There could be several reasons why your garbage disposal has stopped working, but the good news is that there are also a few ways to resolve the issue.
Take a look at this article to discover potential causes behind your garbage disposal malfunction and how you can fix it.
Before inspecting your disposal, be sure to turn off the kitchen breaker to prevent personal injury or accidents caused by the sharp blades.
If the breaker is off and the disposal still isn’t functioning, check for any objects that may be stuck in the blades. If nothing is caught, the motor may be burned out.
Won’t Turn On
If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it might be because of one of the following reasons:
- The power cord is unplugged, or there’s an issue with the power source.
- Something is blocking the drain.
- The motor is dead.
To fix it, first, make sure the power cord is plugged in, and the breaker hasn’t blown any fuses. Then, check the disposal for blockage and remove anything that’s clogging it. If it still doesn’t work after that, your disposal might need to be replaced.
Water Leak
If there’s a water leak in your garbage disposal, it may be coming from one of the following places: gaskets, drain lines, or cracks. To fix small cracks, use epoxy.
Make sure the pipe connecting the dishwasher to the drain pipe is sealed. If you find major cracks or broken pipes, you’ll need to replace them.
Humming Sound
Even if the disposal seems to be powered on, something might be blocking the blades from moving. The cause could be overheating, a tough clog, or even a faulty reset button.
If overheating is the issue, turn it off and give it time to cool down. And don’t overlook the reset button—it might be the simple solution to fix everything at once.
Strange Odors
Hello! Noticed any unpleasant odors coming from your food waste lately? No worries—we’ve got some great solutions to freshen things up quickly. It’s important to address this issue promptly, as it can get worse if left unattended.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy products or complicated techniques. We’ve put together some simple home remedies that work wonders in eliminating those unwanted food waste smells.
Have you considered using citrus peels in your disposal? They add a refreshing fragrance that can make a noticeable difference. Feeling a bit adventurous? You can also pour a little bleach or vinegar down the drain to boost freshness—your nose will thank you!
Here’s a clever tip: sharpen your disposal blades with a few ice cubes. It’s surprisingly effective at eliminating lingering odors. Try these methods and see how quickly you can turn your kitchen into an odor-free haven!
Inefficient Draining
If your garbage disposal isn’t working as it should, the issue is likely a stubborn drain blockage. Picture this: food debris has clogged the pipes, causing a backup that halts the blades and could result in water spilling over into your sink.
The most common culprit? Blockages tend to form in the bend of your S or P-shaped pipe. But don’t worry—you can fix this! Begin by disconnecting the drain trap from the disposal unit to relieve the pressure.
Keep a bucket nearby to catch any spills, then use a cable or auger to clear the blockage and remove any leftover food debris.
And there’s more! Give your disposal some extra attention by sharpening its blades. A quick tune-up can greatly improve their cutting efficiency and help prevent future clogs. Your garbage disposal will thank you with smoother, more effective performance!
Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services
If you’re having trouble with your garbage disposal, it’s time to call in the experts. The team of Garbage Disposal, Repair & Installation Services specialists, is available to help you get your disposal up and running again.
In addition to repair and installation services, It also offers a range of other plumbing services, including water softener replacement, water heater repair, gas line installation, and sump pump repair.
Give me a call today to speak with a trained technician.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I reset a garbage disposal?
Once the power is shut off to your garbage disposal, go ahead and locate the reset button on the bottom of it.
To reset it, push the button in until you hear or feel a click. The next thing you’ll want to do is turn the power back on to your garbage disposal and give it a try to see if it’s working again.
How do I get my garbage disposal to spin again?
To begin, utilize the wrench to manually rotate the motor shaft on the disposal unit in an anti-clockwise direction and then in a clockwise direction until the obstruction is removed and the motor shaft rotates smoothly.
Make sure to provide support to the disposal unit while turning the wrench. Applying some force is acceptable, but it’s important to avoid damaging the unit.
How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
If you’re unsure about when you should replace your garbage disposal, a good rule of thumb is to do so every ten years. Most units will last for the better part of a decade before needing to be replaced.
You’ll know that your unit needs replacing when it starts to clog more frequently than normal.