If
the gasket is leaking between the shredder and the hopper, you probably
will have to remove the disposer from the sink by disassembling
the drainage trap, unbolting the disposer from the sink mountings,
and removing a clamping ring that holds the hopper to the shredder
housing.
Depending
on the model, you may be able to remove the clamping ring without
removing the disposer from the sink. Once apart, a new gasket can
be quickly installed. This is a factory part, however, and you might
have to go to a dealer to get the gasket. But check on "universal"
gaskets.
Disposer Slow Drainage-
First, run the disposer longer, giving it an opportunity
to clear all garbage and flush it down the drain.
If
this doesn't do it, remove the trap along the drainpipe and clean
it. Also, with an auger or plumber's snake, rod out the drain from
the trap through the drain pipe---not back up through the disposer.
Never pour liquid drain cleaner down through
the disposer to open a slow or clogged drain. You could damage the
disposer.
Drain
still slow? Then check to make sure that the slope of the drain
pipe is adequate to carry away the debris. A slope in the drainpipe
is preferred over a more horizontal line because it assures freer
flow of the water/garbage mixture. Local plumbing codes may dictate
how the drain must be connected. The slope should be about 1 inch
per 4 feet of drainpipe run, or according to codes.
A broken
or damaged cutter (flyweight) on the flywheel sometimes can cause
poor drainage, although it is not a prime consideration.
If
broken/damaged, you may be able to replace the cutter or the entire
flywheel by removing the trap and separating the hopper and shredder
housing via the clamping ring.
DisposerVibration-
If the disposer is not loaded with garbage and it vibrates excessively
when you turn it on, try loosening the mounting bolts slightly.
Give them about 1/4 to 1/2 turn each. Then test the unit. If it
is still vibrating, loosen the mounting bolts just a tad more. Sometimes
the mounting bolts are so tight that the resilience from the mounting
pads is deadened.
DisposerNoise-
If the disposer is not loaded with debris, the noise can be a vibration
problem. Correct this by loosening the mounting bolts.
If
the disposer is loaded, chances are that the noise is coming from
a hard object in the hopper such as silverware, a bottle cap, broken
glass.
Disposer Humming Noise-
Almost always this is caused by a stuck flywheel. In a few seconds
the fuses will pop automatically to shut down the power.
However,
if the unit hums and it is unloaded, the hum can come from a burned-out
motor or loose electrical connections. If the problem is the motor,
repairs should be made by a pro. Or, the unit should be replaced;
it may be less expensive to replace it.
You
can check the connections by opening the connection port usually
at the base of the disposer.
But first, turn off the power at the main electrical service entrance
to the house.
Tighten the terminal screws with a screwdriver. Or, if the wiring
has spade connections, tighten the nuts holding the connections
to the terminals.
Disposer
Won't Start Problems-
First, press the reset but ton on the unit. If this doesn't start
it, check the fuses/circuit breakers at the power service entrance
to your home. If this is not the trouble, the switch to the unit
could be malfunctioning
