DIY trash compactor repair
Your trash compactor compresses your garbage into a fraction of the space it would occupy in a trash bag. If your trash compactor is malfunctioning, Sears PartsDirect can help your narrow down the possible causes by matching the trash compactor's symptoms to our troubleshooting tips. Once you figure out what's wrong, we also have DIY repair guides that show you step-by-step instructions for installing replacement parts.
Follow the tips in our trash compactor articles to help avoid smelly odors and trashy messes when using your compactor. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your trash compactor, search for your model number. Sears PartsDirect sells replacement parts for major brands of trash compactors such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid and GE.
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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Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…