A kitchen garburator (or garbage disposal) is one of those modern conveniences that keeps food waste out of your trash, making cleanup quicker and more eco-friendly. However, it’s not immune to issues. From clogs to jams to unpleasant odors, problems can crop up. If you live in Victoria, BC, and want to tackle common garburator issues yourself, this guide will help you get your appliance back in working order. If you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to call Pacific Property Solutions for top-notch handyman services in the area.
Tools You'll Need
To make the process smooth and safe, gather these tools before starting:
Allen Wrench (usually comes with the garburator or use a 1/4-inch hex wrench)
Flashlight (to inspect the garburator)
Tongs or Pliers (for safely removing debris)
Bucket (to catch water when working on pipes)
Dish Soap (for cleaning and flushing the system)
Ice Cubes and Rock Salt (for cleaning the blades)
Citrus Peels (for deodorizing)
Step 1: Check for a Jam
The most common issue with a garburator is a jam, often caused by hard items like bones or foreign objects.
Inspect the Disposal: Shine a flashlight into the sink to look for obstructions.
Manually Rotate the Blades:
Find the hex-shaped hole under the garburator.
Insert the Allen wrench and turn it back and forth to free the jam. This will manually rotate the blades.
Remove Obstructions: Use tongs or pliers to carefully extract any stuck debris.
Step 2: Reset the Garburator
Sometimes, the garburator motor's overload protector trips after a jam.
Find the Reset Button: Look for a red button on the bottom of the garburator.
Press and Hold: Push the button firmly for about 30 seconds to reset the motor.
Restore Power: Plug the unit back in or turn the circuit breaker back on. Test the garburator by running cold water and flipping the switch.
Step 3: Clear a Clog in the Drain
If your garburator works but the sink drains slowly, a clog in the drainpipe might be the problem.
Disassemble the P-Trap:
Place a bucket under the sink.
Unscrew the P-trap (the curved pipe) and check for clogs.
Clear the Pipe: Remove any debris, clean the pipe, and reattach it securely.
Flush with Water: Run hot water to ensure the drain is clear.
Step 4: Eliminate Odors
Foul smells coming from your garburator? Here’s how to fix it:
Clean the Blades: Pour a handful of ice cubes and rock salt into the garburator. Run cold water and turn it on.
Deodorize: Add citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to the unit and run it while cold water flows for a fresh scent.
Professional Help: Pacific Property Solutions
If you’ve followed these steps and your garburator still isn’t working, it might be time to bring in the professionals. At Pacific Property Solutions, we offer expert handyman services in Victoria, BC, and surrounding areas, including Sidney, Langford, and Colwood.
Whether you need garburator repairs, or other home maintenance and handyman tasks, we’ve got you covered. We are insured, professional, and ready to handle your tasks.
Preventative Tips for a Healthy Garburator
Keep your garburator running smoothly with these tips:
Avoid grinding fibrous materials like celery or corn husks.
Use cold water when operating the garburator to solidify grease.
Never dispose of grease, oils, or large bones.
Clean it monthly with ice cubes and rock salt to prevent buildup.
Why Choose Pacific Property Solutions?
With our motto, "Tailored Service, Unmatched Quality," we’re committed to providing the best handyman services in Victoria, BC. From quick repairs to complex home projects, we deliver results that exceed expectations. Call us today for all your garburator and household repair needs.
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