Commercial garbage disposals are an important asset in commercial settings. These heavy-duty machines are designed to tear down leftover food items into a manageable size for discarding. Considering the fact that commercial garbage disposals deal with oil, dirt, and grease on a daily basis, it is only normal for them to run into problems. Since commercial settings rely heavily on garbage disposals, it is important for your staff members to know what can cause them to stop working and how to troubleshoot the problems. Let’s take a look at some common issues faced by commercial garbage disposals. Some issues need you to contact a commercial kitchen appliance repair professional.

Jammed System

As mentioned previously, commercial garbage disposals deal with a variety of leftover food items. This means it is quite easy for them to experience jamming as users are not that careful every time as they are supposed to be. Although a commercial garbage disposal can handle all types of food, that does not mean you should throw in plastic, bones, and other potentially harmful items.

Plus, the garbage disposal should not be overstuffed either. The best way to use a commercial garbage disposal is by separating the food leftovers and making batches that will make it easier for the disposal to handle. If the commercial garbage disposal tends to jam, you will need to turn it off from the main power source and use special tools to access and clear the area.

If you intend to do it on your own, make sure to wear protective gloves. The garbage disposals tend to have sharp blades that can cause serious injuries. Plus, at the end of each working day, the team should run warm water through the disposal to remove any blockages.

Dead Or Broken Garbage Disposal

A dead or broken garbage disposal is a sign that something has seriously gone wrong, especially if it is a new unit. Such problems are a bit tricky to solve as you have no idea about the issue and why it is preventing the disposal from working or turning.

If everything was working fine the previous day, but the machine does not turn on a day later, you will first need to check the power source. Check the circuit breaker along with the fuse box. It might be that a fuse blew due to a power fluctuation.

If you come across a blown fuse, you should replace it with a new one. If everything seems fine, you should check the power chord. Check to see if there are any cracks or damage that might be disrupting the power flow. And, if even that does not solve the issue, you will need to consult an expert.

Leakage

If you did not know, commercial garbage disposals are also prone to leaking. A damaged or improperly connected garbage disposal will fail to function normally and make it appear as if there is a serious problem. In newer units, the leakage problems arise due to a lack of maintenance.

Garbage disposals can leak from the side, top, and bottom. When commercial garbage disposals leak, the water can enter other potentially dangerous areas and even damage the floor. Fixing a leaking commercial garbage disposal might seem easy, but it depends on the model of the unit.

The leakage issue might also be due to worn-out O-rings and seals, etc. To replace them, you will need to consult the user manual and opt for the exact replacements. At the same time, the drain system should also be kept maintained and cleaned to prevent blockages.

Leakage are common in commercial dishwashers as well. If you notice any leaks, consult commercial dishwasher repair Fairfax experts.

Humming Noises

If the commercial garbage disposal is making a humming noise but you cannot hear the blades functioning, it is a telltale sign that something is wrong. Commercial garbage disposals tend to make a slight humming sound when functioning and it does not necessarily mean something is wrong.

Unless the humming sound is accompanied by other unusual sounds or issues, there is no need to panic. If the humming sound gets louder with time, you will need to contact an expert. Do not wait for the noise to go away on its own.

Bad Odors

You might think that commercial garbage disposals are supposed to smell bad all the time, but that is not the case. If you observe that your commercial garbage disposal is smelling quite bad, it means there is most probably something stuck inside that might cause further problems.

A major problem with a bad-smelling commercial garbage disposal is that it can turn off your customers if you own a restaurant. Nobody would want to have a meal in a place that has a bad odor all around. If you want to get rid of the bad odor quickly, make sure to use the vinegar and water solution.

Unusual Sounds

If your commercial garbage disposal is making unusual sounds like squeaking or grinding, it means something is about to go seriously wrong. This is usually the case in older models. The squeaking or grinding noise could mean the bearings need replacement or the grinding machine itself is having trouble functioning properly.

If the noise is clearly hearable, you will need to immediately shut down the unit and inspect it for issues. It will be better to contact an expert who can perform a thorough inspection of the unit and fix it before the machine completely breaks down.

Lack Of Maintenance

Commercial garbage disposals, like other commercial kitchen appliances, need proper maintenance. It is a misconception that garbage disposals do not need to be maintained by an expert from time to time. Such mindsets lead to expensive repairs and replacements.

Professional maintenance critical for maintaining and improving the lifespan of your garbage disposal. Although such services can be expensive, but tend to be an investment. You are simply paying for the future problems to be prevented.

As a general rule of thumb, the garbage disposal should be maintained at least twice every year.

Choosing An Expert

Whether it is fixing a minor issue or thoroughly inspecting and maintaining a commercial garbage disposal, you will need an expert sooner or later. But the problem is that you will come across too many options as the market is saturated nowadays.

In such a case, you will need to gather multiple options by only considering those who are certified and carry a license to indicate they have enough experience, skills, and knowledge. Do not be tempted to opt for cheap services as it could lead to a disaster.

Professional services offer guarantees and warranties if anything goes wrong. Plus, some experts also carry insurance to keep them protected from unexpected damages and complications. So, ask around and interview the experts over a phone call before picking the best option.

Conclusion

Commercial garbage disposals are prone to running into problems, but that does not mean you should panic. The above-mentioned tips are meant to keep you mentally and practically prepared and hire a commercial garbage disposal repair Springfield when required. Plus, make sure you avoid these issues in the first place by scheduling professional maintenance.