Trash Compactor Repair

This Fix-Information technology Guide on trash compactor repair tells how a trash compactor works, what often goes wrong, how to identify a trash compactor trouble, and what parts and tools you lot will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-footstep instructions for how to disassemble a trash compactor and how to replace or arrange a chain. Information technology also refers to Fix-It Guides for electrical receptacle repair, electrical string repair, motor repair, appliance controls repair, and more for further data to help ready a trash compactor.

How Does a Trash Compactor Piece of work?

Trash Compactor Repair

Components of a typical trash compactor.

A trash compactor is a device that compresses trash and recyclables into small, tight bundles for piece of cake disposal. Items are placed in the compactor, the drawer is closed, and the switch turned on. Inside, an electric or hydraulic ram inside the unit moves downward until information technology forces the air out of the trash, compacting it. The ram then reverses direction and so you can remove the bundle for disposal. Internal switches plough the ram on and off as needed.

What Can Go Wrong with a Trash Compactor?

Most mutual trash compactor bug include failed switches and worn sprockets, chain, roller bearings, and power basics. The motor can burn out. Droppings tin go stuck inside and limit movement.

Caution!

Never put aerosol cans or flammable items in the trash compactor!

How Tin can I Place a Trash Compactor Trouble?

  • If a trash compactor doesn't come on, cheque ability at the electric receptacle and test the electric cord. Brand sure the drawer is completely airtight. Look for and reconnect loose last wires. Test the drawer prophylactic and on-off switches. If all else fails, test the motor.
  • If the compactor starts, then stops, examination the summit-limit switch and the motor.
  • If the motor runs, but the ram doesn't move, check for a damaged chain (see below) or a faulty bulldoze gear (see the Motor Fix-It Guide).
  • If the trash compactor makes unusual noises, cheque the owner's manual and follow instructions for lubrication.
  • If the compactor starts but doesn't compact completely, check for debris in the power screw threads or nuts.

What Do I Need for Trash Compactor Repair?

Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer and aftermarket suppliers equally well every bit from local plumbing supply stores and apparatus parts stores. The tools y'all might demand to fix a trash compactor include these:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Wrenches
  • Nut driver
  • Multimeter

What Are the Steps to Trash Compactor Repair?

Disassemble a trash compactor:

  1. Unplug the electrical cord, or plow off the billow or remove the fuse from the electrical service console.
  2. Unfasten the brackets or screws effectually the compactor to remove information technology from the cabinet for easier repair.
  3. Remove the top and side cover panels with wrenches or nut drivers.
  4. Lay out a protective pad where y'all volition piece of work, then remove the bottom panel, being careful of debris that may fall out.
  5. Remove the embrace panels to access the motor, chain, and switches.
  6. As needed, remove fasteners belongings the control panel in place. Test the electrical cord, motor, switches and other controls (see the Appliance Controls Fix-Information technology Guide) using a multimeter and replace as needed.

Fix-It Tip

Refer to the trash compactor owner'southward transmission for specific information on and sources of replacement parts. Brand sure you specify the model and series number, typically constitute nearly the door, when ordering replacement parts. Yous'll besides want to read the transmission for instructions on lubricating and maintaining your trash compactor. An hour once or twice a year tin can extend the compactor's life by many years.

Supercede or adjust a trash compactor chain:

  1. Unplug the electrical cord, or plow off the breaker or remove the fuse from the electrical service console.
  2. Detach the unit to access the motor (run into to a higher place).
  3. Remove the motor mounting bolts and the motor as needed. (Some models are easier to repair than others so beginning refer to the owner's manual or a service manual.)
  4. Remove the bulldoze gear from the shaft.
  5. Remove the chain from the drive gear's rear sprocket.
  6. Remove the power screws from the frame without removing the power screw nuts.
  7. Remove the chain from the sprockets.
  8. Install the new chain around the sprockets and suit the chain tension.
  9. Reassemble the unit.
  10. Plug the unit in, or turn on the excursion breaker or supplant the circuit fuse.

Fix-It Tip

It's a skilful idea to check tension on the drive concatenation or chugalug one time a year to make certain it isn't then loose that information technology damages gears and sprockets. If you're uncomfortable with this chore, remove the unit and take information technology to a professional to salve the price of a firm call.