How to Fix a Trash Compactor?
- Turn the Power Off –. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the power is turned off, by unplugging it, turning off the breaker, or ...
- Remove the Compactor –. ...
- Check out the Belt and Chain –. ...
- Fixing the Chain Tension –. ...
- Replace Broken Chains –. ...
Full Answer
How to fix a jammed trash compactor?
How to Repair a Trash Compactor When Ram Is Stuck Down
- Drive Gear. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? If your trash compactor ram is stuck in the down position, there could be an issue with the drive gear.
- Directional Switch. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? ...
- Power Nut. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? ...
- More Repair Parts. Still not sure which part is broken? ...
How to fix a KitchenAid trash compactor?
Common solutions for: KitchenAid Trash compactor drawer will not open
- 01 - Door Latch. Usually, if the latch is broken, you can use a putty knife or screwdriver to release the door catch.
- 02 - Drive Chain. The drive chain on the ram drive system might have broken, become jammed in the gears, or fell off the...
- 03 - Trunnion Nut. If the trunnion nut is defective, the ram...
How do I lubricate a GE compactall trash compactor?
- Doesn’t stop at end of compacting cycle
- Won’t stay on
- See more ...
How to fix a Jenn Air trash compactor?
- Compactor ram gets stuck
- Doesn’t stop at end of compacting cycle
- Noisy
- See more ...
Can a trash compactor be repaired?
If your trash compactor is broken, and you are not sure what to do, we have simple repair guide that breaks each issue down by common symptom. We walk you through how to troubleshoot and check different parts of your appliance.
How do you fix a stuck trash compactor?
0:348:11Trash Compactor Ram Gets Stuck - Top 5 Reasons & Fixes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover and inspect the gears. If the ram is stuck it usually means the gears are damaged and missingMoreCover and inspect the gears. If the ram is stuck it usually means the gears are damaged and missing some teeth inspect the gears. And replace them if they're damaged or worn.
Why is my trash compactor not compacting?
0:110:58Trash compactor - Unit is not compacting garbage or ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your trash is not being compacted properly it's likely that you do not have enough trash in theMoreIf your trash is not being compacted properly it's likely that you do not have enough trash in the bin. If your unit is half-full. It will not compact any of the trash.
How do you disassemble a trash compactor?
0:207:27KitchenAid Trash Compactor Disassembly, Repair Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo access the container spring and drawer switches or to replace control panel components firstMoreTo access the container spring and drawer switches or to replace control panel components first depress the foot pedal. Pull the container drawer assembly forward and lift it off of the track.
Where is the reset button on a trash compactor?
The reset button is a red button located on the bottom or lower back side of the garbage disposer. If the garbage disposer gets jammed and the motor overloads, the reset button will pop out and shut the disposer off. To reset the disposer: Turn the wall switch to OFF.
How do you test a trash compactor motor?
0:411:55Top Reasons Trash Compactor Won't Start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity a continuous electrical path present inMoreYou can use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity a continuous electrical path present in the part. If the switch tests negative for continuity when activated it will need to be replaced.
How does a trash compactor work?
0:063:50How Does a Trash Compactor Work? - Appliance Repair Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe RAM will compress the trash to make it easier to dispose provided. The drawer is at least 1/3MoreThe RAM will compress the trash to make it easier to dispose provided. The drawer is at least 1/3 filled to begin the compacting. Process the drawer must be fully closed.
Why does my garbage disposal not work?
Check if the garbage disposal is plugged in. Press the garbage disposal reset button on the bottom of the unit, then try to switch on the unit. Check your main electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker to which the device is connected has tripped.
How long should a trash compactor last?
The average life of a trash compactor is seven to eleven years with proper maintenance.
How do I unlock my Kitchenaid trash compactor?
0:151:28Trash compactor - Drawer will not open , stuck in closed positionYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition you'll be able to press the door release on the unit to open up the door. If you're notMorePosition you'll be able to press the door release on the unit to open up the door. If you're not intending on using the solid pack feature disengage it by turning off the switch behind the door.
How do you unlock a Kenmore trash compactor?
Common solutions for: Kenmore Trash compactor drawer will not open. Usually, if the latch is broken, you can use a putty knife or screwdriver to release the door catch. You may have to disassemble the drawer to remove. After removing the drawer, inspect the latch.
Why does my trash compactor keep running?
A stuck foot pedal or failed momentary start switch will cause the trash compactor to run constantly. If the trash compactor starts as soon as you close the drawer and won't stop running, unplug the trash compactor and check the foot pedal. Make sure the foot pedal pivots freely.
What to do if trash compactor won't stay on?
If your trash compactor won’t stay on long enough to complete a cycle , you may need to check and replace the top limit/directional switch or the drive motor. The cycle selector switch could also be the issue. The cycle selector switch is located on the control panel. You will need to remove the unit from the cabinet and check its wiring schematics to determine which terminals to check for continuity. If there is no continuity when the switch is set to normal, you should replace it.
Why won't my trash compactor close?
When your trash compactor’s drawer won’t open or won’t close, usually it’s a problem with either the drawer rollers or the foot pedal. The drawer rollers may have become damaged or warped, or they may simply need to be greased. To check them, lift the drawer out of its opening and inspect the rollers for damage.
What to do if compactor keeps running?
If your compactor keeps running after the cycle ends, it could need a new top limit/directional switch or a new start switch. Locate these as described above, and use your unit’s wiring schematics to check their continuity with a multimeter. The top limit/directional switch should have no continuity when activated. The start switch should show continuity only in the start position, but it may show continuity in the off position too, if it is defective.
How to check if a compactor motor is working?
To check your compactor’s drive motor, shut off power to the unit and remove it from the cabinet. Take off the bottom panel and disconnect the wires from the motor, taking care to remember which wires hooked up to which terminals. Use your multimeter to check for continuity in the centrifugal switch and the motor windings. The readings should show almost no resistance in the centrifugal switch and a few ohms of resistance in the motor windings.
Why does my trash compactor make a noise?
If your trash compactor has started making loud noises, like banging, thumping, squealing or whining, the problem may be the drive gear. Turn off power to the unit, then remove the bottom cover to locate the drive gear, which has plastic teeth. Breakage or wear on these teeth could mean it’s time to replace it.
How to keep a ram from breaking?
Tape the switch in place to keep it from breaking while you perform this check. If you can’t move the ram to its top position, place the unit on its side and take off the bottom panel. Check the power nuts for damage, then lubricate them.
Where are the power nuts on a compactor?
With the ram in an up position, check the power nuts for damage. These are located on the sides of the ram. Replace them if they are worn or broken, and lubricate them before reassembling your compactor. Take care not to break the directional switch while manipulating the ram; it’s a good idea to tape it, as it can break easily.
Unusual noise
If your trash compactor is making loud or unusual noises, learn to test and replace the compactor parts that cause this. Use our troubleshooting and repair guide.
Compactor ram gets stuck
If your trash compactor ram is stuck or jammed, check the directional switch, drive gear, and power nut. Troubleshoot with our trash compactor repair guide.
What Do I Need for Trash Compactor Repair?
Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer and aftermarket suppliers as well as from local plumbing supply stores and appliance parts stores. The tools you might need to fix a trash compactor include these:
What is a trash compactor?
A trash compactor is a device that compresses trash and recyclables into small, tight bundles for easy 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 it forces the air out of the trash, compacting it. The ram then reverses direction so you can remove the bundle for disposal. Internal switches turn the ram on and off as needed.
How Can I Identify a Trash Compactor Problem?
If a trash compactor doesn’t come on, check power at the electrical receptacle and test the electrical cord. Make sure the drawer is completely closed. Look for and reconnect loose terminal wires. Test the drawer safety and on-off switches. If all else fails, test the motor.
What to do if trash compactor makes a noise?
If the trash compactor makes unusual noises, check the owner’s manual and follow instructions for lubrication.
1. The door won't open
It's definitely hard to use your trash compactor if you can't get the door open. There are a few different reasons you might experience this problem, the most common of which is when there's a buildup of debris impeding the door. And before you need to repair your trash compactor door, you should act to prevent it from breaking.
2. The compactor won't start
Another common issue that homeowners experience with their trash compactors is when the appliance won't turn on. SFGATE noted that this is usually just a simple power issue.
3. The appliance smells bad
A third trash compactor repair you may need to make relates to a bad odor. Just as your trash can develops a foul odor over time, a trash compactor may also start to smell. When this happens, the best solution is simply to give the appliance a thorough cleaning.
How to troubleshoot a compactor?
To troubleshoot the problem, check that your compactor is plugged in. You may also want to double-check that the electrical outlet is working by plugging in another small appliance. If that doesn't seem to be the cause of the problem, ensure that the compactor's door is fully closed. Most models will not start until the door is secure.
Why won't my trash compactor open?
There are a few different reasons you might experience this problem, the most common of which is when there's a buildup of debris impeding the door. And before you need to repair your trash compactor door, you should act to prevent it from breaking.
How to get rid of odors in compactor?
Carefully clean the inside of the compactor with warm water and a household cleaning product. SFGATE suggests using an antibacterial formula to effectively banish odors. Be sure to scrub off any caked-on residue — the cleaner you get the appliance, the less it will smell.
How to prevent garbage buildup on a door?
You can prevent this issue by keeping the frame of the door clean whenever you put garbage into the appliance. DoItYourself.com noted that most models have a removable front plate so you can look for trash buildup when the door won't open.
How does a trash compactor work?
Trash compactors come in two different operational styles. The first has a switch on the top of the unit. The other style uses a foot pedal to operate the trash compactor. Sometimes the metal ram needs a jolt of power to dislodge itself. Flip the switch or step on the foot pedal. The sudden jolt may cause the metal ram to come loose and begin to work compacting garbage again. Flip the switch on and off several times to give it a proper chance at working. The same applies to trash compactors that use foot pedals to operate.
How to unjam a trash compactor?
A trash compactor relies on a series of wires and mechanisms in order to work. If any of these connections are loose or have come disconnected then unjamming the trash compactor becomes as simple as reconnecting the loose connections. First, look at the plug and make sure that it is properly plugged into an outlet. The strength and power that a trash compactor exudes can cause the power plug to loosen. This is the obvious problem but there are other connections that could suffer. Use the tools to open the access panel of the trash compactor. Make certain that all of the wires are properly connected and all the gears are properly in place.
Why is my trash compactor not opening?
If you have trouble opening or closing the drawer on your trash compactor, you may have a defective roller or rollers. Most trash compactors have a set of rollers attached to the rear of the drawer and another set attached to the frame near the front of the opening. If the rollers become damaged or lack lubrication the drawer may be difficult ...
What is a foot pedal on a trash compactor?
The foot pedal on most trash compactors is used to disengage the drawer from the frame and it is secured to the drawer with shoulder screws so that it can pivot easily. If the foot pedal on your compactor does not release the drawer easily or the drawer won’t stay closed, it may be damaged. To inspect the foot pedal, you will need to pull ...