Your trash compactor can make dealing with household waste so much easier, but not when it isn’t working properly. Few things are more frustrating than having your trash compactor or other garbage disposal system go on the fritz.
These solutions to common trash compactor problems can help you fix the issue yourself to save time and money.
Your Compactor Is Making Weird Noises
If your trash compactor has started making loud noises, like banging, thumping, squealing or whining, the problem may be the drive gear. Turn off power to the unit, then remove the bottom cover to locate the drive gear, which has plastic teeth. Breakage or wear on these teeth could mean it’s time to replace it. Check for damage to the power screw sockets, the motor gear and the chain while you’re at it. The motor gear, which is connected to the drive shaft, also has plastic teeth which can break. Make sure to check that the chain has the right amount of tension — about half an inch of deflection — especially if you are replacing it. Lubricate all gears before putting your trash compactor back together.
Banging, crashing or whining noises could also be the result of a faulty directional or top limit switch. This switch can be found inside the top of the unit. Shut off power to the unit, remove it from your cabinet if it's built-in, and unscrew the top panel. Verify that the tab on the ram is positioned to activate the switch lever. Use a multimeter to check the switch for continuity. When activated, the switch should have no continuity; if it does, replace it.
If that’s not the problem, place the ram in the top position, and check the power nuts. Tape the switch in place to keep it from breaking while you perform this check. If you can’t move the ram to its top position, place the unit on its side and take off the bottom panel. Check the power nuts for damage, then lubricate them.
Your Compactor Won’t Start
A trash compactor that won’t start may have problems with the start switch, the drive motor, the foot pedal or the directional switch. Locate the start switch behind the control panel if your compactor powers on via a button on the control panel, or in the drawer if it powers on via foot pedal. Make sure the contacts on the switch are undamaged and are not corroded. If you have a foot-pedal-activated compactor, make sure it’s lined up right to activate the switch when pressed. Consult your compactor’s wiring schematic and use a multimeter to check the continuity of the switch; it should show continuity when activated, but not when at rest.
To check your compactor’s drive motor, shut off power to the unit and remove it from the cabinet. Take off the bottom panel and disconnect the wires from the motor, taking care to remember which wires hooked up to which terminals. Use your multimeter to check for continuity in the centrifugal switch and the motor windings. The readings should show almost no resistance in the centrifugal switch and a few ohms of resistance in the motor windings.
Check the directional switch by removing the top panel to find it, as described above. Consult your unit’s wiring schematic to determine which terminals to test for continuity. Usually, terminals C and NC should have continuity when not activated, and terminals C and NO should have continuity when activated.
If your compactor turns on via foot pedal, pull out the drawer and make sure the foot pedal mounting screws are tight. Check that the activator lever is coming into contact with the switch.
The Ram Gets Stuck
If the ram is stuck in a down position, open the bottom panel and check the drive gear. Make sure that the chain has the appropriate half-inch of deflection. If there are no problems with the drive gear, check the directional switch. You can lay the unit on its side and manually turn the drive gear to raise the ram. You can remove the top panel and the ram mounting brackets to remove the ram from your unit. Check the switch terminals for continuity and make sure that they aren’t stuck open or closed. They can become welded open or closed over time.
With the ram in an up position, check the power nuts for damage. These are located on the sides of the ram. Replace them if they are worn or broken, and lubricate them before reassembling your compactor. Take care not to break the directional switch while manipulating the ram; it’s a good idea to tape it, as it can break easily.
