Tools:
- Ratchet Wrench Set
Cost
- None, unless you must call someone
Perhaps the most common problems with trash compactors are all due to the fact that trash finds itself into the small crevices inside of the trash compactor
If your trash compactor won’t close completely, it is most likely due to trash behind the trash can. Most times you can simply pull out the drawer, and take the trash that has fallen out and put it back into the trash can. This should allow the drawer to close completely.
However, the trash may have found itself along the rails of the drawer, and into an area that is not easily accessible. In order to get this trash out will require more work. The first step is to remove the trash can drawer. This can be accomplished simply by pulling the drawer out as far as it will go, then lifting slightly while pulling. It acts just like any other drawer in your kitchen.
The next step is to actually remove the trash compactor out from under the counter, or wherever it is located. Now that the drawer is removed it is much easily. You may at this time wish to vacumn out where you removed the drawer as there is likely to be a lot of trash that has fallen there. Generally the trash compactor can be pulled out by lifting it slightly and pulling.
Once the unit has been pulled out from under the counter, you will want to unplug the unit. Once unplugged you will then need to take the cover off of the back. Now is the time to use your ratchet wrench, and with the correct bit remove the cover. You should be able to see where the tracks go along the side. Remove any trash that you find back here and replace the cover.
While you have the unit out, take your time to thoroughly clean it. There are a lot of moving parts inside of it, giving trash a lot of opportunities to go where it isn’t supposed to.
Replace the unit in the same manner that you removed it, remembering to plug it back it