Safety Considerations

Never reach your hand into the garbage disposal. Even if there is an obstruction, reaching your hand into this machine is dangerous. Instead, unplug the disposal or turn off the associated breaker to cut power to the unit, then use a set of tongs or long pliers to remove the obstruction.

Warning: Do not work with the power to the disposal on. Additionally, check the power in the switch using a voltage tester after you unplug the unit. This step can help identify issues such as a tripped or faulty breaker or GFCI much faster if it is an electrical problem.

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

Below, we explore a few common issues with garbage disposals and their potential fixes. Your garbage disposal will be running like new soon.

Garbage Disposal Not Turning On

Push the Reset Button

Another issue that could be causing the garbage disposal to malfunction is the built-in circuit breaker, which prevents damage to the unit in the case of an electrical short or surge.

1. Locate the reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
2. Press the reset button to reset the internal circuit breaker.
3. Test the disposal to ensure this fixed the issue.

Check the Outlet

If the disposal will not turn on when you flip the switch and you do not hear the motor humming, there is an electrical problem preventing the appliance from getting current.

1. Check to make sure the disposal is plugged in.
2. Check the outlet and power cord to ensure they are properly connected.
3. Test the garbage disposal.

Check for Power

If the garbage disposal is plugged in, then the issue may be due to a tripped circuit breaker. In some cases, an electrical short in the disposal can cause the circuit breaker to trip. If this is a recurring problem, a professional electrician may need to fix a more complicated issue.

1. Check the breaker panel and flip the circuit back on if it has tripped.
2. If the breaker has not tripped, use a voltage tester to determine if power is flowing to the garbage disposal.
3. If power is not flowing to the disposal, turn the circuit breaker off and remove the faceplate from the disposal switch.
4. Inspect the wiring, tightening or securing any loose connections.
5. Turn the power back on and test the disposal.

Garbage Disposal Humming, but Not Turning

Fix Flywheel and Impeller Jams

If the garbage disposal won’t grind but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the impeller or inner flywheel is jammed. This can burn out the disposal’s motor unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts it off.

1. Turn off power to the garbage disposal using the switch and the circuit breaker.
2. Insert an offset wrench or hex wrench into the flywheel hole in the bottom of the unit and use the wrench to turn the flywheel clockwise to dislodge any obstructions.
3. If you do not have a suitable wrench or the obstruction is higher in the disposal, use a set of pliers or tongs to remove the obstruction.
4. After removing the obstruction, restore power to the disposal, then push the reset button on the unit to reset the internal circuit breaker.
5. Run some tap water into the disposal and quickly flip the switch on and off for a short burst. Repeat to wash down any dislodged debris.

Garbage Disposal Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can occur from several places on the unit. Common areas include the sink flange, the hose from the dishwasher, and the hose that discharges waste from the disposal to the drain system.

Leak at the Sink Flange

The constant vibration of a garbage disposal can loosen the mounting apparatus that holds the appliance to the sink drain opening.

1. Turn off the power to the disposal.
2. At the disposal mounting ring under the sink, turn the disposal counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the unit from its mounting flange.
3. Apply a new bead of plumber’s putty between the sink flange and the sink, then tighten the three mounting bolts holding the flange to the sink. Wipe away any excess putty.
4. Reinstall the disposal and turn the power back on at the service panel.
5. Check for leaks as you run water in the sink.

Leak at the Dishwasher Connection

The rubber hose that funnels wastewater from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also a common place for leaks.

1. Tighten the hose clamp on the dishwasher hose connected to the dishwasher inlet on the disposal.
2. If the hose continues to leak, replace it.

Leak at the Discharge Drainpipe

Another plastic pipe carries wastewater from the disposal to the sink drain trap. This fitting can leak when the gasket gets old.

1. Check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal and ensure they are tight.
2. If tightening the bolts doesn’t work, remove the bolts and the pipe and replace the gasket seal between the pipe and the disposal.
3. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them.

Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly

Clear the Drain Trap

Slow draining of a garbage disposal is usually caused by clogs. The fix typically involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe to remove obstructions.

1. Remove the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, then disconnect the drain trap and the discharge drainpipe.
2. Check for clogs or obstructions and clean the disposal.
3. If no clogs are found, the obstruction probably lies in the branch drain line going into the wall. Clear the obstruction with a sink auger.
4. Reassemble the drain trap and reconnect the discharge tube to the side of the garbage disposal.
5. Run water, turn on the garbage disposal, and check to ensure the water runs freely.

Warning: Never use chemical drain cleaners with a garbage disposal. These chemicals rarely work and can leave you with a sink full of toxic chemicals. They can also damage the garbage disposal and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Types of Garbage Disposals

There are several types of garbage disposals, including batch feed and continuous feed models. Batch feed disposals need to have the cover placed over the drain opening to activate, while continuous feed disposals utilize a switch to turn the unit on and off. Air switch models also use air to activate the disposal. All these models typically get power from an outlet under the sink. It’s also helpful to learn about the various parts of a garbage disposal.

When to Call a Professional

Garbage disposal issues can result from regular wear and tear, improper use, or electrical problems. Many of these problems can be avoided by learning what not to put in garbage disposals and how to clean them properly.

However, not all issues can or should be solved by a DIY approach. If the wiring for the disposal is faulty, loose, or damaged, it may be better to call a professional. Additionally, some issues may be symptoms of a bigger problem. For example, if the internal circuit breaker repeatedly flips, shutting off power to the unit, there could be an obstruction or an electrical short. In some cases, the only solution is to replace your garbage disposal. A professional can help identify the best course of action.

FAQ

Will unplugging a garbage disposal reset it?

You should press the reset button to reset your garbage disposal. If the button pops back out after restoring power to the unit, wait about 10 minutes and try again.

Why is my garbage disposal locked up?

A garbage disposal typically becomes locked up due to large bits of food getting jammed between the impeller blade and the drain hole.

How do you unjam a garbage disposal?

To unjam a garbage disposal, insert a 1/4” or 5/16” Allen wrench into the hole located at the bottom of the disposal. Work the Allen wrench back and forth with force. This allows any trapped food or debris to release.