Garbage Disposal Repair Houston

Garbage Disposal Repair: Troubleshooting and DIY

Many people rely on their garbage disposals in the kitchen to eliminate food waste. When they stop working, all that food waste can accumulate in your trash, causing unwanted odors in the kitchen. The good news is that you can fix the garbage disposal yourself. Before you can troubleshoot, you’ll need to know the problem. There are several reasons why your garbage disposal may not be working. Taking a few easy steps to uncover the issue will help you find the right solution for repairing your garbage disposal.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Garbage Disposal Stops Working

If your garbage disposal stops working, before doing the solutions, make sure to unplug the appliance first for safety purposes. 

• • Reset the Disposal – Locate the reset button — the overload protector — on the bottom or side of the garbage disposal unit. If the button has popped out, you need to reset the disposal. Firmly press the reset button. Wait a few minutes before proceeding to allow the disposal to cool down if it’s overheated.
  • Test the Disposal – Run cold water, plug in the garbage disposal, and turn it on to test it.
  • Check the Circuit Breaker – If the disposal still isn’t working, check your home’s electrical panel to see if the disposal’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, flip the switch to reset the breaker.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Clogged Garbage Disposal Drain

You may have a clogged drain if your garbage disposal isn’t working correctly. There are a couple of remedies for clearing a clogged drain.

• • Turn Off the Disposal – Make sure the garbage disposal is turned off and unplugged. If the disposal is hardwired, you’ll need to turn the power off at the circuit breaker that serves the disposal.
  • Determine the Obstacle – Look down inside the disposal using a flashlight to determine what’s obstructing the blades.
  • Remove the Debris – Remove as much obstruction as possible using a pair of needle nose pliers. Alternatively, use a plunger to remove debris. Place the plunger over the drain hole. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the tip of the plunger. Pump the plunger up and down with force until the debris is removed.
  • Flush the Debris –  Turn the faucet on to flush the debris. Plug in the disposal and turn it on.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Humming but Not Grinding

If you turn on the garbage disposal and you only hear a humming sound, the problem could be food or other debris lodged between the drain hole and the impeller, causing a jam. Turn the disposal off immediately to avoid burning out and permanently damaging the motor.

• Disconnect the Disposal –  Unplug the disposal underneath the sink. For hardwired disposals, turn the power off at the circuit breaker that serves the disposal.
• Clear the Jammed Impeller or Flywheel – Insert the garbage disposal wrench that came with the disposal into the flywheel turning hole on the bottom of the disposal. Use a hex wrench if you don’t have the garbage disposal wrench. Turn the wrench back and forth to dislodge the items, jamming the impeller or flywheel. Once you’ve dislodged the jam, you can turn the wrench freely.
• Try a Wooden-Handle Alternative – If you don’t have a wrench, use a wooden spoon handle, broom handle, or end of a plunger by inserting it into the drain, pressing it against one of the impeller blades, and pushing against it until you’re able to rotate the blade.
• Test the Disposal – Once you’ve removed the blockage, plug in the garbage disposal, run cold water, and turn on the disposal. You may need to press the reset button.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Leaking Garbage Disposal

Dealing with a leak may not be ideal, but the solution can often be straightforward, depending on location. If you find your garbage disposal leaking, it is essential to identify the source quickly to prevent further damage. If the leak comes from the bottom, typically near the reset button, it is likely due to normal wear and tear, resulting in cracks or a broken seal. In such cases, it may be worth considering purchasing a new disposal. Another common cause of leaks is a failed seal between the sink’s drain and the disposal, known as the flange. This can occur due to deteriorating sealant or loose bolts, causing a top leak. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot a leaking top disposal.

• Clear Underneath the Sink – Remove all the items from underneath the sink so you have room to work.
• Turn Off the Power – Unplug the disposal’s power cord. If the disposal is hardwired, turn off the power for the circuit at the main electrical panel. Also, place a bucket under the sink to catch any leaking water.
• Loosen the Screws – Loosen any screws and clamps that secure the main drain pipe to the disposal. If needed, loosen the screws in the clamp that secure the dishwasher hose to the disposal.
• Detach the Hoses – Detach the dishwasher hose and drain pipe from the disposal.
• Remove the Disposal – Loosen the screws that mount the flange to the sink and pull the disposal straight down. Next, loosen the screws on the mounting bracket.
• Remove, Clean, and Reseal the Flange – Lift the flange out from the top of the sink. Scrape off the old putty with a putty knife and wipe off any excess with a damp rag. Also, make sure the area around the sink opening is clean. Wrap a new ring of plumber putty around the top of the flange and re-insert the flange in the sink until it’s snug.
• Reinstall the Disposal – Re-tighten the mounting bolts and remove any excess putty that oozes out. Reinstall the disposal, plug in the garbage disposal, run cold water, and turn on the disposal.