Garbage Disposers

The garbage disposer provides a convenient and sanitary way to dispose of food waste. No sorting or separating of the food waste is necessary. It is designed to handle all types of food waste. If, however, the garbage disposer drains into a septic tank, organic wastes, such as egg shells, lobster, crab, and shrimp shells should be kept at a minimum. Items such as tin cans, glass, china, bottle caps, metal, etc., should never be placed in the garbage disposer because they might damage the appliance and plug the drain.

There are two types of operating methods available in garbage disposers: continuous feed
and batch feed.

Continuous Feed Disposers
A continuous feed disposer requires an on-off electrical switch that is remote from the
disposer. Before food is placed into the hopper, the user must turn on the cold water faucet
and turn on the electrical switch. Then the food waste is placed into the hopper. The food
waste will be ground up and expelled into the drain.

Batch Feed Disposers
In a batch feed disposer, the on-off operation of the disposer is controlled by the stopper.
The on-off switch is built into the hopper. The stopper is the component that completes the
circuit that allows the disposer motor to run. The hopper will hold the food waste until the
user is ready to dispose of it. The food waste will be ground up and expelled into the drain.

Garbage Disposer Maintenance
The garbage disposer is permanently lubricated; thus, it never has to be oiled. When the
disposer is used properly, it cleans itself. If there is an odor coming from the inside of the
disposer, you can deodorize it. To do this, take some orange or lemon rinds and grind them
up in the disposer. This will dispel unpleasant odors and leave the sink with a sweet smell.
Another way to deodorize the disposer is to take about a dozen or so ice cubes sprinkled
with a generous amount of household scouring power and grind them up in the disposer without running the water. Flush the disposer for one minute. This will allow any debris to
be expelled into the drain.

Installation of Garbage Disposer
Every newly purchased garbage disposer comes with installation instructions, a use and care manual, and a warranty.
The steps taken to install a new disposer are as follows:
1. Read the use and care manual.
2. Clean out the sink’s drain line.
3. Disconnect the electrical supply:
a. Continuous feed disposers need a wall switch and a receptacle.
b. Batch feed disposers need a receptacle or must be wired directly.
4. Be sure to observe all local codes and ordinances for electrical and plumbing connections when installing or repairing disposers.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
6. After completing the installation, check for water leaks.
7. Turn on the electricity, and test the operation of the garbage disposer.

Drain Blockage
To avoid drain blockage when using the garbage disposer, allow the cold water to flow for a
sufficient time after grinding the food waste to be sure that all of the waste is flushed away.
The ground waste and water mixture flows at the rate of two seconds per foot in a horizontal
drain line. It is recommended that the user allow the water to flow for a minimum of 15 to 30
seconds after grinding the food waste.
The use of cold water in the garbage disposer will congeal and harden the grease,
making its disposal easier. Never use chemicals or solvent drain compounds, because they
can cause serious damage to the disposer.
The disposer should be used daily to flush the lines. If the dishwasher drain hose is
connected to the disposer, it, too, should be used daily to prevent the dishwasher drain hose
from becoming clogged.

Appliance Recalls

There are times when a product might have an electrical, gas, or mechanical issue that might
be hazardous to the consumer. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was
created to protect the consumer from serious injuries, unreasonable risks, death, and property
damage.
The CPSC’s Web site (http://www.cpsc.gov) includes information on appliance, air
conditioner, and other product recalls. It also includes other information beneficial
for the consumer.
Other Web sites helpful to the consumer and technician include:
http://www.recalls.gov
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov.
In addition, the list below provides a listing of Web sites for major appliance and air conditioner manufacturers. You can also look in the use and care manual that comes with the product for the manufacturer’s Web site. Remember, safety and education must be considered at all times when operating or repairing any major appliance or air conditioner.

MAJOR APPLIANCE AND ROOM AIR CONDITIONER MANUFACTURERS
www.aosmith.com
www.amana.com
www.americanwaterheater.com
www.boschappliance.com
www.bradfordwhite.com
www.broan.com
www.brockwaterheaters.com
www.carrier.com
www.convaircoller.com
www.dacor.com
www.danby.com
www.delonghi.com
www.dynastyrange.com
www.eemaxine.com
www.electrolux.com
www.equatoronline.com
www.fedders.com
www.friedrich.com
www.frigidaire.com
www.gaggenau.com
www.ge.com
www.goldstarappliances.com
www.haieramerica.com
www.hatachi.com
www.hotwater.com
www.insinkerator.com
www.jadeappliances.com
www.jennair.com
www.kitchenaid.com
www.kuppersbuschusa.com
www.lge.com
www.lifeluxurymarvel.com
www.maytag.com
www.miele.com
www.northlandnka.com
www.panasonic.com
www.rheem.com
www.roperappliances.com
www.samsung.com
www.sears.com
www.sharpusa.com
www.staber.com
www.subzero.com
www.sunfrost.com
www.thermador.com
www.thorappliances.com
www.u-line.com
www.vaughncorp.com
www.veronaappliances.com
www.vikingrange.com
www.weathercraft.com
www.whirlpool.com
www.wolfappliance.com
www.zephyronline.com

Question #6 Where to purchase my book

Dear Eric.

Greetings from Uganda and thanks so much for your unceasing support you do give to us through your materials,they are helpful.Its today that i have come across your materials, but i do believe they are helpful. I am a technician by profession, i would like to purchase your book entitled Troubleshooting and Repairing major Appliances 2 Edition, but i don't know where to access this book, and the easiest payment method that you can recieve the money and how to order for the book, please help me and clarify me on this, God bless and hear from you soon

Daniel From Uganda

Daniel,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner.
You can purchase the book on the following website.

www.amazon.com

This company ships books world wide.
Please let me know if you have any problems purchasing my book.

Dear Eric,

Thanks so much for your response, i am grateful, and i will let you know if i happen to get problems in purchasing that book there,God bless you and thank you so much for all your endavours.

Daniel From Uganda

Daniel, You can also purchase my book from the publisher, McGraw-Hill.
If anyone has problems purchasing my book, please fill free to contact me.

Dishwashers - Washability Problems

Water Temperature
The temperature of the incoming water is critical to the operation of a dishwasher. Most
dishwashers have heaters, and some have delay periods that extend the time during which
water is heated to a specified point, but this does not fully compensate for low temperature
of the water supply. You can check the temperature of hot water at the sink nearest to the
dishwasher with a thermometer. Open the hot water faucet. Let the water run until it is as hot
as possible, and then insert the thermometer into the stream of water. On some models, if the
thermometer reading is below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have to raise the water heater
thermostat setting. On other models, the dishwasher was designed to operate with water
temperatures as low as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. These models have longer detergent wash
periods that allow 120-degree Fahrenheit supply water to be heated up to a temperature that
gives good washability results. The dishwasher delay periods occur in only one, two, or three
of the water fills, and do little for the remaining rinses. Except during delay periods, the water
is not in the dishwasher long enough to be heated adequately.

The Detergent
The kind and amount of dishwasher detergent that is used is an important part of getting
the dishes clean. Different brands of dishwasher detergent contain different amounts of
phosphorous, which works to soften water and prevent water spots. If the water is hard,
you will have to instruct the customer to use a detergent with a higher phosphorous
content—above 12 percent. If the water is soft, the customer can use a low-phosphorous
dishwasher detergent. Some areas restrict the phosphate content to 8 percent or less. This
means that the customer will have to increase the amount of detergent used in those areas
where the water is hard. This is done by adding 1 teaspoon of dishwasher detergent manually in the main wash cycle for each grain of water hardness above 12 grains (water hardness is measured in grains):
• 0 to 3 grains for soft water
• 4 to 9 grains for medium-hard water
• 10 to 15 grains for hard water
• Over 15 grains for very hard water.
If the hardness of the water supply is unknown, contact the local water department.
Always instruct the user to use automatic dishwasher detergent only. The use of soap,
hand dishwashing detergent, or laundry detergent will produce excessive suds and will
cause flooding and damage to the dishwasher.

Loading the Dishwasher
When loading the dishes into the dishwasher, make certain that you load the top and bottom racks according to the use and care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Overloading the dishwasher will provide poor washability and an unhappy consumer.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting by Symptom Diagnosis

Poor Washability on the Upper Rack
1. Is the upper spray arm turning?
a. Are the holes in the spray arm plugged?
b. Check to see if the spray arm is split.
c. Is there uneven loading of the dishes?
d. Check the filter assembly for blockage.
e. Check the lower impeller to see if it is defective or blocked with debris.
f. Are any objects protruding down that might prevent the upper spray arm from
rotating?
2. Is the water charge okay?
3. What is the temperature of the water entering the tub? Is the temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit?
4. Is the user using the proper amount of detergent?
5. Is the detergent dispenser functioning properly?
6. Are the dishes loaded properly? Ask the user to load the dishwasher so that you can observe whether he or she is loading the dishwasher properly.
Poor Washability in the Lower Rack
1. Is the lower spray arm turning?
a. Are the holes in the spray arm plugged?
b. Check to see if the spray arm is split.
c. Is there uneven loading of the dishes?
d. Is the spray arm binding on the housing?
e. Are any objects protruding down that might prevent the lower spray arm from
rotating?
2. Is the water charge okay?
3. What is the temperature of the water entering the tub? Is the temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit?
4. Is the consumer using the proper amount of detergent?
5. Is the detergent dispenser functioning properly?
6. Are the dishes loaded properly? Ask the user to load the dishwasher so that you can observe whether he or she is loading the dishwasher properly.
Poor Drying
1. Is the water hot enough? Check the water supply temperature. On certain models,
check to see if the cycle extender is functioning properly.
2. Is the heater working?
a. Check the wiring.
b. Check the timer or the electronic control board.
c. Check for the correct voltage.
d. Check the heater itself.
e. Check the heater fan assembly.
3. Is a wetting agent being used?
4. Check the door baffle.
5. Check the vent system.
6. Suggest that the user open the door a little after the dry cycle has been completed.

Please send me your how-to questions (eric@erickleinert.com) and I'll answer them in this forum, helping you decide if you can fix your appliances yourself or if you need to call a professional.

Weather Safety for Appliances & Air Conditioning Equipment

When I awoke today and turned on my computer to Weather.com, I found out that my home state of Florida is under a hurricane watch. So I began to prepare for the worst. I put up my shutters, stocked up on food, water, and gas for my generator. I am now prepared to weather the storm. In a couple of days the sun will shine again.

How to prepare your appliances and air conditioning equipment in the event of a hurricane.
Before bad weather arrives in your neighborhood, lower the temperature settings (colder) on the refrigerator, freezer, and air conditioning equipment. You can use your appliances and air conditioners normally until the electric starts to flicker or go out completely. When this occurs, turn off the refrigerator, freezer, and air conditioner controls. Also, make sure that the controls on the other appliances are turned to the off position. This will prevent the equipment from trying to restart. If the electrical voltage drops below 10% of the amount needed to run the equipment, it might cause damage to your appliances and air conditioning equipment.

Refrigerators and Freezers
Fill empty plastic soda bottles to 3/4 full of water and freeze them. This will help keep your food cold when the electricity goes out. Also, let your ice maker run and fill plastic bags of ice cubes to keep food cold. You might want to consider installing a surge protector or time delay to protect the compressor from short cycling. These parts are available at your local parts supply house. When the electricity goes off, turn the ice maker to the off position, try not to go into the refrigerator/freezer to often, with the doors closed, the temperature will remain constant.

Air Conditioning Equipment
You might want to consider installing a time delay to protect the compressor from restarting before the sealed system has a chance to equalize. This part is available at your local parts supply house. On room air conditioners, check around the outside of the case and the bottom of the unit to make sure that all openings are sealed, and the air conditioner unit is installed properly according to the manufacturer's specifications. Also, close the fresh air vent to prevent driving rains from entering the inside of the air conditioner and the home.

Washer and Dryers
Before a storm arrives, clean your clothes. I remember from the last storm, we began to run out of clean clothing. The electricity was off for three weeks. You do not have to turn off the water supply. Make sure that you have clean and dry clothing for up to three weeks.

Water Heaters
On electric water heaters, make sure that the clock timer is set to the on position. The clock timer is an add on device used to allow the water heater to cycle on at certain times that the consumer presets. When the electricity goes out at least you have one more hot shower. No need to turn off the water supply to the tank. On gas water heaters, run them normally.
If you do not have water pressure to the home, shut off the inlet valve to the water heater tank and turn off the electric or gas supply. This action allows you to have an extra supply of water if needed after the storm passes. The water heater tank can be drained as needed for survival purpose. If you use the water from the tank for drinking purposes, boil it first.

Dishwashers
Make sure to run and clean the dishes before the storm makes landfall and electricity goes out. You do not have to turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Also, make sure to have disposable plates, bowls, and flatware. If you run out of the disposables, then use your dishes and silverware.

Garbage Disposer
Run the disposer to remove the debris from the drain and pipes. This will prevent funny smells from coming up the drain when the electricity goes out. Make sure that the switch is in the off position when the electricity goes off.

Microwave Ovens & Ranges
Make sure that all controls are in the off position when the electricity goes out. You might want to consider preparing some cooked meals in case you lose power during the storm. After the storm passes by, it will be easier to reheat the food on the grill.

Operating Appliances and Room Air Conditioners on a Generator
There are times when we have to seek alternate sources of electricity to run appliances and room air conditioners. Many people are installing, have installed, or about to purchase an auxiliary power generator as an alternative. When purchased or purchasing a generator, you will have to take into account what appliances you intend to run off of it.
When you consider running lights, appliances, and room air conditioners on a generator, you must calculate how much wattage is needed for each product, including the start-up wattage. In addition, the voltage (120 or 240) and cycles (60) are critical for proper operation of appliances and air conditioners. If the voltage is less than 10 percent of the operating voltage, refrigerators, freezers, and room air conditioners will not operate properly, which might cause damage to the components in the product. Any variations in the cycles could speed up the clocks, or slow them down. It is also important when searching for a generator that it has the ability to regulate the voltage and has surge protection for use with appliances and room air conditioners. Check with the generator manufacturer for warranty, operation, installation, and sizing of generator before purchasing.
Never use a gas powered generator in the home during a hurricane. Wait until the storm has passed by, then place the generator outside the home, away from the building for safe operation. Read the use and care guide that comes with your generator before turning it on.

Appliance Question #5 Lint on clothing

I received an email from Joy:
I can't find the answer to something that I am having a big problem with, and I'm hoping that you can help me and my family out.

We bought a Maytag Atlantis Washer and Dryer about 2 years ago. Generally both machines run fine and we are happy with them.

But the washer has a big problem with lint. Dark clothes come out covered in lint, even though I am careful to separate our clothes. I wash only dark clothes by themselves and white clothes by themselves. Yet the dark clothes are covered with white lint.

What am I doing wrong? I don't overload the machine - quite the opposite.

Should I run the washer with no clothes every so often to clean out the lint filter?

Is there some way I can access this self cleaning filter myself and clean it?

I answered via email, but I wanted to share my response with you:

Lint is cotton fiber that has broken away from the cotton garment. Lint likes to attach itself to
synthetic fabrics. When this happens, the user often thinks that the washer is not performing
properly. Therefore, to solve the problem of lint on synthetic fabrics, the user must sort the
items before washing the clothes.
For example:
• The user must separate cottons from permanent press and knits.
• The user must separate light colors from dark colors.
Another cause of lint on clothes is overwashing. This causes the clothes to wear out
faster. To correct the overwashing problem, use only one minute of wash time per pound of
dry laundry with normal soil. Any more time than this is a waste, and it usually does not
get the laundry cleaner.
If the drain cycle is excessive, this, too, will cause lint to remain on the garments.
Check for improper drain hose connections. For example:
• Drain hose is too long (over 10 feet)
• Drain hose is too high (over 5 feet)
• Drain hose is kinked
If excessive drain times still exist, check the following:
• Check the filter, located under the wash basket on most newer models.
• Check to be sure that the pump is operating properly.
• Check for any obstructions in the drain system.
• Check for any obstructions within the water circulatory system of the washer.
Also, check the outer tub for buildup of soap scum which contains a buildup of lint, etc.
Once the inner basket is removed from the washer it will be easier to clean off this substance.
Last of all you must follow the use and care instructions that came with your washer.

Joy, let me know if that worked for you. Remember to send your appliance questions to eric@erickleinert.com.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance

The inside of the cabinet should be cleaned at least once a month to help prevent odors from building up. Of course, any spills that might happen should be wiped up immediately. Wash all removable parts by hand with warm water and a mild detergent; then rinse and dry the parts. The inside walls of the cabinet, the door liners, and the gaskets should also be washed using warm water and a mild detergent, rinsed, and dried. Never use cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches, or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts. On the outside of the cabinet, use a sponge with warm water and a mild detergent to clean dust and dirt. Then rinse off and dry thoroughly. At least two times a year, the outside cabinet should be waxed with an appliance wax or with a good auto paste wax. Waxing painted metal surfaces provides rust protection. The defrost pan, which is located behind the toe plate or behind the cabinet, should be cleaned out once a month. The condenser coil should also be cleaned of dust and lint at least once a month. The floor should be free of dirt and debris when the cabinet is rolled out away from the wall. After the cabinet is rolled back into place, you must check to be sure that the
cabinet is level.
Always follow the manufacturers use and care guide for proper maintenance and installation of your product.