GOAL: Clogged Sink – How to Fix a Garbage Disposal (Disposer)
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: Possible tools will include – [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”allen wrench set” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]allen wrench set[/easyazon_link]
SAFETY: ***MAKE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE DISPOSAL POWER SWITCH, CIRCUIT BREAKER, AND IF POSSIBLE, UNPLUG THE DISPOSAL. FOR SAFETY, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT POWER IS DISCONNECTED SO IT CAN NOT ACCIDENTALLY TURN ON!***
TROUBLESHOOTING IDEAS:
Clear disposal of debris
With your hand, check movement of the blades, making sure the blades are freely moving
At the bottom side of the disposal, push the reset button
At the bottom side of the disposal, use a allen wrench to rotate the center crank to realign the blades.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: Possible tools will include – Plunger, Bucket, Towels, Small pan/bucket, [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”needle nose pliers” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]needle nose pliers[/easyazon_link]
SAFETY: Use care with tools. Avoid damaging the sink, drain, or water pipes. Watch for leaks after your are finished.
TROUBLESHOOTING IDEAS:
Use a bucket of water to flush down the debris
After all power sources are removed so the disposal can NOT turn on, reach your hand down to clean it out.
Try using a plunger…cover the other side of the sink to prevent the debris from coming up the other side
Remove pipes and clean them out (see step by step instructions below)
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING THE PIPES UNDER THE SINK:
Before removing the clogged pipes, try to scoop out as much water out of the sink as you can into a bucket, to prevent from dripping down onto the floor
Put a bucket or a pan underneath your pipes before unscrewing the pipes
Have a few towels ready
Start disconnecting the thumb screws that attach the pipes together
At any time during the process, pause to allow water to drain into the pan/bucket underneath the pipes
When you locate the debris, you might need some needle-nose pliers to grab the blockage from the pipe
Re-tighten the pipes when debris is cleared, make sure to rotate turns for EACH of the thumb screws
Wipe everything dry
Obvious (but important) reminders:
Resist the urge to use the faucet when the pipes are not connected…it gets messy if you do!
Check for drips when you are finished.
Leaving the bucket/pan underneath the pipes for a few days can be a good way to watch for any drips without causing damage to the cabinet.
Did your toilet stop flushing? This video will demonstrate some ways to check how to repair. There are likely some very simple repairs to fix the problem.
Steps to Repair:
Open toilet tank lid. Remove it carefully and set aside.
Identify the problem – it may be a broken flush arm or perhaps the chain to the flapper/plug has fallen off.
NOTE: the water in the tank is clean – it probably comes from the same pipe as your sink or shower faucet.
If the problem is the chain fell off, simply reconnect it.
If the problem is a broken flush arm, install a new handle assembly. [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”toilet repair flush arm handle” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]Lot’s are available on Amazon.[/easyazon_link].
Remove the old handle. You may need some [easyazon_link asin=”B000189GSI” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]channel locks[/easyazon_link] for this.
Slide the new handle in place and tighten the nut in place.
Attach the chain, using care to attach it into a spot that will lift the flapper when the handle is flushed.
[easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”p trap kit” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]Replacement drain piping[/easyazon_link] (link to Amazon to search for parts)
How to:
Unscrew the P-trap connections (nuts) and catch water in a bucket (warning – it will probably stink)
If you can’t losen the nuts by hand, you may need to try using some [easyazon_link asin=”B000189GSI” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]channel locks[/easyazon_link] (be careful not to crush or damage the rings)
Clean / rinse the P-trap (in a different sink or bathtub)
Disconnect any other parts involved in the leak
Reassemble (replace if necessary with a new [easyazon_link asin=”B000I19AC0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]P-Trap[/easyazon_link])
Tighten each nut loosely, being sure the washers are installed for the correct seal. Connect each piece until they are all arranged correctly before tightening them down by hand
Hand tight should be sufficient; no need to overtighten
Leave a dry bucket in place under the P-trap and check for any residual leaks for a few hours or a few days.
