Troubleshooting a stuck trash compactor drawer
Trash compactor is hard to open
Food spills inside the trash compactor drawer can build up on the slide and rollers. Remove the drawer from the cabinet and clean the tracks and rollers with a mild detergent or degreaser. Completely dry the components, then apply a household lubricant to the tracks and rollers to keep them moving freely. Replace any broken pieces.
Trash compactor drawer doesn’t open at all
The drawer won’t open if the ram is not completely raised. If you have a key-knob model, turn it to Start and then release. If you have push-button controls, press Off and then On. If the ram doesn’t go up, check for broken or stripped gears. Also check for a broken drive belt or drive chain and replace any broken parts.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your trash compactors
Choose a symptom to see related trash compactor repairs.
Main causes: broken drive gear and sprocket chain, stripped power nuts, faulty top limit and directional switch…
Main causes: stuck foot pedal, bad momentary start switch, power switch failure…
Main cause: broken top limit and directional switch…
Main cause: faulty drawer tilt switch …
Main causes: stripped or broken power nuts, broken or disconnected drive gear and sprocket chain, damaged drive parts…
Main causes: bent drawer support rollers, damaged trash container…
Main causes: lack of power, faulty drawer safety switch, bad power switch, momentary start switch failure, bad drive mot…
Most common repair guides to help fix your trash compactors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your trash compactor.
How to replace a trash compactor motor centrifugal switch
If the trash compactor ram won’t return to the top position, replace the motor centrifugal switch by following the instr…
How to replace a trash compactor momentary start switch
The momentary start switch starts the motor when you lift the foot pedal. This repair guide shows how to replace the swi…
How to replace a trash compactor power switch
If the trash compactor won’t power up, use the steps in this repair guide to replace the power switch.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your trash compactors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your trash compactor.
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