Understanding Garbage Disposal Blades
Before we talk about tightening garbage disposal blades, it is important to clear up a common misconception. Most residential garbage disposals do not actually have blades; instead, they have impellers or lugs that are attached to a spinning plate. These work by flinging the food waste against a stationary grind ring, which pulverizes the waste into small particles. Over time, the impellers can become jammed or the disposal unit as a whole can become loose, and this might be perceived as needing to “tighten the blades.”
Safety First
The first step is to always ensure safety before attempting any repair or maintenance on your garbage disposal:
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the circuit breaker.
- Never put your hands inside the garbage disposal unit.
- Use a flashlight to visually inspect the inside of the disposal for any obstructions or noticeable damage.
Clearing Jams
If your garbage disposal seems to have loose blades or is not functioning properly, it may actually be jammed. Here’s how to address that:
- Again, make sure the power is off.
- Insert an Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal unit and twist back and forth to free up the impellers. Most disposals come with a specific wrench for this purpose.
- If something is lodged between the impellers and the grind ring, use pliers or tongs to carefully remove the item.
Tightening a Garbage Disposal Mounting
If the entire garbage disposal unit is shaking or seems loose under your sink, this might be what is giving the impression of loose blades. Here’s how to tighten the mounting:
- First, ensure the power to the disposal is turned off.
- Check the mounting bolts that hold the disposal to the sink. If they are loose, tighten them with a wrench.
- If your disposal attaches to the sink with a flange, make sure the flange is securely attached and that the plumber’s putty is not dried out or crumbling. If necessary, reseal the flange with fresh plumber’s putty.
When to Call a Professional
If after inspection and your attempts to clear a jam or tighten the unit it still doesn’t function properly, it’s time to call a professional. A qualified plumber can diagnose and fix issues that are not as straightforward, may require specialized tools, or if parts need replacing.
Maintenance Tips
To avoid future issues with your garbage disposal:
- Run cold water whenever the disposal is in use.
- Avoid disposing of hard or fibrous items like bones or corn husks.
- Use ice cubes occasionally to help keep the impellers clean.
- Clean your disposal regularly with a disposal cleaner or a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
Remember, regular maintenance and proper usage can greatly extend the life of your garbage disposal and reduce the likelihood of having to tighten or repair any parts of it.