How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

Jamming and clogging are the two most popular problems of garbage disposal. Positively every single owner of these machines has encountered them at least once. And man, they sure are annoying.

Normally, we would send for plumbers right? They are the safest bet there is for these types of problems. But what if you don’t have time to wait for professionals? What if you want to save money? What if a friend needs help and there’s a chance for you to be the hero. Knowing how to repair garbage disposal would really come in handy one day.

And you know what’s even better? These garbage disposal jammings and cloggings are not hard to mend at all. Once you’ve understood what causes them and what you need to do, unless it’s a problem with the main pipeline system of the house, you’re gonna save a lot of money and time solving them yourselves.

Now, let’s get to it: let’s try to figure out what causes garbage disposal, all of a sudden, to act up like they do. Later we’ll see together what could be done to bring these issues to rest and prevent them from happening again (or at least take the number of occurrence down to minimum.)

Garbage Disposal Will Not Turn On

If the garbage disposal will not turn on when you flip the switch and you do not hear the humming sound of the motor, it indicates there is an electrical problem that is preventing the garbage disposal from getting current. To identify the problem and fix it, begin with the most likely problem (and easiest solution) and proceed to the more complicated:

• Make sure the disposal is plugged in. This may seem obvious, but appliance customer service representatives report that failure to plug in the appliance is by far the most common source of problems.
• If it is plugged in, then press the reset button found on the bottom of the unit. This red button operates a built-in circuit breaker function, and if the reset button has “tripped,” it will be popped slightly outward. Simply pushing it back in will reset the unit.
• If depressing the disposal reset button doesn’t work, then check the main service panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. If so, reset the circuit breaker’s lever.
• If neither the reset button nor the circuit breaker is the cause, then it’s possible that there is a wiring problem with the switch controlling the disposal, or that the garbage disposal itself is faulty.
• First, locate the switch that powers the disposal unit. It should be located on the wall, but it may be under the sink.
• At the main service panel, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal circuit.
• Disassemble the switch controlling the disposal. Inspect the wire connections. In some cases, a simple loose connection may be the cause of the problem, and the remedy is as simple as tightening the wire connections.
• If the wire connections are secure, it’s possible the switch itself is bad. Replace the switch.
• Turn power back on at the service panel and check the disposal for operation.
• If the disposal still does not turn on and the motor makes no noise, the garbage disposal is beyond repair and needs to be replaced.

Garbage Disposal Hums But Does Not Grind

If the garbage disposal won’t turn on but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the inner flywheel is jammed. Usually, this causes the appliance’s reset button to pop or the circuit breaker to trip very quickly. This is not a situation you want to continue for very long, as it can burn out the disposer’s motor unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts things off.

The problem is almost always the result of food or a foreign object being lodged between the impeller(s) and the shredder ring inside the disposal. (Learn about the anatomy of a garbage disposal in order to better identify the various parts.)

Reminder: Never put your hand down into the garbage disposal hopper (grinding chamber).

• Turn off power to the garbage disposal at the electrical service panel by shutting off the breaker controlling the circuit. Also, turn off the wall switch controlling the disposal.
• Take the offset wrench that came with the disposal unit and insert it into the flywheel turning hole in the bottom of the unit. If you don’t have the wrench, you can pick one up from the hardware store that sells your garbage disposal. A large Allen (hex) wrench may also work.
• Once the wrench is inserted, turn it clockwise to dislodge the stuck impeller or flywheel. When it dislodges, you’ll feel the flywheel turn freely.
• Another approach is to use a wooden spoon handle or similar wooden object to reach down into the disposal through the drain opening, using it as a lever to free the stuck flywheel. If you’re successful, you’ll feel the flywheel begin to turn freely.
• Use a flashlight to look down into the disposal. If you see the object that caused the jam (wayward meat bones and pieces of dinnerware are common culprits), use pliers to remove the foreign object.
• Once the flywheel is freed, turn the power back on at the main service panel but don’t turn on the disposal yet.
• Go back to the disposal and press the red reset button on the bottom.
• Run some tap water into the disposal and quickly flip the switch on and off for a short burst. Turn on and off again quickly. This should spin the flywheel and cause any dislodged debris to be washed down the drain.

If the disposal is still jammed, try rotating the impeller.

• Turn off the disposal and unplug the unit.
• Insert a garbage disposal wrench or the tip of a broom handle through the top of the disposal.
• Work it back and forth until the blockage breaks up and the blades move freely.
• If a larger object is responsible for the clog you may be able to remove it by hand. Don a nitrile glove to protect your hand and reach in through the top of the disposal to remove the obstruction.

Plug in the unit and flip the switch to test.

Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can occur from a number of places on a garbage disposer. Common areas include the sink flange where the disposal connects to the bottom of the sink, the hose that leads from the dishwasher to the disposal, and hose that discharges waste from the disposal to the drain system.

Leak at the Sink Flange

The constant vibration of a garbage disposal, over time, can loosen the mounting apparatus that holds the appliance to the sink drain opening. This sink mounting flange is a likely place for leaking.

• Turn off power to the disposal at the electrical service panel by shutting off the circuit breaker that controls it.
• At the disposer mounting ring under the sink, turn the disposal to the left (counter-clockwise from bottom) to loosen and remove the unit from its mounting flange.
• Tighten down the three mounting bolts holding the flange to the sink.
• If the bolts are tight, the leak may be caused by failed plumber’s putty. Loosen the bolts and push the sink flange slightly above the surface of the sink.
• Force a bead of new plumbers putty between the sink flange and the sink, going completely around the flange.
• Re-tighten the mounting bolts from below, drawing the sink flange tight to the sink surface. When excess putty oozes out, wipe away the excess.
• Reinstall the disposal and turn the power back on at the service panel.
• Check for leaks as you run the water in the sink.

Leak at the Dishwasher Connection

The rubber hose that funnels waste water from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also a place where leads frequently occur.

• Tighten the hose clamp on the dishwasher hose connected to the dishwasher inlet on the disposer.
• Replace the hose if the hose continues to leak.

Leak at the Discharge Drainpipe

Another plastic pipe carries directs waste water from the disposal to the sink drain trap, and this fitting can leak when the gasket​ get old.

• Check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, making sure they are tight.
• If this does not work, remove the bolts and the pipe and replace the gasket seal between the pipe and the disposal.
• Reinstall the bolts and tighten them down.

Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by a number of problems, but it’s usually caused by the same kind of clogging that can slow any sink drain. Usually, the fix involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe and removing any food waste clogging the pipes.

• Remove the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal.
• Disconnect the drain trap and remove the trap and the discharge drain pipe.
• Check for clogs or obstructions and clean out any you find.
• If none are found, the clog probably lies on the branch drain line going into the wall. Clear the obstruction with a ​sink auger.
• Reassemble the drain trap and reconnect the discharge tube to the side of the garbage disposal.
• Run water, turn on the garbage disposal, and check to make sure the water runs freely.

Warning: Never use chemical drain cleaners with a garbage disposal. These chemicals rarely work, leaving you with a sink full of toxic chemicals. Further, such chemicals often damage the garbage disposal and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Final Thoughts

There are several good practices to remember (and some bad ones to avoid) that will reduce the chances of clogs or slow-draining problems with your garbage disposal.

Don’t:

• Grind up potato peelings. Peelings form a starchy paste similar to mashed potatoes when ground up, which will surely clog your garbage disposal.
• Put coffee grounds or egg shells into your garbage disposal. They create very tiny bits of granular waste that will stick to any sludge in the pipe and quickly create a clog.

Do:

• Maintain your garbage disposal by regularly grinding up pieces of lemon peel and ice cubes.
• Avoid odors by treating your garbage disposal every month by mixing a couple of handfuls of baking soda with a half cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the disposal hopper with the unit turned off. After the mixture is done foaming, rinse it down the drain with running water.
• About twice a year, grind up a cup of ice cubes to help keep the blades sharp; add a few bits of lemon peel along with the ice to keep the disposal smelling fresh.

Shield Home Watch provides professional home services to all of Manatee County (Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Marie Island, etc.). We are a family owned and operated local business and lived in the area for over 5 years. Our complete range of home services includes Home Watch, Housekeeping, Concierge Services, Key Holiding Services, and Rental Property Management. To learn more about Shield Home Watch or to schedule a free Whole Home Survey or service call, please call us at (941) 735-4405. If you would like to book an appointment 24 hours a day please visit our booking site.