How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can be a major inconvenience, especially when you rely on it daily to help manage food waste in the kitchen. Instead of immediately calling in a professional, you can often fix your garbage disposal yourself with a few simple steps. Not only can this save you time and money, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve handled the problem.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of diagnosing and fixing common garbage disposal issues. Whether your disposal has stopped working, is making strange noises, or has a nasty odor, we’ve got the tips you need to get it up and running again. However, if you’re not comfortable performing these steps, don’t hesitate to call Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of licensed and experienced technicians is always ready to help.
Step 1: Diagnosing the Problem
Before diving into repairs, it’s important to understand what’s causing your garbage disposal to malfunction. In most cases, a quick check of the power source, potential obstructions, and simple settings will tell you what’s wrong. Here’s how to get started:
Check the Power Supply
The first thing you need to do when your garbage disposal stops working is check the power supply. This may seem simple, but it’s worth checking to make sure the disposal is plugged in and the power switch is on. Sometimes the unit can become unplugged, or someone may have turned off the switch without realizing it.
- Is the garbage disposal plugged in? Look under your sink to confirm that the disposal is properly connected.
- Is the power switch on? If your disposal has a wall switch, make sure it’s turned on.
- Is there a power surge or outage? If you suspect a power issue, check if other appliances or outlets are working to rule out electrical problems.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If the power supply is intact but the disposal still won’t turn on, the next step is to check the circuit breaker. Garbage disposals often have dedicated circuits, and if too many appliances are plugged in, a circuit overload could cause the breaker to trip.
- Go to your home’s breaker panel and look for a tripped breaker. If you find one, simply flip it back on and try the disposal again.
- If resetting the breaker doesn’t work, you may need an electrician to inspect the wiring or circuit.
Step 2: Look for a Reset Button
Most garbage disposals have a built-in reset button located at the bottom of the unit. If the motor has overheated or there’s been a power surge, pressing this button might solve the problem.
- Find the reset button: Look for a red or black button on the bottom of the disposal unit. It should be near the motor.
- Press the button: Push the button in and wait a few moments. After that, try turning the disposal on again.
If the reset button does not resolve the issue, the problem may lie elsewhere in the disposal unit.
Step 3: Check for Obstructions
A common reason garbage disposals stop working is that something has jammed inside the unit. Hard food scraps like bones or fibrous materials like potato peels can clog the system, causing it to stop functioning properly. If the motor hums but the blades aren’t turning, it’s likely a blockage.
Turn Off the Power
Before attempting to fix the issue, make sure the power to the disposal is turned off to avoid injury.
- Look for visible obstructions: Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for any visible blockages. Avoid sticking your hand inside.
- Use a tool: If you can’t see anything, use a wooden spoon handle or a broomstick to gently push any debris that may be stuck in the disposal. Never use your hands to remove the debris.
Using an Allen Wrench
Most garbage disposals have a small hole at the bottom center of the unit where you can insert an Allen wrench. This is used to manually turn the blades.
- Insert a ¼-inch hex wrench into the hole.
- Turn the wrench back and forth to loosen any jammed debris.
If the obstruction is removed and the blades start spinning again, the problem is likely solved. Turn the power back on to check if the disposal is working as normal.
Step 4: Check for Leaks
Leaking can also be a sign of a bigger problem with your garbage disposal. If water is dripping around the disposal, it could indicate a loose connection or a broken seal.
- Check the sink flange: The flange connects the garbage disposal to the sink drain. Ensure it’s tightly secured.
- Inspect the connections: Examine the drainpipe and other connections around the disposal to see if any of them are loose or broken. If you find a loose connection, tighten it to stop the leak.
- Seal replacement: If the seal around the disposal has worn out, you may need to replace it to stop leaks.
Step 5: Spin the Flywheel and Impellers
If the disposal is still not working after checking for obstructions, you may need to inspect the flywheel and impellers inside the unit.
- Turn off the power: Always ensure that the disposal is off before checking the flywheel.
- Check for movement: Use the Allen wrench to manually spin the flywheel inside the disposal. If the flywheel isn’t turning smoothly, it could indicate an issue with the motor or impellers.
- Free up any jams: You may need to use pliers or another tool to free up stuck debris.
Step 6: Test the Unit
After clearing obstructions and checking all connections, it’s time to test the unit. Turn the power back on and run cold water through the disposal.
- Turn on the disposal: Flip the power switch and listen for any unusual sounds. If it’s running quietly and smoothly, your job is done.
- Check for leaks: As the disposal runs, make sure no water is leaking around the base or connections.
Step 7: Call in a Professional
If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it’s time to call a professional plumber. While most garbage disposal issues can be fixed with basic troubleshooting, some problems may require advanced expertise.
At Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we have years of experience with garbage disposal repairs. Whether it’s a malfunctioning motor, electrical issues, or something else, we can quickly diagnose the problem and fix it. Our team of experts is available to handle any issues efficiently and safely.
Prevent Future Issues
To keep your garbage disposal working smoothly and avoid frequent repairs, regular maintenance is essential. Here are a few tips to keep it in top shape:
- Avoid putting hard items in the disposal: Never put bones, coffee grounds, or fibrous materials like celery and potato peels into the disposal.
- Run cold water: Always run cold water for 15-30 seconds before and after using the disposal to help flush food particles down the drain.
- Clean the disposal: Occasionally clean the disposal with ice cubes and baking soda to eliminate odors and remove grease buildup.
Contact Downey Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repairs
If you’re experiencing problems with your garbage disposal, don’t hesitate to contact us at Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of licensed plumbers is ready to fix your disposal quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a minor repair or a full replacement, we’re here to help.
Call us today at 562-646-1221 for reliable and affordable garbage disposal repair services in Downey, CA. Don’t let a broken disposal disrupt your kitchen – let us help you get it back up and running in no time!
