Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Easy Fixes

If your garbage disposal stops working unexpectedly, it can really be inconvenient, especially if you rely on it daily. Whether it’s clogged, jammed, or making weird noises, there are some easy things you can do to fix the problem yourself before you call for help. In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons why garbage disposals stop working and show you how to solve these issues.

A garbage disposal that isn’t working properly can disrupt your daily routine. But the good news is that many issues are simple to fix. From cleaning out blockages to checking the power supply, you don’t always need a professional to do garbage disposal repair. With a little time and effort, you can often solve the problem and avoid the need for an appliance repair expert. Let’s walk through some of the most common problems and solutions that can get your garbage disposal working again in no time.

Why Isn’t My Garbage Disposal Working?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why your garbage disposal might not be functioning. Several common reasons can cause issues with your Disposal, including power problems, blockages, or internal malfunctions. Let’s explore these causes in more detail.

1. Power Issues

The most common reason your garbage disposal may not be working is simply a power issue. It could be as simple as the Disposal being unplugged or a tripped circuit breaker.
How Power Issues Affect the Garbage Disposal: If the Disposal isn’t getting power, it won’t run. This could be due to a faulty electrical connection, a loose plug, or an overloaded circuit.

2. Jams and Clogs

Another common reason for a non-working garbage disposal is a jam. Items like bones, fibrous vegetables, or utensils can get stuck inside the Disposal and prevent the blades from turning.
How Jams and Clogs Affect the Garbage Disposal: When the Disposal is jammed, the motor may still run, but the blades won’t turn, which can lead to a burn-out motor if left unchecked.

3. Leaking Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal is a clear sign that something is wrong. Leaks usually occur when the seals break down or the disposal body cracks, causing water to drip underneath your sink.
How Leaking Affects the Garbage Disposal: A leaking disposal can cause water damage to your cabinets and flooring, and it can also reduce the efficiency of the Disposal.

4. Humming Noise with No Action

If your garbage disposal hums but doesn’t turn on or grind food, it’s probably due to a jammed motor or clogged blades.
Why a Humming Noise Happens: The humming sound typically comes from the motor trying to turn, but it’s unable to do so because of a blockage or jam.

How to Fix a Non-Working Garbage Disposal

Now that we know what might be causing the issue let’s dive into some easy fixes that you can try to get your garbage disposal up and running again.

1. Check for Power Issues

• Step 1: Ensure that the disposal is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on. If the power cord is loose, plug it back in tightly.
• Step 2: Check your circuit breaker. If the breaker has tripped, flip it back to the “ON” position.
• Step 3: If the Disposal is still not working, press the reset button found at the bottom of the unit. This red button will pop out if the motor has been overloaded.

2. Clear a Jam or Clog

• Step 1: Switch off the power; do this by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Use a flashlight to look down into the Disposal to see if you can spot any visible blockages.
• Step 3: If you see something blocking the blades, use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon handle to remove the debris. Never use your hands to remove debris.
• Step 4: If there is a hard object stuck inside, use a wrench to manually turn the motor shaft. Many disposals have a slot at the bottom, which allows you to install an Allen wrench and turn the blades manually.

3. Fix Leaks

• Step 1: Check the drain connections to make sure they are tightly secured. If they are loose, tighten the connections using a wrench.
• Step 2: Inspect the rubber seals around the Disposal to see if they are worn out or cracked. If the seals are damaged, replace them with a new seal to stop the leak.
• Step 3: If there’s a crack in the disposal body, it may need to be replaced. Unfortunately, this is a job best left to a professional plumber.

4. Fix the Humming Noise

• Step 1: If the Disposal is humming but not grinding, it could be jammed. Follow the steps to clear any blockages mentioned earlier.
• Step 2: Once the jam is cleared, use the reset button to restart the motor. If the humming stops, the issue has likely been resolved.

5. Try Using a Natural Cleaning Solution

• Step 1: Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and pour down the Disposal.
• Step 2: Let the mixture sit for around 10 minutes. The fizzing action will dislodge any food bits or grease that are causing the Disposal to run inefficiently.
• Step 3: Pour hot water through the Disposal after 10 minutes to wash away any remaining debris.

When to Call a Professional for Garbage Disposal Repair

While most of the issues discussed above are easy to fix, there are times when you may need to call a professional. Suppose your garbage disposal is still not working after troubleshooting. In that case, it may have a more serious electrical issue or require a replacement part.

Signs You Need Professional Help:

• The motor still won’t start after a reset and power check.
• There’s a persistent leak that you can’t fix.
• The blades are damaged beyond repair.
• The Disposal is old and needs replacing.

If you find yourself facing any of these problems, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Appliance Cowboys is your go-to provider for reliable and fast garbage disposal repair. They have the expertise to diagnose and fix any issue, so you don’t have to worry about your Disposal not working.

Preventing Garbage Disposal Issues in the Future

To avoid issues with your garbage disposal in the future, consider the following preventive measures:

• Regularly clean the Disposal using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
• Avoid putting hard items like bones or utensils in the Disposal.
• Run cold water while using the Disposal to help solidify fats and oils, making them easier to grind.
• Check for leaks regularly and fix any loose connections or damaged seals before they lead to bigger problems.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly

A malfunctioning garbage disposal may be a nuisance, but with the proper steps, you can easily troubleshoot and fix most of the common problems yourself. Whether it is a clogged drain, a jammed motor, or even a simple power issue, taking action quickly will prevent any damage from getting worse.

If you’re unsure or need help with more complex repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Appliance Cowboys. Their expert team specializes in garbage disposal repair and appliance repair services, making them the perfect choice for getting your Disposal back to working order. Call us today for fast and efficient service.