Trash Compactor

Trash Compactor Repair | Marietta Appliance Installations

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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.

What Can Go Wrong?

Most common trash compactor problems include failed switches and worn sprockets, chain, roller bearings, and power nuts. The motor can burn out. Debris can become stuck inside and limit movement

If the 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 .

If the compactor starts, then stops, test the top-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 drive gear (see the Motor Fix-It Guide).

If the compactor makes unusual noises, check 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.

It doesn't work at all

If your trash compactor doesn't work at all, check these:

Wall socket

Ground fault circuit interrupter

Switch

Wall socket

Trash compactors usually plug into a wall socket. Try plugging something else into the socket to be sure the socket is getting power. If it isn't, check the household fuses or circuit breakers.

Ground fault circuit interrupter

If there's no power to the outlet but the fuse/circuit is okay, the compactor may be plugged into a circuit that's protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)--a special wall socket with a Test and a Reset button. If so, try pressing the Reset button

Switch

If there's power but your compactor still doesn't function, there may be a problem with the compactor's door switch, key switch, or the micro switches that sense when the ram is fully up. But also make sure that nothing is caught behind the drawer, keeping it from closing all the way.

The ram is stuck

If the ram won't go down--or if it has gone down but won't come back up--there may be a broken drive belt, chain, or gears. Or the switches inside the cabinet that control the direction and starting/stopping points of the ram may be defective or out of adjustment. Trash compactors can be tough to work on because they are, themselves, compact and difficult to move. We suggest that you consult the repair manual for your trash compactor.

The drawer is hard to open

Over time, food spills and other garbage may clog the track the drawer rides on. If you can remove your drawer, thoroughly clean the tracks, glides, rollers, and so on using degreaser and some dish detergent on a damp rag. Then wipe all of the components with a clean, damp rag and lightly oil the track with a household lubricant. If the drawer continues to be stiff, you may need to replace the rollers, ball-bearings, or tracks.

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Marietta Appliance Repair (678) 355-9181

Residential Appliance Repair

What Can Go Wrong?