When your garbage disposal stops working, it’s super frustrating. But before you call a plumber, there’s some things you can try on your own! I’ll walk you through the most common problems and their solutions, step by step.
It can often be worth it to repair a garbage disposal rather than replace it.
Garbage Disposal Not Turning On: Possible Causes
Check the Power
You know what’s embarrassing but happens all the time? The disposal’s just unplugged! Those under-sink storage bins and cleaners can knock the cord loose without you noticing. Take a quick peek and make sure it’s plugged in snugly. If that’s not it, let’s try something else.
Reset the Built-In Circuit Breaker
If the disposal is plugged in but still not running, the built-in circuit breaker may need to be reset. Many disposals have a reset button that can restore functionality.
How to Reset the Garbage Disposal
Your disposal’s got a built-in circuit breaker that sometimes trips. It’s actually trying to protect itself! Here’s how to reset it:
- Safety first! Unplug that bad boy before you do anything else.
- Look under the disposal. See that red button? That’s your reset button.
- Give it a firm press, plug everything back in, and cross your fingers!
- Still nothing? Head over to your home’s circuit breaker panel.
How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
If your disposal’s making noise but not doing its job, you might have a clog on your hands. Here’s what to do about it.
Check if the Problem is a Clogged Drain
Before we start poking around in there, let’s make sure the problem isn’t further down the line. If water’s backing up into your sink, you’re probably looking at a drain clog rather than a disposal issue.
Clearing the Clogged Garbage Disposal
- Safety check! Power off and unplug!
- Have a look inside with a flashllight; sometimes you can spot the culprit right away.
- Got some tongs or pliers handy? Use those to fish out any stuck food. (Please don’t stick your hand in there; those blades mean business!)
- Once you’ve cleared the obvious stuff, run cold water and fire it up. This should help flush out anything that’s left.
Garbage Disposal is Hums but Won’t Grind
Ever turn on your disposal and hear a humming sound, but nothing’s happening? That’s usually your disposal saying, “Hey, something’s stuck in here!” The motor’s running, but the blades can’t move.
Find the Cause
That humming noise tells us something useful: your disposal’s getting power, but something keeps the blades from spinning. Let’s fix that!
First, cut the power right away. We don’t want to burn out that motor.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
- Unplug it (sensing a theme?)
- Look underneath for a hex-shaped hole.
- Got a disposal wrench? Perfect! Otherwise you’ll need to run out and pick one up.
- Turn it a few times until it moves freely, then test it out.
How to Repair a Garbage Disposal That’s Leaking from the Bottom
Trace the Leak
Get down under the kitchen sinks and look for cracks, worn-out seals, or a loose connection where the disposal meets the sink.
Leaking Garbage Disposal: Troubleshooting
- Power off
- Disconnect everything, but put a bucket down first; there will be some water.
- Take the unit off and look it over.
- If it’s leaking where it meets the sink, you’ll need some plumber’s putty to reseal it.
- Put it all back together, nice and tight, then test for leaks.
Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
Want to avoid future headaches? Here’s what you need to know:
DON’Ts:
- Skip the harsh chemicals; your disposal doesn’t like them more than your pipes do.
- Avoid dumping grease down there; it’s asking for trouble.
- Don’t try to cram huge chunks of food waste in at once. Your disposal isn’t a woodchipper!
DO’s:
- Always run cold water while using it to help everything flow smoothly.
- Give it a quick check now and then for any damage.
- Want a clean disposal? Throw in some ice cubes and kosher salt. It works like a charm!
- Got some leftover lemon peels? Grind those up for a fresh-smelling kitchen.
Garbage disposals are reliable appliances that can often be repaired with basic troubleshooting. Regular maintenance and mindful use can prevent many common issues. If your disposal still doesn’t work, this is a good time to give Service Minds Benjamin Franklin a call. Your punctual plumbers offer a full range of garbage disposal repair and replacement services.