KitchenAid Trash Compactor Repair

Having problems with your KitchenAid trash compactor? We've fixed hundreds of these machines over the years. Most issues aren't as complicated as they first seem.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting the most common KitchenAid trash compactor problems, providing step-by-step solutions and helping you determine when it's time to call in the trash compactor repair experts.

What Goes Wrong With Trash Compactors

Trash compactors seem pretty simple, right? Push a button, motor runs, trash gets squished. But there's actually quite a bit going on inside that cabinet.

• Won't start at all? Probably electrical. Could be the outlet, could be the door switch, and might be the key switch. We'll figure it out.

• Makes weird noises? Something's likely caught in there or a part is wearing out. Different sounds mean different problems.

• Doesn't compact well anymore? Ram might be damaged or the drive system is worn out.

• Smells terrible even with a new bag? Could be trapped garbage or liquids that leaked where they shouldn't be.

• Door won't close right? Latch is probably bent or broken.

• Drawer sticks when you try to open it? Slides are probably gunked up or worn out.

KitchenAid makes several models. The KTTS505 built-ins are common. So are the older KUCC models. They're built differently but break in similar ways.

First thing - find your model number. It's usually inside the door frame or on a sticker around back. Write it down somewhere. You'll need it if you end up ordering parts.

Safety Precautions - Read This First

• Always unplug these things before working on them. The motors are strong enough to hurt you badly if they suddenly kick on.

• Can't reach the plug on built-in models? Turn off the breaker.

• Keep the key switch off and take out the key if you can. Keeps curious kids from turning it on while you're working.

• Watch out for sharp metal edges inside. I've cut myself more times than I care to admit. Wear gloves.

• Don't let kids near it during repair. The cabinet opening is big enough for a small child to fall into.

Fixing Electrical Problems

When it won't turn on, check these things:

• Is it plugged in? Sounds obvious but check anyway. Is the circuit breaker tripped? Reset it if needed.

• Door switch might be bad. This switch is a safety feature. It's usually along the front frame. The door has to press it in completely or the compactor won't run.

• Key switch could be worn out. These break after years of use. Turn the key and see if it moves smoothly.

• Start button might be stuck or broken. Press it and see how it feels. Sometimes crud gets behind the button panel.

• Control board could be fried. Not common, but it happens. Look for burn marks or obvious damage.

• Check wiring connections. Give each one a gentle push to make sure it's tight. Years of vibration works things loose.

Some models have a drawer monitor switch too. It checks if the trash drawer is properly seated. These get bent or break.

Motor and Drive Problems

If you hear the motor running but nothing happens, something in the drive system is broken. Might be a chain, belt, or gears.

• Grinding sounds? Bad news. Something's stuck or parts need lube.

• Squealing? Probably a belt or chain issue.

• Ram gets stuck sometimes. Something hard might be jamming it, or drive parts are worn out. NEVER reach in to clear a jam without unplugging first. I knew a guy who... well, let's just say he doesn't have all his fingers anymore.

• Drive belts stretch over time. Chains too. They need adjustment or replacement eventually.

• Motors burn out after years of service. You'll smell it if this happens. Kind of a burning wire smell.

• Gears strip if you compact something too hard. You'll hear clicking or slipping when this happens.

Some models use a drive screw system that needs grease occasionally. Without it, everything gets harder to turn.

Door and Drawer Fixes

• Door won't close right? Check the hinges first. They bend or get loose. Tighten screws or bend things back if needed.

• Latch assembly gets damaged easily. It's what tells the door switch everything is closed securely. Look for bent metal or broken plastic.

• Door gaskets crack and harden over time. They're supposed to keep smells in and help the door close properly. Replace if they're damaged.

• Drawer not sliding smoothly? Check the slides or rollers. Clean all the gunk off them. A little WD-40 helps sometimes.

• Drawer handles break off. Especially on older units. Replacements aren't too expensive.

• The drawer bottom sometimes cracks from all that pressure. Especially if you've compacted glass or really hard stuff. Check for damage.

Some KitchenAid models won't run if the drawer isn't positioned just right. There's a switch that checks this. It might need adjustment.

Ram and Compaction System

The ram is that metal plate that pushes down on your trash. If it moves part way but stops, something's probably blocking it. Unplug and check carefully.

• Rams get bent if you compact really hard stuff. A bent ram won't move smoothly.

• Guide tracks help the ram move straight up and down. They get gunked up with trash particles. Clean them good.

• Pressure gets weaker over time as parts wear out. You'll notice trash doesn't get as compact as it used to.

• Some models let you adjust how hard it compacts. Check if someone changed this setting.

• KitchenAid puts anti-jam features in some models. Sometimes they're too sensitive and reverse before finishing the job.

• Look for bent or damaged seals around the ram. They keep liquids from getting into the mechanism below.

Getting Rid of Smells and Leaks

Let's face it - these things can get nasty. They're crushing garbage after all.

• Bad smells even with new bags? Check for leaks or tears. Liquids seep into hard-to-clean areas.

• There's a charcoal filter in most models. It needs changing every few months. Old filters stop working.

• Check the trash drawer for cracks, especially at the bottom. Even tiny cracks let smelly liquids escape.

• Some models have a drain system for excess liquid. It clogs up. Might need cleaning.

• Door gaskets absorb odors over time. Wipe them down with some bleach water to help.

• Garbage gets trapped in corners and crevices. Sometimes you need to take things apart for a good cleaning.

• Check under the unit too. Pull it out if you can and clean underneath. Spills happen.

Keeping It Running Right

• Clean the inside cabinet once a month. Wipe everything down with disinfectant. Get into all the corners.

• Change the odor filter regularly. They don't cost much and make a big difference.

• Check ram guides and tracks for buildup. Vacuum them out when needed.

• Look at the trash drawer for damage. Small cracks get bigger under pressure.

• Oil the door hinges and drawer slides occasionally. Just a drop or two of machine oil keeps things moving.

• Don't run it when it's nearly empty. Wait till it's at least 1/3 full. Running with just a little bit of trash wears out the motor faster.

• Avoid crushing really hard stuff. No big bones, wood blocks, or bricks. You'll damage the ram.

• Use proper compactor bags. Regular trash bags tear too easily. The special bags are reinforced for a reason.

Parts You Might Need

Sears Parts Direct has most KitchenAid compactor parts. Use your model number when ordering.

Common replacement parts include drawer slides, switches, and filters. These wear out quickest.

Bigger repairs need drive chains, motors, or ram parts. These take more work but most homeowners can handle it.

Control panels and buttons are available if yours are damaged. They usually snap in pretty easy.

Door gaskets help with odor control. Replace them if they're torn or hardened up.

Keep your old parts until everything's working again. Sometimes you need to compare with the new ones.

When to Call Us

Some repairs are better left to appliance repair professionals:

• Motor replacement gets complicated. Lots of disassembly and wiring connections involved.

• Control system problems that basic troubleshooting doesn't fix often need special diagnosis tools.

• If you smell burning, hear really loud noises, or see smoke, stop using it and schedule trash compactor repair service.

• Water leaking underneath means trouble. Could damage your floor or create electrical hazards.

Any repair you don't feel comfortable doing yourself - just give us a call. These machines have powerful motors and can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

We've been fixing KitchenAid compactors for decades. Our appliance repair techs know these machines inside and out.