14

Jan

How To Fix A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal?

A leaking commercial garbage disposal can turn your kitchen into a stinky mess and reduce productivity. So, if you notice that there is a leakage from the garbage disposal, you must either hire commercial appliances repair services for an inspection or try a few things yourself.

Determining The Location Of The Commercial Garbage Disposal Leakage

Before fixing your leaky garbage disposal, you should determine where it’s leaking from because the leakage causes differ depending on the location of the leak. Moreover, some leaks are obvious while others are not quite noticeable. During checking or fixing the garbage disposal, make sure to never put your finger or hand into the disposal because it can cause injuries.

Begin your inspection from the top. Check the upper part of the unit connected to the flange. There may be water dripping down from there. Then, move your attention to the drain pipes. Look for loose connections as they are common. However, in some cases, the drain pipe is damaged or its seal is worn. Lastly, check the bottom of the garbage disposal.

Fixing A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal

Leakage From The Top

If the dripping is visible from the top part of the disposer, it’s either the gasket or the disposal flange. If you can’t determine which one is leaking, hire an expert or replace both.

Replacing The Rubber Gasket

There is a rubber seal on the garbage disposal that is mounted to the flange. It becomes loose with time or due to an impact. Another reason for this rubber gasket becoming ineffective is no use of the garbage disposal and the sink for some time. The seal dries up and when it’s used after some time, it can’t stop water from leaking.

Moreover, if you ever remove your commercial garbage disposal and place it back again, you will need to use a new rubber gasket. Using the same one will cause leakage and you will have to remove it again to replace the rubber seal.

You can easily replace the gasket if it’s leaking:

  1. The first step is to unplug the power cord of the garbage disposer because you will need to remove the unit to change the rubber gasket. Moreover, disconnect the drain hose as well. If your garbage disposal is connected to your dishwasher, then remove the dishwasher drain hose too.
  2. Unlock the garbage disposal from its position. Use a wrench on the mounting nuts on the sides and move it counterclockwise. If there is another person with you, tell them to hold the bottom of the disposer because it will drop down and can be damaged if no one is there to hold it. In case no one is near you, create a support for the disposer by placing things under it so when you unlock it, it doesn’t fall on the floor.
  3. Remove the round, black gasket on the garbage disposal. Use it as a sample to buy an exact one. Put the new rubber seal on the disposer. The correct position of it is flat and inside the lip of the unit.
  4. Ask a helper to put the disposal into its position under the sink and look at it from above the sink to ensure that the gasket is sitting flat. Then, do the locking procedure of the disposer.
  5. Reconnect the drain and power cords and check the garbage disposal. If it still leaks, consult a professional.

Sealing The Disposal Flange

A disposal flange is a drain or ring that connects the disposer with the sink making sure the water and fluids go from the sink to the disposer and nowhere else. It’s sealed with plumber’s putty. Moreover, it also has a mechanism for tightening. Both of these things ensure a sealed flange.

You can try your luck by just tightening the flange. If the issue was just a loose flange, tightening will do the trick. But if the seal is worn, you will need to reseal it:

  1. You will have to remove the commercial garbage disposal. So, disconnect all of its connections. Remove the power cord from the outlet and remove the drain hose.
  2. Use a wrench on the mounting nut to move the unit counterclockwise to disconnect it from the sink. Use your leg or ask another person to hold the disposer as it becomes free.
  3. Remove the flange by removing or loosening its bolts. Pop out the clip under the flange and then take out the flange from the top.
  4. Clean the area where the flange was so the new seal doesn’t leak.
  5. Take a decent amount of plumber’s putty and create a putty rope by rolling it on your palms. The putty rope should be dense enough to fill the gap where you’re going to put it.
  6. Wrap the putty rope on the flange’s rim. Put the flange in its place and tighten its screws. Plumber’s putty dries up quickly so you don’t need to wait. During this part, if the putty rope is short and is not enough to go around the whole rim, don’t make another small putty rope to fill the remaining part because this will cause leaks. Discard the existing putty rope and make a new, larger one.
  7. Use another person’s help to keep the disposer in its position under the sink and lock it into its place.
  8. Connect its drain hose and plug it into the outlet to test.

Leakage From The Side

A leakage from the side of the commercial garbage disposal means that the drain hose is the culprit. In many cases, drain hoses are merely loose and only need to be tightened. This effectively stops the leakage.

However, if the leak doesn’t stop, have an expert to look at it. They may replace the rubber seal of the drain hose or replace the entire drain hose if it’s damaged.

Moreover, some garbage disposals have a dishwasher drain line. Check that as well because it may be loose and cause leakage. Tighten its clamp.

Leakage From The Bottom

If you notice that the water is dripping directly from the bottom and it’s not coming from the top or the sides, then it’s a huge problem. This shows that the internal seal of your commercial garbage disposal is damaged. This repair is costly and it’s only suggested if your disposer is under warranty. If not, you’re better off replacing the entire unit instead of pursuing a repair.

This is because even if you do have it repaired, there is no guarantee of how long the seal will last. You may have to deal with the same issue quite soon. So, replace your commercial garbage disposal because once you have installed a new unit, you’ll be set for years.

Conclusion

A leakage from a commercial garbage disposal can be from three different places. So, you have to determine where it’s leaking from. If it’s from the top or the side, it can be fixed easily, but if the leakage is from the bottom, you will need to replace the unit. Call in a commercial garbage disposal repair Northern VA technician to inspect and fix your disposal. The inspection will also be helpful in identifying problems that might become a huge later.

11

Aug

Commercial Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

A garbage disposal ensures your facility’s plumbing doesn’t clog every other day. It also helps you stay compliant with your local and federal food waste management laws. Therefore, if it breaks down, waste management can become a problem. You can summon a commercial appliances repair service to fix the garbage disposal. However, you can also train your staff to handle some of the problems themselves. Use this guide.

Fix A Commercial Garbage Disposal That Won’t Start

Power Cord And Outlet Issues

A common cause of disposers not working is no electrical supply. The unit is not receiving power to turn on. You should check the power cord and the outlet where the cord is plugged in. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly. If the unit doesn’t start, remove the power cord from the outlet and plug it into another one to see if there’s something wrong with the outlet.

In case the outlet is fine, inspect the power cord as well because it could be damaged. However, the cause of no power is commonly a loosely attached power cord or a faulty outlet.

Circuit Breaker

Once you have made sure the power cord and outlet are not causing the issue, it could be the circuit breaker. An electrical problem in an appliance usually means an emergency situation for its circuit breaker and it trips to prevent any electrical problems. So, check the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped (turned off), turn it on and try to start your commercial garbage disposal.

However, if your garbage disposer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it may be due to another problem like a jammed shredding plate, worn out motor bearing, old unit, circuit breaker overload, or poor wiring.

The last two issues are electrical problems of the facility while others are related to the garbage disposal. Therefore, hire experts who can inspect both the electrical issues of your place and also check the appliance.

Tripped Internal Circuit Breaker Of The Unit

Commercial and household garbage disposals have their own circuit breaker as well that turns off the appliance when it’s jammed, there’s a power surge, or for any other reason to keep the appliance and its components safe.

Once this internal circuit breaker is tripped, the garbage disposer won’t start even when it’s receiving power. To turn on the unit again, you will need to press the reset button. The reset button is commonly placed at the bottom of garbage disposals.

However, if you suspect a problem that tripped the internal circuit breaker, then you should not push the reset button and consult an expert instead.

Jammed Disposer

A disposer is jammed when it won’t grind the food, but you will hear the humming sound of the machine. When this happens, the unit is usually turned off by the safety settings of the garbage disposal and the internal circuit breaker turns off the machine.

If the appliance is not turned off when it’s jammed, the motor of the garbage disposal will burn out. Keep in mind that the motor is one of the essential parts of a garbage disposal and the replacement of the motor will cost a small fortune.

Sometimes, the facility’s circuit breaker will be tripped due to a disposer jam so check out the breaker panel of the place as well if your garbage disposal won’t turn on.

The essential part of this practice is that you should not turn on the machine before fixing the jam. Else, the disposer will keep on tripping the reset button or circuit breaker. And if it doesn’t, the disposal’s motor will burn out.

Fix A Jammed Commercial Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal is caused by a food item or any other foreign object stuck between the shredder and the impeller. So, remove the object causing the jam and start using the garbage disposal again.

  1. Remove power to the disposer by turning off the circuit breaker.
  2. You will need to use an offset wrench for this. Insert it into the flywheel hole to reach the bottom of the disposer.
  3. When you reach the bottom, rotate the flywheel clockwise with the wrench. This will remove the stuck object from the flywheel.
  4. If the object is somewhere higher inside the unit, you can use pliers to remove the object.
  5. Once the object is removed, restore power to the unit and also push the reset button because the jam may have tripped the internal circuit breaker.
  6. Pour some water into the unit and turn the power button on and off to wash the unit. Repeat this quick on and off process one more time to ensure that the remnants of the obstruction are removed.

Fix A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal

A leak is also a common issue with commercial garbage disposers. You should perform the fix by checking the location of the leak.

Sink Flange Leak

Garbage disposal leaking from the sink flange is due to usage. This is not a major problem because it can be easily fixed by applying plumber’s putty between the sink flange and the sink. This will renew the seal and prevent leaks.

Dishwasher Connection Leak

If your garbage disposal and dishwasher are connected, there can be another type of leak at the dishwasher connection. This is the hose that flows wastewater from the dishwasher to the disposer.

To fix this leak, all you need to do is tighten the hose clamp of the dishwasher that is connected to the disposer. However, if the connection still leaks water after tightening, it means the hose has a leak. Replace the hose entirely to bid goodbye to leaks.

Drain Pipe Leak

The drain pipe is the pipe that carries wastewater from the disposer to the drain trap. When the gasket seal becomes old, it tends to leak water and create a mess.

Firstly, you should ensure that the bolts fastened to the drain pipe are tight. If not, tighten them. However, if tightening them doesn’t stop the leak, you should replace the gasket seal that is between the pipe and the disposer. While you’re at it, consider replacing the drain pipe as well if required.

Leaking Bottom Of The Disposal

A leak coming from the bottom of a commercial garbage disposal is an alarming sign. It hints that an internal seal of the unit is damaged. This usually means that you will need to replace the entire garbage disposal which can cost you a lot of money.

So, before making that decision, hire an expert to inspect your unit and make sure that nothing can’t be done to fix the issue without a replacement. However, if your disposer is old enough, a replacement is a better option because an older unit becomes high maintenance and you need to spend more money on it to keep it functional.

So, if your commercial garbage disposal is leaking and it’s 10 years old, you should bite the bullet and replace the entire unit.

Conclusion

A commercial garbage disposal can run into various problems. The most common ones are the unit not turning on and some parts of the appliance leaking. If you find yourself dealing with an issue that is difficult to fix, don’t try it yourself and get the services of authorized commercial garbage disposal repair Alexandria technicians.

25

Jan

The Do’s and Don’ts of Commercial Garbage Disposal Systems

The garbage disposal system plays a crucial role in shredding food waste into small pieces that won’t clog the drainage pipes keeping your work environment clean and fresh. A commercial garbage disposal makes the kitchen environment clean and it’s important that its well cared for and maintained. Taking care of the garbage disposal system will ensure that you don’t experience problems such as odor that can lead to loss of clientele and business closure. Although most people fail to call the commercial garbage disposal repair team for maintenance and check-up, it’s important that the disposal system is checked often. In this post, we tell you what you should do to keep the system working for long and what you should avoid.

Commercial Garbage Disposal Do’s

  • Make sure that you train your employees on how to use the garbage disposal. You can use the manufacturers manual or ask the commercial appliance repair team for tutorials on how to maintain the garbage disposal system and ensure it lasts long.
  • Have the commercial garbage disposal maintenance team install the disposal system to avoid any issues. The commercial garbage disposal repair team has the necessary expertise to ensure that your garbage disposal system is well installed.
  • When items such as spoons fall in the garbage disposal, turn off the disposal systems and use tongs to retrieve anything that has fallen inside.
  • Make sure that your staff understands how to clean the garbage disposal system.
  • When you have large chunks of waste, cut them into small pieces and then put in the disposal system.
  • Periodically add ice cubes to the commercial disposal unit to clean the system
  • Turn on medium to strong cold-water flow before you begin the disposing of waste. Run the water after you finish running disposing to ensure that you leave the unit clean.
  • Use the garbage disposal system regularly to avoid rust and corrosion, and also ensure all parts are running smoothly.

Commercial Garbage Disposal Don’t

  • Don’t put nonorganic waste into the disposal system. Waste such as tea bags, wrapping, plastic, foils can cause the disposal system to jam.
  • Don’t dispose of strong fibers that can wrap around the parts and cause clogging.
  • Don’t add oil or fatty foods into the garbage system as that will clog the system.
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your garbage disposal system. Invest in cleaning products that are meant for disposal systems. Talk to the commercial garbage disposal repair company on the best detergent for your system.
  • Don’t use hot water during the food grinding process.

How to Clean the Garbage Disposal System

Consult the commercial appliance service team on how best to clean the garbage disposal unit. Below steps on how to clean the unit:

Use Ice and Salt as they help loosen oil and grime from the garbage disposal. The rough texture of the salt and ice will help loosen any stuck particles from the system.

Pour 1 cup of baking soda or vinegar into the unit and they will help combat odors and unclog the system.

Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working for long

  • Avoid Foods that Expand

Foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, pasta expand in water and that will clog your disposal system.

  • Clean the Unit Regularly

Failing to clean the garbage disposal unit will lead to odors and that could lead to your business closure.

  • Use dishwashing detergent that de-greases your dishes

Grease holds the bacteria that causes your unit to have a bad smell. Use detergents that de-grease your dishes to minimize the chances of grease remaining in the system.

  • Call the Commercial garbage disposal repair team

If you notice that your unit is constantly clogging call the repair team as that could lead to more serious issues and force you to close your kitchen. Ask the repair team the kind of disposal your unit can handle and ensure that every team member is aware.

The above simple tips will keep your garbage disposal unit working properly and for long. Make sure that you call the commercial appliance repair  Virginia team as stipulated in the maintenance schedule to carry out service and check on how well your disposal unit is working. Make sure that your employees understand how the disposal unit works and that will ensure that it works well for long.

25

Jan

How to Prepare Your Commercial HVAC for Winter

Your commercial HVAC requires critical attention before the winter season begins. It’s paramount that your Commercial air conditioner is working well before the beginning of the cold season to keep your clients comfortable. Regular maintenance of the commercial HVAC system is important to increase the lifespan of your air conditioning machine. Liaise with the commercial appliance repair Virginia team to ensure that the regular servicing and maintenance is carried out. A thorough inspection of the heating and cooling system is vital to the success of your business as that will keep your clients coming back and promote business growth.

Why it’s Important that you Maintain the HVAC System

  • Lower cost of operation

Poorly maintained HVAC system will result in excess energy use especially during the winter and that will result in a higher utility bill. Periodic check-ups of the heating and cooling system will ensure efficiency and reduced costs

  • Extend the Life of the HVAC

Failure to maintain the HVAC systems will result in a short lifespan and that will make it less durable. HVAC breakdown, especially during winter, will negatively affect your business and it’s therefore important that routine Maintainance is carried out.

  • Enhance the Business Environment

A properly working cooling and heating system will ensure you have peace of mind as you know your clients are comfortable and ensure your business grows. That will also ensure your employees work well and are safe

How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

  • Ensure regular Maintenance

Consult the commercial HVAC repair team and create a maintenance schedule. That will ensure your heating and cooling system is working well throughout the year and you can identify issues early enough. Proper maintenance will ensure efficient energy use reducing the cost. Work with Commercial appliance kitchen repair team that is reliable and fast to ensure any arising issue is sorted out quickly. Routine maintenance will enhance the working of the commercial HVAC past the winter season. An established maintenance plan is a key to the efficiency of your heating system.

  • Clean the Air Filters and the air ducts

Make sure that the air filters are cleaned at the end of each season. During the winter the air conditioner will go an extra mile to ensure the air in your restaurant is clean. Failure to maintain and clean the air filters will make the HVAC work extra harder to keep the air clean and fresh. Clean air filters will keep your air conditioner efficient and increase the comfort in your institution.

  • Examine the Belts and the Vents

The belt powers the blower moving the air the air through the compressor. Check the belt for cracks or damage and consult the commercial appliance repair team in case you notice any damage. Belts wear out due to high temperatures during summer and it’s therefore important that they are checked before winter begins.

Vents play a crucial role in the heating and cooling of your business. Ensure the vents are clean and clear to allow for proper circulation of air. Poor circulation of air into the rooms will cause the HVAC to break down.

  • Schedule for a maintenance before Winter begins

Contact the repair team to check whether the HVAC system is working optimally. That will ensure the cooling and heating system is working well throughout the winter season. Professional maintenance will also help you notice arising issues before the winter begins.

  • Keep your Outdoor Clean

The air circulating in your rooms comes from your outdoor, and it’s therefore important that there is fresh air. Ensure that the commercial garbage disposal repair team has done regular maintenance and servicing of the garbage disposal system to prevent the stench from coming into your business. Make sure that your outdoor is fresh and clean for a better air circulation inside your restaurant.

The key to optimal working appliances is having a reliable repair and maintenance team that will service and check on any issues before they get out of control. Choose a commercial kitchen appliance repair team that is fast and understands the working of your appliances including the commercial HVAC appliances. Regular maintenance of the Commercial HVAC will keep your clients comfortable and they will return for that delicacy.

25

Jan

Signs That Your Garbage Disposal Unit Needs to be Replaced

A functioning commercial garbage disposal system is vital in your restaurant or institution and when it fails it could spell doom to your operations. The garbage disposal system shreds the waste into small pieces ensuring that the waste passes through pipes to the various waste treatment plants. Your commercial garbage disposal repair expert will identify the problem and advice the way forward. It’s important to assess the commercial garbage disposal system and decide whether to replace it or repair. The expert will advise on the best alternative, but we tell you signs that your garbage disposal needs a replacement and not a repair.

Types of Garbage Disposal Units

  • Continuous Feed

The unit is best if you have large amounts of waste to dispose of and begins to run when you switch on the power.

  • Batch Feed

The system grinds waste in and disposes of the waste in batches. The unit will work best if you have small amounts of waste to dispose of. If you prefer extra safety this appliance is the best.

 

Signs that You Need to Replace your Commercial Garbage Disposal Unit

  • Frequency Reset

If you frequently have to reset the disposal system for large loads of garbage to offload then its time for a replacement. The commercial appliances repair team will able to advise on the replacement as the frequent reset is a sign of aging or loose wiring.

  • Too Much clogging

When you notice that no matter how small a load of food particles the sink still clogs then maybe its time for a higher capacity model. The clog is an indication of the malfunctioning of the commercial garbage disposal system. Let the appliances repair team check on the disposal system and assess whether you need a new one. Too much clogging will mean your employees spend a lot of time clearing the drainage system instead of serving clients and it’s therefore important that you replace the unit.

  • Abnormal Noises

Abnormal noise in the garbage system means the system components may be misaligned and will grind together when the appliance is working. Its imperative that the commercial garbage disposal repair expert checks on the appliance to avoid unrepairable damage.

  • Persistent Odours

When you have to keep cleaning the garbage system and there Is still odors, and nothing seems to take care of the smell then, its time to change the system. Unending odors are unhygienic and that will lead to loss of clients for your business. Your commercial garbage disposal should be able to clear out any food particles as soon as any clogging will lead to odors. When there seems to be no solution for the smell, then it’s time to replace the commercial garbage disposal system.

  • Consistent Poor Performance

If it takes your disposal system quite amount of time before disposing of off waste then its time to replace the commercial disposal system as that will eventually lead to odors and attract penalties from the health department and lead to loss of business. Extensive damage to the components may lead to poor performance and may necessitate the replacement of the whole unit. Consult your commercial garbage disposal repair experts on whether to replace the system or not.

  • Leaking Water

When you notice there is a leak in your disposal system, it’s important that you contact the commercial appliances repair expert to check and ascertain where the leak is coming from to avoid leaving puddles that may cause accidents. If the leak is larger than expected, then it’s time to replace the disposal unit

  • Not Powering Up

If you power you and there is no sound, that could mean the motor is probably damaged. If you check and the power system, schedule a garbage disposal check-up and if it’s the motor that is worn out then you need to replace the appliance.

How to Take Care of Garbage Disposal Appliances

  • Ensure that maintain the commercial garbage disposal service schedule
  • Make sure the operators of the garbage disposal appliances understand how it works
  • Avoid pouring acids and chemicals into the disposal units
  • After using the disposal unit, run cold water through it, to flush out any remaining food particles
  • Consult the Commercial appliance repair Virginia team as soon as you notice any of the above issues to avoid further deterioration of the unit
02

May

Why You Should Install A Waste Disposal Device Now

Having a proper waste disposal system is important both in residential and commercial properties. That is why a garbage disposal device is important to help you manage trash. It will help prevent the smell of uncollected garbage waft through the entire room. But for sudden breakdowns, you should call commercial appliances repair companies near you.

Types of food disposal device

Garbage disposer devices are usually installed under sinks and specially made to dispose of waste efficiently. There are two common types of garbage disposer devices, which are the following:

  1. Batch-feed

This type of garbage disposal device should be full of waste first before you can use it. As the term suggests, it disposes of waste by batch. On a positive note, it is safe to use especially among families with young children.

On the downside, this type of waste disposal device can be expensive for some. Since it should be full to the brim before it does the job, waste disposal can take some time. As a result, unpleasant garbage smell may spread within the room.

  1. Continuous-feed

In contrast with batch-feed, you don’t have to wait for it to be full before it does its waste disposal process. Instead, you can keep on throwing waste as often as you need because it continuously processes the waste until ground to bits and washed off from the pipes.

Although it is easier to use, it can be potentially hazardous for small children. That is why you should ensure the device is secured enough and child-proof. Breakdowns are inevitable, so you should call a commercial garbage disposal repair service personnel immediately.

Why food disposers are important

All types of appliances are important in our lives, whether we use it at home or for business purposes. If your commercial refrigerator breaks down, you should call commercial refrigerator services to help you with repairs. The same goes for broken ovens – calling over a commercial oven repair personnel is a must.

Meanwhile, waste disposal devices are as important as your other kitchen and home appliances. It effectively and efficiently grounds food waste and other garbage. Once grounded, you can either use it as an eco-friendly compost or let it flow off the pipes.

It may not be as commonly used as other appliances, but it does have its own perks. Among these are the following:

  1. It is environment-friendly.

You are helping Mother Nature because you’re not using plastic bags to throw out your trash. Because you use plastic bags less, you can save money for other important things. It’s a win-win situation for both the environment and your household or business.

  1. It does not clog the pipes.

You will be amazed how garbage disposal devices can efficiently shred off waste that it won’t clog your drain. You would have to buy one to believe it.

  1. It is easy to operate and energy-efficient.

It does not consume too much electricity and water. Simply turn it off when not in use. Plus, it won’t smell like the typical garbage disposal system (a.k.a. using a garbage bag).

  1. It is easy to maintain.

Apparently, you can clean it using baking soda, and even clean itself while processing the garbage.

  1. It is safe and disease-free.

It does not use plastic bags and instead ground the garbage to bits. As a result, there will be no smell and presence of flies and other bugs and pests that can bring illnesses within the household.

Choosing a garbage disposal device

In choosing a garbage disposal device, you should consider if there are commercial garbage disposal repair servicemen nearby. This will ensure that the concern will be addressed immediately. Here are also some things to consider:

  • Your local area’s disposer policy – there are some areas that need permission to use a garbage disposal device.
  • Your septic tank’s size – you can consult your local environmental health official or local building inspector
  • Your water consumption – your water bill may increase depending on how often you use your waste disposal device.
  • Your plumbing system – make sure to have it cleaned and fixed before installing a waste disposer.
  • Features – some offer up to lifetime warranty, as well as features like an auto-reverse mode to clear off waste jamming.
  • Accessibility to repair shops – make sure that you are familiar with commercial appliance repair centers in case of breakdowns.

Conclusion

It is important to think carefully when buying an appliance or an electric device such as garbage disposers. It is also important to choose a reliable commercial kitchen appliance repair in Fairfax in case your waste disposal device breaks down.