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Full online advertising solutionTop Electricians » Common Electrical Problems » Kitchen Appliances » Compactors & Disposals
Compactors & Disposals
Troubleshooting a trash compactor:
If your compactor does not start:
• Make sure that the door of the compactor is completely closed and is plugged in properly.
• Check for a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker, inspect the power cord and test the power outlet. Also check the voltage at the power outlet. Do not use extension cords
• Test the switch and then tilt it a bit. Also test the safety switch and the motor centrifugal switch. Finally, check if the motor is overloaded.
If the motor runs but the trash is not compacted:
• Remember that the drawer must be at least 1/3 full before any compaction can take place
• Check the voltage at the power outlet and check the power plug stems for wear or obstructions. You might also want to check the screws on the plug and lubricate them in case they have got worn out and out of shape
• Then, check the drive belt, chain and gears
• If you are not too savvy with all of this, it is best to call an electrician.
If the compactor starts but does not complete the cycle:
• There might be some object in the trash that is triggering off the tilt switch
• Check the motor for overload
• Check the top limit switch
• Check for any loose connections in the wiring
If the drawer is stiff or difficult to open:
• The drawer tracks need to be cleaned and inspect the drawer rollers as well
If the door does not open:
• Return the ram to the top position and try again
• Turn off the dense pack switch
• Push door closed to make sure it is secure while restarting the compactor
• Check if the plug stems and the power unit for any obstruction
• Check the ram for any obstruction
If the compactor does not shut off:
• Test the top limit switch and the start switch
• Check the ram pads
If the compactor is too noisy:
• Take a look at the drive chain and the driver gear
• The power screws may need lubricating
• Inspect the ram pads
• Or else, there might be a few screws that have come loose and simply need tightening.
Troubleshooting a garbage disposer:
Before attempting to tackle any electrical problems related to your garbage disposer, you need to make sure that the power is shut off at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid serious injury. Once you have finished the repairs, reach under the sink and you will find a small button on the bottom or on the side of the unit. Press the button all the way in and then plug the disposer back into the power outlet and turn on the breaker and turn on the disposer.
If it runs properly, then it has been fixed. If there is a humming noise, then that is a clear indication that something is jammed. Some disposers come with a tool to manually crank the blade. Use the original tool but if you do not have one, then an Allen wrench (1/4 inch) will do the job.
Reach under the disposer and insert the wrench into the socket at the very center of the bottom of the disposer. Turn the wrench back and forth a few times until you can make complete revolutions. Then, reach into the drain with tongs to remove whatever had caused the jam. Once you are clear of the disposer, turn the power back on.
Some garbage disposers do not have a feature to manually clear a jam. If this is so, switch the power off , unplug the disposer and push a wooden broom handle into the drain sink of this kitchen appliance and try to move the blades. Once you feel the blades moving, take the broom handle out of the drain sink, plug in the disposer and switch it on.
If it doesn’t work and doesn’t even make a noise then you need to check if the circuit breaker has been tripped of if a fuse has blown. Then test the power outlet as well. If the power outlet is ok, unplug the disposer and check the electrical connections like the plug and the cord. If everything seems ok, then the motor might have burnt out. This calls for a qualified electrician.