Common Garbage Disposal Problems and How to Fix Them

Your garbage disposal is one of the most useful tools you have in your kitchen. Just like any machine, they can break down from improper usage to long-term usage. There are a few things that you can easily do to fix them and some that you are better off calling a professional.

Safety First

There are a couple of safety measures to take before starting any work on your garbage disposal. The first is to never stick your hands in the garbage disposal, even if the power is off to the machine. Use pliers or tongs instead to get anything stuck out of the way. There aren’t sharp blades in your garbage disposal, but the blunt objects can still make a mess of your hand.

The next is to cut power to the area, you can make sure that the garbage disposal is off by flipping the switch. However, it is better to cut the power at the breaker, especially if the switch to turn on your garbage disposal is under your sink.

Power Issues

Issue: Your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on at all.

Solutions: The first thing is to make sure that it is plugged in fully. That connection can sometimes come loose while it is running. For that, all you need to do is cut the power to the outlet and plug it back in. Then try to run the garbage disposal.

If that doesn’t work, there could be a tripped circuit breaker. You can buy a voltage tester at your local hardware store. You will need to turn on the breaker to test. If there is no power, your best bet is to call an electrician to come and fix the issue.

However, if there is power then you will need to use the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal. All you need to do is press the button at the bottom of the unit. Then try to run a cycle.

Leaks

Issue: Leaking at the sink connection

Solution: Occasionally the garbage disposal can come loose from that area due to the vibration of the machine working. First, cut power to the machine. The next step is to separate the two parts. To do this you need to turn the disposal to the left to separate them. After you do that, the part you see at your sink, the sink flange, needs plumbers’ putty. The plumber’s putty goes in between that and the sink. After that, all you need to do is reconnect the garbage disposal.

Issue: Leaking at the dishwasher connection.

Solution: If you notice the connection between your disposal and dishwasher is leaking, most of the time you just need to tighten the clamp on the hose. If there is a hole in the hose then, replacing that hose will need to be done. You can buy kits at most hardware stores.

Jammed Disposal

Issue: If your garbage disposal is making a humming noise when being used then there is likely something jamming the it.

Solution: First, make sure to turn the power off. Then take tongs or pliers to remove whatever is jamming your disposal. After that restore power and run the machine.

Odors

Issue: Funky smells are coming out of your garbage disposal.

Solution: Firstly, make sure that the it is fully cleaned. There are many methods to do that. Next, you can freshen it up by putting a lemon wedge down the disposal. Run it with cool water for 15-45 seconds. If you do this fairly often then the odors should stay away.

Slow Drains

Issue: Your garbage disposal drains slowly.

Solution: The likely cause of this is a clog somewhere in the drainage line. You can try a sink plunger or if you have an auger, you can use that as well. If you don’t have either of these or it is still not helping, then it is probably time to call a plumber.

Grinding Noises

Issue: Whenever you run your garbage disposal, you hear grinding noises.

Solution: If there is not a fork or something in your garbage disposal, then you will need to call a plumber as it is likely that there are loose parts in your garbage disposal.

Final Thoughts

Your garbage disposal problems may be a simple fix, however, sometimes the fix can be a little more complicated. If you are having an issue with your garbage disposal that is not on this list, it might be wise to give your trusted 1-Tom-Plumber a call.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need plumbing help. We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines