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! Noticed any funky smells coming from your food waste lately? No worries – we’ve got you covered with some quick fixes to freshen things up. Dealing with this issue sooner rather than later is key because it tends to get worse if you wait!
The best part is, you don’t need any fancy products or complicated methods. We’ve got some easy home remedies that work wonders to eliminate those food waste odors for good.
Why not try tossing some citrus peels down the disposal? They add a refreshing scent that can make a huge difference. Feeling bold? Give your drain a boost by pouring a bit of bleach or vinegar down it – your nose will thank you.
And here’s a neat trick: sharpen those disposal blades with a few ice cubes. It’s surprisingly effective at getting rid of lingering smells. Give these tips a try, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn your kitchen into an odor-free zone!
Inefficient Draining
If your garbage disposal is acting up, it’s likely dealing with a pesky drain blockage. Imagine this: food scraps decide to clog up your pipes, causing a backup that stops the blades and risks water overflowing in your sink.
The usual culprit? Those blockages often hang out in the bend of your S or P-shaped pipe. But don’t worry – you’ve got this! Start by giving the drain trap a break and disconnecting it from the disposal unit.
Grab a bucket to catch any spillage, then use a cable or auger to clear the blockage and get rid of any leftover food bits.
But wait, there’s more! Give your disposal some extra TLC by sharpening the blades. A little tune-up can make a big difference, improving their cutting power and preventing future blockages. 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.