- Turn the wrench back and forth to free up the impellers.
- If the wrench turns freely in both directions, the jam is likely cleared.
Checking the Reset Button
After clearing the jam, press the reset button located at the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. If the unit doesn’t start after doing this, it’s possible that the overload protector has tripped. Wait for a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, it might be time to call in professionals.
Calling in Professionals
If you’ve followed the steps above and your garbage disposal is still not working, it might be time to call in professionals. Residents of Encino, Northridge, and Van Nuys can rely on our experienced team at Impactful Construction Group to fix their garbage disposal issues in a timely and efficient manner.
FAQs
Q: Can I put my hand in the garbage disposal to remove a jam?
A: No, it’s not safe to put your hand or any other part of your body in the garbage disposal, even if it’s turned off. The blades are very sharp and can cause serious injuries.
Q: What can I do if the garbage disposal doesn’t make any sound?
A: If your garbage disposal doesn’t make any sound, it might mean that the motor has burned out. In such cases, it’s best to call professionals for help.
Q: Can I use a plunger to clear a garbage disposal jam?
A: Using a plunger can sometimes help loosen a jam, but it’s not always effective, especially for harder objects. It’s best to use an Allen wrench to manually turn the impellers and clear the jam.
Conclusion
Fixing a jammed garbage disposal can be a hassle, but with the right tools and some patience, it’s a task that you can accomplish on your own. However, if the problem persists after following the steps outlined in this guide, don’t hesitate to call in professionals. Remember, your safety should always come first.
Ready to transform your space? Trust the experts at Impactful Construction Group. As CA licensed contractors based in Woodland Hills, we serve the entire Los Angeles area with premium construction and remodeling services. Call or text (323) 591-3717 for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.
