Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. It’s a convenient tool for managing food waste, but when it stops working, it can bring your kitchen to a halt. From mysterious clogs to strange noises, a faulty disposal can be a major headache.
Before you reach for the phone, here are some of the most common garbage disposal problems and a few simple fixes you can try yourself.
The Disposal Won’t Turn On
This is often the easiest problem to solve. Your garbage disposal is equipped with a safety feature—a reset button—that shuts off power to prevent motor burnout.
The Fix:
- Check the Reset Button: Look on the bottom or side of the disposal unit for a small, red button.
- Press to Reset: Firmly press the button. You should hear a click.
- Check the Breaker: If it still doesn’t work, check your home’s circuit breaker to make sure the switch hasn’t tripped.
If the disposal trips again immediately, there’s likely an underlying issue, such as a jam or a motor problem.
The Disposal Is Humming But Not Grinding
A humming sound means the motor is running, but the blades aren’t moving. This is a classic sign of a jam, usually caused by a hard object like a bone, a fruit pit, or even a metal utensil.
The Fix:
- Turn Off Power: First, turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker for safety.
- Locate the Jam: Use a flashlight to peer into the drain. Do not put your hand inside!
- Use a Tool to Free the Jam: Use a long, wooden spoon handle or pliers to carefully dislodge the object.
- Turn the Flywheel: Many disposals have a hex-head wrench hole on the bottom. Use the provided key to manually turn the flywheel back and forth, which can help break up a jam.
- Restore Power: Once the object is removed and the flywheel spins freely, restore power and test the disposal.
The Disposal Is Leaking
A leak can be a significant issue, potentially causing water damage under your sink. A leak typically originates from one of three places: the sink flange, the discharge pipe, or the dishwasher hose connection.
The Fix:
- Check the Flange: The seal between the disposal and the sink drain can wear out. Try tightening the bolts on the mounting ring under the sink.
- Tighten Connections: Use a wrench to tighten the bolts on the discharge pipe or the clamp on the dishwasher hose.
- Call a Professional: If tightening the connections doesn’t stop the leak, the gaskets or seals may need to be replaced. For a reliable fix, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
The Disposal Has a Bad Odor
A foul smell is a sign of food particles and bacteria buildup. This can happen even if you use the disposal regularly.
The Fix:
- Use Ice and Citrus: Place a handful of ice cubes and a few pieces of lemon, lime, or orange peel into the disposal. The ice helps scrape the blades and grind away residue, while the citrus cleanses and deodorizes.
- Flush with Cold Water: Run cold water while the disposal grinds the ice and peels.
When to Call a Professional
While these DIY fixes can solve many common issues, some problems require an expert. If your disposal motor is completely dead, continues to trip the breaker, or the leak persists, it’s time to contact a professional. At 1213 Plumbing, we have the tools and expertise to handle any garbage disposal problem quickly and safely. Don’t let a faulty disposal disrupt your kitchen—give us a call today!