If you’ve just finished dinner and are ready to wash the dishes, you might be wondering why garbage disposal stops working.
There are a few possible reasons why it might have stopped working, but fortunately, there are also a few ways to fix the problem.
Check out this article to learn more about what might be causing your garbage disposal to malfunction and how you can fix it.
Before checking your disposal, always turn off the kitchen breaker to avoid personal injury or any other accident due to sharp blade movement.
If the breaker is turned off and the disposal still doesn’t work, check to see if there is something caught in the blades. If not, then the motor might 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
Ever noticed your garbage disposal humming instead of grinding away? That humming sound might signal trouble with the blades.
Even if your disposal seems to be getting power, there could be something hindering the blades’ movement. It might be due to overheating, a stubborn clog, or perhaps even a malfunctioning reset button.
If it’s overheating, simply switch it off and allow it to cool down for a bit. Plus, don’t forget about that reset button—it could be the quick fix you need to address all these issues in one go.
Strange Odors
Hey there! Noticed any unpleasant smells coming from your food waste lately? No worries – we’ve got the perfect solutions to freshen things up quickly. Addressing this issue promptly is important because it can worsen if ignored!
The best part? You don’t need any fancy products or complicated methods. We’ve gathered some easy home remedies that work wonders in eliminating those unwanted food waste odors for good.
Ever thought of trying citrus peels in your disposal? They add a pleasant fragrance that can make a big difference. Feeling adventurous? Improve your drain’s freshness by pouring a bit of bleach or vinegar down it – your nose will thank you!
Here’s a neat trick: sharpen your disposal blades with a few ice cubes. Surprisingly effective at getting rid of lingering odors. Give these ideas a try and see how quickly you can turn your kitchen into an odor-free oasis!
Inefficient Draining
If your garbage disposal is acting up, it’s likely dealing with a stubborn drain blockage. Picture this: food scraps have decided to clog your pipes, causing a backup that halts the blades and risks water overflowing into your sink.
The usual suspect? These blockages often lurk in the curve of your S or P-shaped pipe. But fear not – you’re equipped to handle it! Begin by giving the drain trap a breather and disconnecting it from the disposal unit.
Have a bucket handy to catch any spills, then employ a cable or auger to clear the obstruction and eliminate any remaining food debris.
But wait, there’s more! Show your disposal a little extra care by sharpening its blades. A quick tune-up can work wonders, enhancing their cutting prowess and preventing future blockages. Your garbage disposal will repay you with smoother, more efficient 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.