Introduction
Is your garbage disposal acting up? Don’t worry, you don’t need to call a plumber yet. In many cases, you can fix it yourself with a simple Allen wrench. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools:
- An Allen wrench that fits the hex screw on your garbage disposal
- A flashlight
- A pair of gloves
- A bucket
Step 2: Safety First
Before you start working on your garbage disposal, make sure to unplug it from the power outlet. Also, turn off the water supply to the disposal.
Step 3: Locate the Reset Button
Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Find the reset button and press it. This will reset the disposal and may solve the problem.
Step 4: Check for Objects Blocking the Blades
If the reset button doesn’t solve the problem, there may be an object blocking the blades. To check for this, use the flashlight to look inside the disposal. If you see any objects, use the Allen wrench to remove them.
Step 5: Manually Turn the Blades
If there are no objects blocking the blades, you can try manually turning them. To do this, insert the Allen wrench into the hex screw on the bottom of the disposal and turn it clockwise. This will manually turn the blades and may dislodge any stuck food or debris.
Step 6: Clean the Disposal
Once you’ve manually turned the blades, it’s a good idea to clean the disposal. To do this, run a mixture of 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar through the disposal. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run cold water through the disposal for a few minutes.
Step 7: Reassemble the Disposal
Once you’ve cleaned the disposal, it’s time to reassemble it. To do this, simply screw the hex screw back into place using the Allen wrench.
Step 8: Test the Disposal
Finally, it’s time to test the disposal. To do this, turn on the water supply and plug in the disposal. Run some cold water through the disposal for a few seconds to make sure it’s working properly.
Conclusion
Fixing a garbage disposal with an Allen wrench is a quick and easy task that can save you money on a plumber. By following these steps, you can get your disposal up and running again in no time.
Additional Tips
– If you’re not comfortable working on your garbage disposal yourself, it’s always best to call a plumber.
– If you have a newer garbage disposal, it may have a different reset button location. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
– If you’re having persistent problems with your garbage disposal, it may be time to replace it.
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How To Fix Garbage Disposal With Allen Wrench
