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Garbage disposal issues

  • Updated

    To keep your garbage disposal working well and avoid repairs, run cold water before, during, and after each use to flush food down the drain. Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, and fibrous items like celery or potato peels in the disposal, as these can cause clogs or damage. Feed food in small amounts rather than overloading it. Its recommended to clean it each month. To clean the disposal use 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar; let it sit briefly, then rinse with cold water to remove residue and odors. Occasionally, grind a small piece of lemon or orange peel to freshen things up. Skip chemical cleaners, as they can corrode the parts. Running the disposal regularly, even if briefly, will also help prevent rust and buildup. These steps help keep the disposal in good shape and reduce the need for repairs.

    If you are having trouble with your garbage disposal here are steps to troubleshoot issues. If these don’t resolve the problem, please submit a maintenance request below. Please note, that if the issue is found to be due to resident misuse, you may be responsible for repair costs.

     

    Steps to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal:

    • Turn Off the Disposal: Switch off the disposal and unplug it to avoid any accidents. If there’s no plug, turn off the breaker that powers the disposal.

    • Check for Obstructions:

      • Shine a flashlight into the disposal to check for visible blockages.
      • If you see anything stuck, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove the object. Never use your hands!

    • Press the Reset Button:

      • Locate the small red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal unit.
      • Press the button and wait a few seconds. If it’s tripped, this may fix the issue.

    • Test the Disposal:

      • Plug it back in or turn on the breaker, and then run cold water while briefly turning the disposal on to check if it’s working.

    • Use a Hex Key to Manually Rotate Blades:

      • If the disposal is still jammed, find the small hex key slot under the unit (typically at the bottom center).
      • Insert a 1/4" hex key (or Allen wrench) and rotate it back and forth a few times to dislodge any blockage in the blades.

    • Create a Maintenance Request if Necessary:

      • If the disposal still isn’t working after troubleshooting, please submit a maintenance request for further assistance.

     

    Still need help?

    Follow the steps below to create your maintenance request:

    • Go to your Bungalow App 
    • Click Support and Maintenance
    • Select Submit a Request
    • Click the Maintenance Category and find your specific issue
    • Provide as much detail as possible for our maintenance team to get an understanding of the situation
    • Add photos 
    • Select if you want to include your roommates
    • Submit your request

    If you have trouble submitting the request through AppFolio you can call 855-559-5525 and press 1 for a live maintenance coordinator to take your request and submit the work order.