Garbage disposals are a boon for any kitchen. They cut down on landfill waste, make cleaning up and washing dishes a breeze, and are a fairly simple way to boost your home’s value. At some point, though, you’re bound to ask, “Why is my garbage disposal not working?”
Before you call a plumber or electrician, there are a few common causes behind a malfunctioning garbage disposal, as well as some easy fixes to try. (Just remember always to keep safety top of mind.)
The Best Way to Avoid Garbage Disposal Issues
While we like to think of our garbage disposals as trash cans, it’s important to avoid putting certain items down the disposal to keep the appliance running smoothly.
Foods like rice, leftover pasta, and beans can damage your disposal, and fruit and vegetable peels (such as those from bananas, carrots, and potatoes) are discouraged. Grease, butter, and creamy pasta sauces can also harm your disposal, along with hard substances like seafood shells, nuts, and fruit pits.
Issue: Your Garbage Disposal Is Silent
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If your unit isn’t running or making any noise, this usually indicates a problem with its electrical supply, according to Justin Cornforth, owner of Ace Home Company. Cornforth explains this is likely due to the appliance previously becoming overloaded with too much waste.
The Solution: First, make sure the unit is plugged in.
“This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how easily a garbage disposal can be unplugged from its outlet under the sink,” says Joseph Wade, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “Next, check your reset button on the plug. Push it in and try running the unit again. If it pops out again, you probably need to call a professional for your garbage disposal repair.”
You might also check the circuit breaker which supplies the unit. Reset the breaker if it has tripped. “If the breaker continues to trip, this is a sign of a more serious issue, and you should call a pro,” advises Wade.
Issue: Garbage Disposal Is Making a Clanking or Grinding Sound
In the case of weird sounds—such as grinding, metal-on-metal, or clicking—a foreign object has likely found its way into the disposal.
The Solution: Whether it be a stray utensil, measuring spoon, or piece of jewelry, it’s important to be careful. “Don’t try to retrieve it with your hands,” warns Cornforth. “Use pliers or tongs instead so as not to cut yourself.”
Issue: Garbage Disposal Is Making a Humming Noise
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If your disposal is making an unusual humming noise, turn it off immediately. “More than likely, you have a jammed flywheel,” Wade shares. “Although the reset button should trip before any damage can occur to the motor, you don’t want to take any chances.”
The Solution: Turn off the power, both at the unit and at the electrical panel. Then, use an Allen wrench (or the tool that came with the unit) to manually free the flywheel. “Put the wrench in the proper hole and turn it clockwise until the flywheel freely moves,” instructs Wade. “Push down until you feel the flywheel break loose, then turn the power back on and see if that solves the problem.”
“You can also try turning the impellers with a strong magnet from the outside—some models respond to this,” Cornforth adds. “If you see that some fibrous foods are stuck, then pour boiling water down first. It will soften the fibers and be easier to remove.”
After a thorough cleaning, your garbage disposal should again work fine. However, “if the disposal starts spinning but stops quickly, the motor capacitor might be the real problem,” Cornforth warns.
Issue: Garbage Disposal Isn’t Breaking Down Waste
If your disposal is running but not breaking down the waste, the issue might be stuck impellers—which is what grinds up the food.
The Solution: “Drop ice cubes mixed with salt inside and run it to free them up,” Cornforth advises. “If it still won’t grind well, the blades are dull, and you probably will need to replace the disposal.”
Issue: Garbage Disposal Is Running, But Not Draining
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If the disposal is running but your sink is backing up, David Lewis, owner at Mission AC and Plumbing, says that’s more of a drain issue than a disposal issue. “Disposals can only do so much if the pipes are clogged further down,” he explains.
The Solution: “Plunging the sink can help, but if it’s really packed, you might need to take apart the P-trap and clean it out.”
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