A broken garbage disposal can quickly bring your kitchen to a standstill. Between the standing water in the sink and the unpleasant odors that follow, it’s an issue that most homeowners want fixed immediately. While some disposal problems require a professional plumber, there are a few safe troubleshooting steps you can take yourself.
At 1213 Plumbing, we believe in helping our Lubbock neighbors stay informed. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when your disposal stops working.
1. Safety First: The Golden Rule
Before you do anything, ensure the garbage disposal is turned OFF. Never, under any circumstances, put your hand inside the disposal. Even if the unit is off, the blades (impellers) can be sharp, and if the unit were to suddenly regain power, it could lead to severe injury. Use a flashlight and a long pair of tongs or pliers to remove any visible obstructions.
2. Check for Power Issues
If you flip the switch and hear absolutely nothing—no hum, no whir—the unit isn’t receiving electricity.
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The Reset Button: Most disposals have a small, red “reset” button located on the bottom of the unit under the sink. If the motor gets overworked, it will trip this internal breaker to prevent burnout. Press the button back in and try the switch again.
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The Circuit Breaker: If the reset button doesn’t work, check your home’s electrical panel. Look for a tripped breaker labeled “Kitchen” or “Disposal.”
3. Dealing with a Jam (The “Humming” Sound)
If you hear a low humming sound when you flip the switch, the motor is getting power, but the impellers are jammed.
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The Allen Wrench Trick: Most disposals have a hexagonal hole on the very bottom center of the unit.
Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (often called a “jam wrench”) into that hole and turn it back and forth. This manually rotates the blades to break the jam. Once it moves freely, turn the water on and try the power again.
4. Clearing a Clog or Slow Drain
If the disposal runs but the water won’t go down, you have a clog in the discharge pipe rather than a mechanical failure.
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Avoid Chemicals: Do not use harsh liquid drain cleaners. These chemicals can damage the rubber seals in your disposal and sit in the standing water, making it dangerous for a plumber to work on the unit later.
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The Plunger: Sometimes a standard sink plunger can clear a minor clog. Ensure you have a tight seal and use firm, vertical strokes.
5. When to Call 1213 Plumbing
If you’ve tried the reset button and the Allen wrench and your disposal still isn’t behaving, it’s time for professional help. You should call a licensed plumber if:
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The Unit is Leaking: Water dripping from the bottom of the disposal often indicates a failed internal seal, which usually means the unit needs to be replaced.
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Persistent Smells: Foul odors that won’t go away even after cleaning may indicate a buildup deep in the grinding chamber or a venting issue.
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Frequent Jams: If your disposal jams every time you use it, the blades may be dull or the motor may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
Expert Plumbing Solutions in Lubbock
Whether you need a quick repair or a brand-new, high-horsepower disposal installation, 1213 Plumbing is here to help. We provide fast, reliable service to get your kitchen back in working order.
Is your sink backed up? Contact 1213 Plumbing today for expert garbage disposal repair and replacement!