When using your garbage disposal to its full potential, you must also remember that these hefty devices are under the constant circulations of water and electricity.
There’s no denying that garbage disposals are one of the most helpful tools you need in your kitchen, whether you live in a comfortable condominium or a two-storied house. And due to their regular aids in breaking down and flushing food wastes, they often endure generic wear and tear.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Often, the dangers of owning a garbage disposal could be far more deep-seated than what we comprehend.
Even with their all-rounder benefits, garbage disposals can be prone to electrocuting people. This phenomenon could also result from wear and tear within the wires or technology of the garbage disposal.
Keep reading to know more about how and why your garbage disposal might be electrocuting you. We have a lot to unveil.
Can a Garbage Disposal Electrocute You?
Did you know that garbage disposals can administer when there has been an electrical shock? Primarily when this unfortunate episode transpires while installing or replacing a garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals are efficient tools that are reliable for decreasing the waste that desists in landfills. But, in hindsight, garbage disposals can also expand the number of organic waste.
However, it’s not always a fault within the garbage disposal that causes an electrical shock. Poor earth connections, bad neutral bonds, and wires within your house can also cause such issues.
If you’re experiencing repeated electrical shocks from your garbage disposal, especially when the water is running, you might want to look into your home’s electrical wiring.
Pro tip: When you touch a tap while your feet are bare and on the ground, you might experience a shock. This happens as you complete the entire circuit, and the electricity flows through you, leading to an electrical shock.
If you have encountered similar situations, it’s time to check your house’s electrical connectivity.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Shock Me?
The power cord on your garbage disposal provides the primary source of electricity in this entire system. This electrical appliance can be near water sources now and then.
Generally, when these two principal origins come in contact, it increases the chances of electrical shocks. Experts also believe that the circumstances of this occurrence increase with the garbage disposals years of consistent service.
As I’ve already said, garbage disposals work with dual functionality from the electrical connections and water supplies. Furthermore, garbage disposal also produces some minor vibrations during operation.
As time goes by, combining these three elements can lead to electrical shocks or even increase electrocution hazards. And as if that’s not enough, another factor chimes in and lends a hand in this scenario.
People wash metal utensils near the garbage disposals and in the sink daily. Unknowingly, the setting to getting electrocuted rises even more due to this component and the other three as it enhances the risks even more.
After years of usage, you will risk getting electrocuted when the garbage disposal’s motor burns out. This is another wear and tear of an electrical device that one can’t work around.
More often than, users also complain about getting zapped by their garbage disposal. It could be while shoving food rubbish down the garbage disposal or during a cleaning day. These sudden zaps feel like needles and pins poking your skin.
Nonetheless, these are secondary electrical shocks and must not happen again if you take proper precautions.
One reason for these minor incidents could result from a faulty ground origin or a lack of it. If your home electrical system lacks minimum requirements of roots, frequent stings as these are genuine.
Mere shocks are also evident consequences of reversed polarity or when the wiring connections of your garbage disposal’s electrical outlets have been mended incorrectly.
Lastly, professionals also believe that when the electrical insulation of the live electricity on your garbage disposal is impaired or comes into contact with any other metal objects, you can get injured by these trivial shocks.
How To Prevent Electrical Shocks
- Always be vigilant about maintaining the quality and lifetime of your garbage disposal.
- Never put off the need to replace your garbage disposal when your current garbage disposal shows clear signs of wearing off.
- If you forcefully keep using a poorly functioning garbage disposal, it will increase your chances of getting electrocuted.
- Never opt to fix a garbage disposal with wet hands, as it will not only elevate the chances of getting an electrical shock but might also risk you with other injuries.
- Inspect the electrical insulation on your garbage disposal. If you’re not an expert or have basic knowledge, don’t skip on the idea of calling a professional.
- Try tripping your house’s circuit breaker.
- Ensure that all the parts in your garbage disposal are moving adequately and there’s no obstruction in their way.
- Avoid grinding combustible and metal objects in the disposal.
- Frequently check for tripped circuit breakers or a blown fuse.
- Call plumbers and drain cleaning professionals when every possible solution seems to fail.
Final Words:
So, receiving electrical shocks from your trustee garbage disposal isn’t a favorite memory for many. I hope I have disclosed enough to keep you and your family safe.
Much potential elimination and reviewing process goes into preventing and containing electrical shocks on the garbage disposal. When push comes to shove, I would also recommend that you refrain from examining the garbage disposal on your own.
The emergency hotlines are always open to inviting a professional who can tell you all the ins and outs of your garbage disposal. Moreover, they can do so with proper safety precautions.
To avoid such mishaps, you must consistently maintain your garbage disposal and accept when it has served its entire purpose.
James is an organic fertilizer professional who owns a successful organic fertilizer company in new jersey. He is an expert in waste management in both houses and community cases. In his free time, he loves to write about his experiences in the field.
