Food disposals, also called garbage disposals, normally sit under kitchen sinks and are connected between the drain of the sink and the trap. Foods such as banana peels, large bones and corn husks can jam up a food disposer, resulting in damage to the unit or need for repair.

As the case with any other appliance, food disposals also demand for frequent repairs and maintenance. If your garbage disposal is on the fritz, follow the steps below to fix the disposal yourself.

Always be handy with the tools like Hex tool, Allen wrench, Tongs, Screwdriver, Flywheel seal, Sharpening steel and new impeller wheel. Unplug the food disposal unit or shut off power at the circuit breaker. Check the flywheel for jams by using a hex tool or a tool provided by the manufacturer. A 1/4-inch Allen wrench may also work. Place the tool in the hole in the bottom of the food disposal.

Try moving the wrench from side to side until you find the flywheel moving. Take out al the debris that is creating mess in your appliance. For this, make use of a pair of tongs as these will help performing the task more easily.

In case some leak is noticed at the bottom or around the food disposal, the fittings must be tightened using a screwdriver. If the leak still continues, the fly wheel seal may have worn out. A professional should replace this seal.

The impeller is formed to be too old should either be sharpened or replaced. Now switch off the supply and remove the hose fittings and turn the complete disposal unit and disengage it from supporting ring by unscrewing it from supporting ring by screwing it free.

Disassemble the unit by removing the flywheel lock nut and then removing the flywheel. Sharpen the impeller blades using sharpening steel or replace the entire impeller wheel if the blades cannot be sharpened.

The disposal should be thoroughly cleaned by running cold water before and after every use of the unit. Never run bleach or any other chemical to clean the unit. Use of warm water is advised. A peel of lemon be kept down the drain.