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These are just a sealed heating element, switch, and thermal protector (probably). Check for bad connections or a bad cord or plug if there is not heat. A failed thermal protector may mean other problems. While these are heating appliances, the power is small so failures due to high current usually do not occur.
Cassette rewinders typically consist of a low voltage motor powered from a built in transformer or wall adapter, a belt, a couple of reels, and some means of stopping the motor and popping the lid when the tape is fully rewound. Note that some designs are very hard on cassettes - yanking at the tape since only increased tension is used to detect when the tape is at the end. These may eventually stretch the tape or rip it from the reel. I don't really care much for the use of tape rewinders as normal use of rewind and fast forward is not a major cause of VCR problems. Sluggish or aborted REW and FF may simply indicate an impending failure of the idler tire or idler clutch which should be addressed before the VCR gets really hungry and eats your most valuable and irreplaceable tape. Problems with tape rewinders are usually related to a broken or stretched belt or other broken parts. These units are built about as cheaply as possible so failures should not be at all surprising. The drive motor can suffer from any of the afflictions of similar inexpensive permanent magnet motors found in consumer electronic equipment. See the section: "Small permanent magnet DC motors". A broken belt is very common since increased belt (and tape) tension is used to switch the unit off (hopefully). Parts can pop off of their mountings. Flimsy plastic parts can break. Opening the case is usually the biggest challenge - screws or snaps may be used. Test the motor and its power supply, inspect for broken or dislocated parts, test the power switch, check and replace the belt if needed. That is about it.
Despite all the hype surrounding vacuum cleaner sales, there isn't much difference in the basic principles of operation between a $50 and $1,500 model - and the cheaper one may actually work better. A vacuum cleaner consists of: 1. A cordset - broken wires or damaged plugs are probably the number one problem with vacuums as they tend to be dragged around by their tails! Therefore, in the case of an apparently dead machine, check this first - even just squeezing and bending the wire may produce an instant of operation - enough to verify the cause of the problem. 2. A power switch - this may be a simple on/off toggle which can be tested with a continuity checker or ohmmeter. However, fancy machines with powered attachments may have interlocks or switches on the attachments that can also fail. Where multiple attachment options are present, do your initial troubleshooting with the minimal set as this will eliminate potential sources of additional interlock or switch complications. With 'microprocessor' or 'computer' controlled vacuum cleaners, the most likely problems are not the electronics. 3. A high speed universal motor attached to a centrifugal blower wheel. As with any universal motor, a variety of problems are possible: dirt (especially with a vacuum cleaner!), lubrication, brushes (carbon), open or shorted windings, or bad connections. See the section: "Problems with universal motors". 4. A belt driven carpet brush (uprights). The most common mechanical problem with these is a broken rubber belt. (One person who shall remain nameless, mistook the end of the broken belt for the tail of a mouse and promptly went into hysterics!). Replacements for these belts are readily available. 5. Power nozzles and other powered attachments. Some of these are an attempt to give canister type vacuum cleaners the power of an upright with its directly powered carpet brush. Generally, these include a much smaller motor dedicated to rotating a brush. Electrical connections are either made automatically when the attachment is inserted or on a separate cable. Bad connections, broken belt, or a bad motor are always possibilities. 6. A bag to collect dirt. Vacuum cleaners usually do a poor job of dust control despite what the vacuum cleaner companies would have you believe. Claims with respect to allergies and other medical conditions are generally without any merit unless the machine is specifically designed (and probably very expensive) with these conditions in mind. If the vacuum runs but with poor suction, first try replacing the bag.
1. Poor suction - check the dirt bag and replace if more than half full. Check for obstructions - wads of dirt, carpet fibers, newspapers, paper towels, etc. 2. Poor pickup on floors - broken or worn carpet brush belt. There should be some resistance when turning the carpet brush by hand as you are also rotating the main motor shaft. If there is none, the belt has broken and fallen off. Replacements are readily available. Take the old one and the model number of the vacuum to the store with you as many models use somewhat similar but not identical belts and they are generally not interchangeable. To replace the belt on most uprights only requires the popping of a couple of retainers and then removing one end of the carpet brush to slip the new belt on. 3. Vacuum blows instead of sucks - first confirm that the hose is connected to the proper port - some vacuums have easily confused suction and blow connections. Next, check for internal obstructions such as wads of dirt, balls of newspaper, or other items that may have been sucked into the machine. Note that it is very unlikely - bordering on the impossible - for the motor to have failed in such a way as to be turning in the wrong direction (as you might suspect). Furthermore, even if it did, due to the design of the centrifugal blower, it would still suck and not blow. 4. Broken parts - replacements are available for most popular brands from appliance repair parts distributors and vacuum/sewing machine repair centers.
1. Bad cord or plug - number one electrical problem due to the abuse that these endure. Vacuum cleaners are often dragged around and even up and down stairs by their tails. Not surprisingly, the wires inside eventually break. Test with a continuity checker or ohmmeter. Squeezing or bending the cord at the plug or vacuum end may permit a momentary spurt of operation (do this with it plugged in and turned on) to confirm this diagnosis. 2. Bad power switch - unplug the vacuum and test with a continuity checker or ohmmeter. If jiggling the switch results in erratic operation, a new one will be required as well. 3. Bad interlocks or sensors - some high tech vacuum cleaners have air flow and bag filled sensors which may go bad or get bent or damaged. Some of these can be tested easily with an ohmmeter but the newest computer controlled vacuum cleaners may be more appropriate to be repaired by a computer technician! 4. Bad motor - not as common as one might thing. However, worn carbon brushes or dirt wedged in and preventing proper contact is possible. See the section: "Problems with universal motors". 5. Bad internal wiring - not likely but always a possibility.
"We have been quoted a price of $100 to replace the hose on our Panasonic (Mc-9537) vacuum cleaner. It has a rip in it; next to the plastic housing where the metal tubing starts. Does anyone know if there is a more economical way to solve this problem?" I have always been able to remove the bad section and then graft what is left back on to the connector. Without seeing your vacuum, there is no way to provide specific instructions but that is what creativity is for! :-) It might take some screws, tape, sealer, etc. $100 for a plastic hose is obviously one approach manufacturers have of getting you to buy a new vacuum - most likely from some other manufacturer! Note: Some vacuum cleaners with power nozzles use the coiled springs of the hose as the electrical conductors for the power nozzle. If you end up cutting the hose to remove a bad section, you will render the power nozzle useless.
Excerpt from a recent NASA Tech Brief: "The Kirby Company of Cleveland, OH is working to apply NASA technology to its line of vacuum cleaners. Kirby is researching advanced operational concepts such as particle flow behavior and vibration, which are critical to vacuum cleaner performance. Nozzle tests using what is called Stereo Imaging Velocity will allow researchers to accurately characterize fluid and air experiments. Kirby is also using holography equipment to study vibration modes of jet engine fans." I suppose there will be degree-credit university courses in the operation of these space age vacuums as well! --- sam
These relatively low suction battery powered hand vacuums have caught on due to their convenience - certainly not their stellar cleaning ability! A NiCd battery pack powers a small DC permanent magnet motor and centrifugal blower. A simple momentary pushbutton power switch provides convenient on/off control. Aside from obvious dirt or liquid getting inside, the most common problems occur with respect to the battery pack. If left unused and unplugged for a long time, individual NiCd cells may fail shorted and not take or hold a charge when the adapter is not plugged back into the wall socket. Sluggish operation is often due to a single NiCd cell failing in this way. See the appropriate sections on "Batteries" and "Motors" for more information.
The low current trickle charger supplied with these battery operated hand-vacs allow Dustbusters and similar products to be be left on continuous charge so long as they are then not allowed to self discharge totally (left on a shelf unplugged for a long time). Older ones, in particular, may develop shorted cells if allowed to totally discharge. I have one which I picked up at a garage sale where I had to zap cells to clear a shorts. However, it has been fine for several years now being on continuous charge - only removed when used. While replacing only selected cells in any battery operated appliance is generally not recommended for best reliability, it will almost certainly be much cheaper to find another identical unit at a garage sale and make one good unit out of the batteries that will still hold a charge. It is better to replace them all but this would cost you as much as a new Dustbuster. The NiCd cells are soldered in (at least in all those I have seen) so replacement is not as easy as changing the batteries in a flashlight but it can be done. If swapping cells in from another similar unit, cut the solder tabs halfway between the cells and then solder the tabs rather than to the cells themselves if at all possible. Don't mess up the polarities! In the case of genuine Dustbusters, where a new battery is needed and you don't have a source of transplant organs, it may be better to buy the replacement cells directly from Black and Decker. They don't gouge you on NiCd replacements. B&D is actually cheaper than Radio Shack, you know they are the correct size and capacity, and the cells come with tabs ready to install. They'll even take your old NiCds for proper re-cycling.
A relatively large universal motor powers a set of counter-rotating padded wheels. Only electrical parts to fail: plug, cord, power switch, motor. Gears, shafts, and other mechanical parts may break.
Heating pads are simply a very fine wire heating element covered in thick insulation and then sealed inside a waterproof flexible plastic cover. Internal thermostats prevent overheating and regulate the temperature. The hand control usually provides 3 heat settings by switching in different sections of the heating element and/or just selecting which thermostat is used. There are no serviceable parts inside the sealed cover - forget it as any repair would represent a safety hazard. The control unit may develop bad or worn switches but even this is somewhat unlikely. It is possible to disassemble the control to check for these. You may find a resistor or diode in the control - check these also. With the control open, test the wiring to the pad itself for low resistance (a few hundred ohms) between any pair of wires). If these test open, it is time for a new heating pad. Otherwise, check the plug, cord, and control switches. Extended operationg especially at HIGH, or with no way for the heat to escape, may accelerate deterioration inside the sealed rubber cover. One-time thermal fuses may blow as well resulting in a dead heating pad. One interesting note: Despite being very well sealed, my post mortems on broken heating pads have shown one possible failure to be caused by corrosion of the internal wiring connections after many years of use.
As with heating pads, the only serviceable parts are the controller and cordset. The blanket itself is effectively sealed against any repair so that any damage that might impact safety will necessitate replacement. Older style controllers used a bimetal thermostat which actually sensed air temperature, not under-cover conditions. This, it turns out, is a decent measurement and does a reasonable job of maintaining a comfortable heat setting. Such controllers produced those annoying clicks every couple of minutes as the thermostat cycled. Problems with the plug, cord, power switch, and thermostat contacts are possible. The entire controller usually unplugs and can be replaced as a unit as well. Newer designs use solid state controls and do away with the switch contacts - and the noise. Aside from the plug and cord, troubleshooting of a faulty or erratic temperature control is beyond the scope of this manual.
There are three common types: 1. Wet pad or drum - a fan blows air across a stationary or rotating material which is water soaked. There can be mechanical problems with the fan or drum motor or electrical problems with the plug, cord, power switch, or humidistat. 2. Spray - an electrically operated valve controls water sprayed from a fine nozzle. Problems can occur with the solenoid valve (test the coil with an ohmmeter), humidistat, or wiring. The fine orifice may get clogged by particles circulating in the water or hard water deposits. In cleaning, use only soft materials like pointy bits of wood or plastic to avoid enlarging the hole in the nozzle. 3. Ultrasonic - a high frequency power oscillator drives a piezo electric 'nebulizer' which (with the aid of a small fan) literally throws fine droplets of water out into the room. Problems with the actual ultrasonic circuitry is beyond the scope of this manual but other common failures can be dealt with like plug, cord, fan motor, control switches, wiring, etc. However, if everything appears to working but there is no mist from the output port, it is likely that the ultrasonic circuitry has failed. See the section: "Ultrasonic humidifiers" for more details.
(From: Filip "I'll buy a vowel" Gieszczykiewicz (filipg@repairfaq.org)).
The components of the typical $45 unit are:
* Piezo transducer + electronics (usually in a metal cage - we are talking
line current here - not safe!).
* Small blower/fan.
* Float-switch.
* Water tank.
The piezo transducer sets up a standing wave on the surface of the water pool.
The level is sensed with a float-switch to ensure no dry-running (kills the
piezo) and the blower/fan propels the tiny water droplets out of the cavity.
A few manufacturers are nice enough to include a silly air filter to keep any
major dust out of the 'output' - do clean/check that once in a while.
Common problems:
* Low output:
- Minerals from water deposited on surface(s) of the water pool - including
the piezo. This disrupts/changes the resonance/output of the piezo - and
you see the effect.
- Clogged air filter - there should be a little 'trap door' somewhere
on the case with a little grill. Pop it out and wash the filter found
therein. Replace.
- Driver of the piezo going down that hill. Time to get another one or
look for the warranty card if it applies.
CAUTION: Unless you know what you are doing (and have gotten shocked a
few times in your life) DO NOT play with the piezo driver module. Most
run at line voltage with sometimes 100+V on heatsinks - which are live.
* No output:
- Dead piezo driver - get a new unit unless under warranty.
- Dead wire or float-switch or humidity switch or 'volume'... that
should be easy - use an ohmmeter and look for shorts/opens/resistance.
- Dead fan - should still have mist - just none of it getting out.
- No power in the outlet you're using ;-)
Note: piezo's in general are driven with voltage, as opposed to current. This
explains why you can expect high voltages - even in otherwise low-voltage
circuits. Case in point: the Polaroid ultrasonic sonar modules.
I don't suppose you are likely to encounter these but if you do, servicing procedures will be similar to those described in the section: "Ultrasonic humidifiers". (From: Roger Vaught (vaurw@onramp.net)). At a local shop they sell small water fall displays made from limestone in a marble catch basin. These are made in China. They use a small water pump for the flow. When I first saw one I thought the store had placed dry ice in the cavity where the water emerged as there was a constant stream of cloud flowing from it. Very impressive. It turns out they use the ultrasonic piezo gizmo to make the cloud. The driver is a small 3 X 5 X 3 inch box with a control knob on top. If you look into the cavity you can see the piezo plate and a small red LED. The water periodically erupts into vapor. I haven't been able to get a close look at the driver so I can't tell where it is made or if there is a product name or manufacturer. They will sell that part of it for $150!
Ultrasonic cleaning is a means of removing dirt and surface contamination from
intricate and/or delicate parts using powerful high frequency sound waves in
a liquid (water/detergent/solvent) bath.
An ultrasonic cleaner contains a power oscillator driving a large piezoelectric
transducer under the cleaning tank. Depending on capacity, these can be quite
massive.
A typical circuit is shown below. This is from a Branson Model 41-4000 which
is typical of a small consumer grade unit.
R1 D1
H o------/\/\-------|>|----------+
1, 1/2 W EDA456 |
C1 D2 |
+----||----+----|>|-----+
| .1 uF | EDA456 | 2
| 200 V | +-----+---+ T1 +---+------->>------+
| R2 | _|_ C2 )|| o 4 | | |
+---/\/\---+ --- .8 uF D )|| +----+ | |
| 22K _|_ 200 V )||( + |
| 1 W - 1 o )||( )|| _|_
+-----------------+---------+ ||( O )|| L1 _x_ PT1
| R3 | 7 ||( )|| |
| +---/\/\---+ +-----+ ||( 5 + |
C \| | 10K, 1 W | F )|| +---+ | |
Q1 |--+-+--------------+ 6 o )|| | | |
E /| | D3 R4 +---+ +----+------->>------+
| +--|<|---/\/\--+ _|_
| 47, 1 W | --- Input: 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz
| | | Output: 460 VAC, pulsed 80 KHz
N o------+-------------------+---+
The power transistor (Q1) and its associated components form an self excited
driver for the piezo-transducer (PT1). I do not have specs on Q1 but based on
the circuit, it probably has a Vceo rating of at least 500 V and power rating
of at least 50 W.
Two windings on the transformer (T1, which is wound on a toroidal ferrite
core) provide drive (D) and feedback (F) respectively. L1 along with the
inherent capacitance of PT1 tunes the output circuit for maximum amplitude.
The output of this (and similar units) are bursts of high frequency (10s to
100s of KHz) acoustic waves at a 60 Hz repetition rate. The characteristic
sound these ultrasonic cleaners make during operation is due to the effects
of the bursts occuring at 60 Hz since you cannot actually hear the ultrasonic
frequencies they use.
The frequency of the ultrasound is approximately 80 KHz for this unit with a
maximum amplitude of about 460 VAC RMS (1,300 V p-p) for a 115 VAC input.
WARNING: Do not run the device with an empty tank since it expects to have
a proper load. Do not touch the bottom of the tank and avoid putting your
paws into the cleaning solution while the power is on. I don't know what,
if any, long term effects there may be but it isn't worth taking chances.
The effects definitely feel strange.
Where the device doesn't oscillate (it appears as dead as a door-nail), first
check for obvious failures such as bad connections and cracked, scorched, or
obliterated parts.
To get inside probably requires removing the bottom cover (after pulling the
plug and disposing of the cleaning solution!).
CAUTION: Confirm that all large capacitors are discharged before touching
anything inside!
The semiconductors (Q1, D1, D2, D3) can be tested for shorts with a multimeter
(see the document: "Basic Testing of Semiconductor Devices".
The transformer (T1) or inductor (L1) could have internal short circuits
preventing proper operation and/or blowing other parts due to excessive load
but this isn't kind of failure likely as you might think. However, where all
the other parts test good but the cleaning action appears weak without any
overheating, a L1 could be defective (open or other bad connections) detuning
the output circuit.
Electric dehumidifiers use a refrigeration system to cool a set of coils which condenses water vapor. The heat is then returned to the air and it is returned back to the room. On the surface, this seems like an incredible waste of energy - cooling the air and heating it back up - but it is very effective at removing moisture. A typical large dehumidifier will condense something like 30 pints in 24 hours - which, unless you have it located over a drain - then needs to be dumped by hand. There is supposed to be a cutoff (float) switch to stop the dehumidifier when the container is full. Hopefully, it works (and you didn't neglect to install it when the unit was new!) Common problems with these units are often related to the fan, humidistat, or just plain dirt - which tends to collect on the cooling coils. The sealed refrigeration system is generally quite reliable and will never need attention. An annual cleaning of the coils with a soft brush and a damp cloth is a good idea. If the fan has lubrication holes, a couple of drops (but no more) of electric motor oil should be added at the same time. The fan uses an induction motor - shaded pole probably - and may require cleaning and lubrication. See the section: "Problems with induction motors". The humidistat may develop dirty or worn contacts or the humidity sensing material - sort of like a hot dog wrapper - may break. If you don't hear a click while rotating the control through its entire range, this may have happened. If you hear the click - and the dehumidifier is plugged into a live outlet - but nothing happens, then there is probably a problem in the wiring. If just the fan turns on but not the compressor, (and you have waited at least 5 minutes for the internal pressures to equalize after stopping the unit) then there may be a problem with the compressor or its starting relay (especially if the lights dim indicating a high current). A very low line voltage condition could also prevent a refrigeration system from starting or result in overheating and cycling. A sluggish slow rotating or seized fan, or excessive dirt buildup may also lead to overheating and short cycling. A unit that ices up may simply be running when it is too cold (and you don't really need it anyway). Dehumidifiers may include sensors to detect ice buildup and/or shut off if the temperature drops below about 60 degrees F.
A garbage disposal is just an AC induction motor driving a set of centrifugal hammers (they use to use sharp cutters but these were even more dangerous). The cutters throw the food against an outer ring with relatively sharp slots which break up the food into particles that can be handled (hopefully) by the waste system. However, always use generous amounts of cold water (which helps to cool the motor as well) and let it run for a while after there is nothing left in the disposal and it has quieted down. This will assure a trouble free drain. Otherwise, you may be inviting your friendly plumber over for a visit! Common problems with garbage disposals relate to three areas: * Something stuck in grinding chamber - disposal hums or trips internal protector (red button) or main fuse or circuit breaker. Unplug disposal! Then use the wrench (or appropriate size hex wrench) that came with the disposal to work rotor back and forth from bottom. If there is no hole for a wrench (or you misplaced yours), try a broom handle from above but NEVER put your hand in to try to unjam it (there are still relatively sharp parts involved). With the disposer unplugged, you can carefully reach in and feel for any objects that may be stuck or which cannot be broken up by the grinding action (like forks, toys, rocks, beef bones, etc.) and fish these out. Once free, restore power (if needed) and/or reset red button ((usually underneath the motor housing - you may have to wait a couple minutes until it will reset (click and stay in). Then run the unit with full flow of cold water for a couple of minutes to clear anything remaining from the grinding chamber and plumbing. * Motor - although these only run for a few seconds a day, motor problems including shorted windings or defective rotors are possible. Assuming rotor turns freely, these may include a hum but no movement, repeated blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, or any burning smells. * Leaking shaft seal - probably what causes most disposals to ultimately fail. The upper seal develops a slight leak which permits water to enter the motor housing damaging the bearing and causing electrical problems. Symptoms include seized rotor, excessive noise or vibration, actual water leaking from inside the motor housing, burning smells, etc. * Power switch (built into batch feed models) - wall switches can go bad like any other application. The built in magnetic or microswitch in a batch feed disposal can also fail. Intermittent or no operation may result. * Drain blockage - disposal runs but water doesn't get pumped out of sink or backs up. Use plumber's helper (plunger) or better yet, remove U-trap under sink and use a plumber's (steel) snake to clear blockage in the waste pipe. NEVER NEVER use anything caustic!!! First of all, it will not likely work (don't believe those ads!). More importantly, it will leave a dangerous corrosive mess behind for you or the plumber to clean up. The plunger or snake will work unless the blockage is so impacted or in a bad location (like a sharp bend) in which case a professional will need to be called in any case. Unless you are the truly die-hard doit-yourselfer, repair of disposals is probably not a good use of your time. The ultimate reliability of all but the most obvious and simple repairs is usually unknown and could be very short. However, other than time, there is nothing to be lost by at least investigating the source of the problem.
Even if nothing is stuck in it, is the rotor free - not too tight? If you have that little wrench that comes with many disposers, you should be able to turn the rotor relatively easily (I would say about 1 foot-pound of torque or less if your arm is calibrated). A tight bearing may be the result of a shaft seal leak - see the next section: "Garbage disposal seizes repeatedly". The red reset button is a circuit breaker. Either the motor is drawing too much current due to a shorted winding or a tight bearing or the breaker is faulty. Without an ammeter, it will be tough to determine which it is unless the rotor is obviously too tight. If you have a clamp-on ammeter, the current while the motor is running should be less than the nameplate value (startup will be higher). If it is too high, than there is likely a problem with the motor. As an alternate you could try bypassing the circuit breaker with a slow blow fuse of the same rating as the breaker (it hopefully will be marked) or a replacement breaker (from another dead garbage disposal!. If this allows the disposer to run continuously your original little circuit breaker is bad. These should be replaceable. If the bearings are tight, it is probably not worth fixing unless it is due to something stuck between the grinding disk and the base. Attempting to disassemble the entire unit is likely to result in a leak at the top bearing though with care, it is possible to do this successfully.
"I need help. Our garbage disposal is stuck. It hums but doesn't turn. If I leave it on for more than a few seconds it trips the circuit breaker on the unit. Any tips on how to solve this shy of buying a new unit? The unit is 7 years old." "I have an ISE In-Sink-Erator (tm), Badger I model. I tried turning mine on a few minutes ago, the motor started then stopped and now nothing happens when I flip the wall switch, not even a click." Of course, first make sure there is nothing jamming it - use a flashlight to inspect for bits of bone, peach pits, china, glass, metal, etc. Even a tiny piece - pea size - can get stuck between the rotating disk and the shredder ring. WITH THE DISPOSAL UNPLUGGED OR THE BREAKER OFF, work the the rotor back and forth using the hex wrench that came with the unit or a replacement (if your unit is of the type that accepts a wrench from below. If it is not of this type, use the infamous broom handle from above.) The internal circuit breaker will trip to protect the motor if the rotor doesn't turn. Turn off the wall switch, wait a few minutes for the circuit breaker and motor to cool, and then press the red reset button underneath the disposal. If it does not stay in, then you didn't wait long enough or the circuit breaker itself is defective. Then, turn on the water and try the wall switch again (in-sink switch if it is a batch feed model). Assuming it is still tight with nothing stuck inside and/or jams repeatedly: (From: Rob-L (rob-l@superlink.net)). That's about how long it takes for the nut to rust away on the shredder disc of Insinkerator/Sears units. My comments will address ISE/Sears deluxe models with the stainless disc, for those who might have one. When the nut/washer rusts away, the disc will wobble and get jammed. With the power off, try to rock the disc inside the unit. You might need to wiggle the motor shaft with a 1/4" hex wrench under the unit. If you can free things up, and the disc can be rocked, it's the nut/washer. When that goes, so does the gasket, and unfortunately it requires total disassembly of the grinding chamber to replace the little gasket, because the disc will not come out otherwise. And if you don't replace the gasket, water/gunk will run down the motor shaft and into the motor. When those units go, you're better off to get a new disposer. I think they intentionally use a non-stainless steel nut, because otherwise the units would last a long time. Even the replacement nuts will corrode. The motor shaft will also corrode, but not as fast as the nut. With a stainless shaft and nut/washer, the disposer would give many more years of service. And that's why they don't make 'em that way. :) One part that is worth replacing is the mounting gasket. It's the part with the flaps that you feed things through. It gets cut-up and damaged by chlorine from sink cleaning or dishwasher discharge. (brittle, rough) It's a $4 part, usually available at Home Depot next to the new disposers, and it slips on in a matter of minutes -- you just disconnect the trap, then drop the disposer down by undoing the retaining ring. Swap the gasket, re-attach things, and your sink drain looks brand new.Go to [Next] segment
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