By Helene Lesel
Q: Our garbage disposal suddenly stopped, not even making a sound when we flip the switch. What happened?A: Kitchen garbage disposals seem like a nifty idea - until they stop working. Don't panic, since most modern garbage disposal models automatically shut off when something has gotten jammed or stuck under the blades.
Much like a ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet, the disposal shuts off until reset. While resetting isn't complicated, most landlords would prefer tenants not tinker with sharp objects and call the landlord for disposal repairs.
The following disposal dos and don'ts may help avoid disposal shutdown trouble in the future:
- Do turn on the cold water first, letting a stream of water run with the waste until the sound of just the whirring motor indicates "all clear."
- Do feed items, like vegetable peels, into the disposal gradually. Allowing debris to accumulate in the sink and then shoving it down is invitation to a clog and/or disposal shutdown.
- Do run a sinkful of water and baking soda through the disposal weekly.
- Don't throw anything with grease, oil or fat into the disposal. No fish, please.
- Don't ever put fibrous foods, like cornhusks, into the disposal.
- Don't run disposal with hot water, only cold.
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