How to Fix a Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal that suddenly stops working can bring your kitchen to its knees. Fortunately, some of the most common garbage disposal problems are simple to troubleshoot yourself. Before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can safely check.
If your disposal is completely silent, humming but not grinding, or simply isn’t draining properly, the solution may be as simple as resetting the unit or clearing a minor jam.
Before you start, always remember your disposal does not know the difference between your right hand and last night’s leftovers. Safety first.
Garbage disposals contain sharp components and powerful motors, so never put your hand inside a garbage disposal, even if you think the power is off.
Before inspecting or attempting to clear a jam, turn off the disposal and disconnect the power by unplugging it or switching off the appropriate circuit breaker. The outlet is often located at the back of your cabinet beneath the sink. Go ahead and unplug your dishwasher too just to be sure. Might as well give her a little break.
Use tongs or pliers to remove visible objects rather than reaching into the drain.
If Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
If you flip the switch and nothing happens, start with the easiest possibilities.
First, check underneath the sink to make sure the disposal is plugged in. If it is, check your electrical panel to see whether the circuit breaker has tripped.
Many garbage disposals also have a small reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the motor overheats or the disposal becomes overloaded, this button may pop out. Allow the disposal to cool for a few minutes, then press the reset button and try it again.
If the disposal still doesn’t respond, there may be an electrical or mechanical problem that requires professional plumbing repair.
If Your Garbage Disposal Hums but Won’t Grind
If you hear the motor humming but the disposal isn’t turning, something may be stuck inside. Turn off the power before attempting to clear a jam.
Some garbage disposals have a small opening on the bottom of the unit that allows you to manually turn the motor using a disposal wrench. This tool may have come with your disposal, but a ¼” hex key or Allen wrench should work too.
If you aren’t comfortable doing this, or the motor won’t turn, don’t force it. Trying to work through a stubborn jam can damage the disposal or create a safety hazard.
If Your Garbage Disposal Smells Bad
A bad smell doesn’t necessarily mean your garbage disposal needs to be replaced. Food residue can collect around the drain opening and beneath the rubber splash guard, creating an unpleasant odor.
Run cold water while operating the disposal for several seconds to help flush out food particles. You can also clean the rubber splash guard and the area around the drain opening; this is often the main culprit behind a stubborn bad smell. First, turn off the garbage disposal. Using an old (or an enemy’s) toothbrush, scrub the slimy underside of the rubber splash guard flaps with a grease-cutting dish soap.
You can also then reconnect the power and put a few handfuls of ice along with some coarse salt in the drain. Run a low stream of cold water and turn the disposal on to run until the ice is completely crushed up.
Avoid pouring harsh chemical drain cleaners into your garbage disposal. They can damage the unit and create a hazard if someone later needs to work on the plumbing.
If Your Garbage Disposal Is Leaking
A leaking disposal is a little different from a simple jam or reset issue. Water leaking from the connection between the disposal and sink, the drainpipe, or the bottom of the disposal can indicate a loose connection, worn seal, damaged component, or a problem with the unit itself.
If you notice water underneath the sink, turn off the disposal and avoid using it until you can determine where the leak is coming from. If the disposal itself is cracked or leaking from the bottom, replacement may be necessary.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
A garbage disposal problem isn’t always actually a garbage disposal problem. If your disposal runs normally but water backs up into the sink, drains slowly, or causes water to back up elsewhere, the issue may be a clogged drain line rather than the disposal itself.
Our plumbing team at Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing regularly helps homeowners throughout the Kansas City area troubleshoot problems like these. While a simple reset or minor jam may be an easy DIY fix, repeated jams, leaks, electrical issues, unusual noises, or ongoing drainage problems are signs that it’s time to have the system professionally inspected.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and your garbage disposal still isn’t working properly, Summit can help identify the cause and recommend the right repair or replacement.
A Note From the Summit Plumbing Team
Garbage disposals are designed to handle everyday food waste, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid putting grease, fibrous foods, rice, bones, large amounts of food, your hands, or other items the manufacturer doesn’t recommend down the disposal. Running plenty of cold water while the disposal is operating can also help move food waste through the drain system.
Taking care of small problems early can help prevent a minor disposal issue from turning into a larger plumbing problem. Our team of experienced, licensed plumbing professionals is here to help diagnose the problem and recommend the right repair or replacement. Whether you have a stubborn clog, a leaking disposal, or a unit that simply won’t cooperate, Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is ready to help get your kitchen plumbing back on track.
If you’re looking for the top, reach for the Summit.
