Garbage disposals are a convenient appliance in many kitchens, designed to make meal cleanup easier by grinding food waste into small particles that can be safely flushed down the drain. However, like any appliance, garbage disposals can sometimes malfunction, leaving you with a frustrating problem to solve. The good news is that a broken garbage disposal can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common problems people encounter with garbage disposals and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix these issues. Whether your disposal is making strange noises, refusing to turn on, or just not grinding effectively, we’ve got you covered.
Troubleshooting a Broken Garbage Disposal
1. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is when they simply won’t turn on. If you flip the switch and nothing happens—no sound, no humming—there are a few possible reasons for this.
Step 1: Check the Power Connection
- Reset Button: Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom or side of the unit. This button acts as a built-in circuit breaker, cutting off power if the unit overheats or becomes overloaded. If your disposal isn’t turning on, locate the reset button and press it. If it’s popped out, this could be the issue. Press it back in and try turning the disposal on again.
- Power Source: If the reset button doesn’t solve the problem, check to ensure that the disposal is properly plugged into the power outlet under the sink. Sometimes, the plug can come loose or the outlet can malfunction. Plug another small appliance into the outlet to see if it’s working properly. If the outlet isn’t providing power, you may need to check your home’s circuit breaker.
Step 2: Inspect the Circuit Breaker
- Check the Breaker: If the disposal is plugged in but still isn’t working, go to your electrical panel and check the circuit breaker for the kitchen. If the breaker has tripped, reset it by flipping it back to the “on” position. After resetting the breaker, try the disposal again.
- GFCI Outlet: If your disposal is connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, ensure that it hasn’t tripped. If it has, press the “reset” button on the outlet to restore power.
2. Broken Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Grind
If your garbage disposal hums when you turn it on but doesn’t actually grind the food, it’s likely that something is jamming the blades. A humming noise usually indicates that the motor is running but the blades aren’t moving.
1: Turn Off the Power
- Safety First: Before attempting to fix a jammed disposal, always ensure that the power is turned off. You can do this by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker. Never reach into the disposal while it’s connected to power.
- Step 2: Manually Rotate the Blades
- Use an Allen Wrench: Most garbage disposals come with an Allen wrench (also known as a hex key) specifically designed for manual operation of the blades. Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal unit and insert the Allen wrench.
- Rotate the Wrench: Once the wrench is inserted, turn it back and forth to manually rotate the blades. This should help dislodge any items that are stuck. After doing this, remove the wrench and turn the power back on to test the disposal.
3: Remove the Jammed Object
- Use Tongs or Pliers: If the blades still won’t move or if the disposal continues to hum, there may be a larger object jamming the blades. Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal and, if you can see the object, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove it.
- Avoid Your Hands: Never use your hands to remove objects from the disposal, as this could lead to injury if the blades suddenly move.
3. Garbage Disposal is Leaking
A leaking garbage disposal can cause significant damage to your kitchen cabinets and flooring if not addressed promptly. The first step is to determine where the leak is coming from.
Step 1: Inspect the Connections
- Top Connection (Sink Flange): If the leak is coming from the top of the disposal, where it connects to the sink, the issue may be with the sink flange or the plumber’s putty. To fix this, you’ll need to disconnect the disposal, apply new plumber’s putty around the flange, and then reconnect the unit.
- Side Connection (Dishwasher Hose): If the leak is coming from the side of the disposal, it could be from the hose that connects the dishwasher to the disposal. Check the hose clamp to ensure it’s tight, and replace the hose if it’s damaged.
Step 2: Check the Bottom of the Disposal
- Bottom Leak: If water is dripping from the bottom of the disposal unit, then this could indicate that the internal seals are worn out or that the disposal itself is cracked. Unfortunately, this usually means the disposal needs to be replaced.
4. Garbage Disposal is Clogged
Clogs are a common problem with garbage disposals, especially if too much food waste is put down the drain at once or if improper items (like fibrous vegetables or grease) are used.
1: Turn Off the Power
- Unplug or Switch Off: As with other troubleshooting steps, always turn off the power before working on a clogged disposal. This can be done by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker.
2: Use a Plunger
- Plunge the Drain: If your sink is backing up, then try using a plunger to clear the clog. Fill the sink with a few inches of water to cover the plunger’s base, then position the plunger over the drain and push down firmly. Pump the plunger up and down several times to create suction and hopefully dislodge the clog.
- Test the Drain: After plunging, remove the plunger and check to see if the water drains away. If the water starts to drain, then run cold water and turn on the disposal to clear any remaining debris.
3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Natural Cleaner: If the plunger doesn’t work, then try pouring half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This combination can help break down clogs naturally.
4: Snake the Drain
- Plumbing Snake: If the clog persists, then you may need to use a plumbing snake or auger to clear the drain. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to break up the clog. Once the clog is cleared, flush the drain with hot water.
5. Garbage Disposal is Making Unusual Noises
If your garbage disposal is making unusual noises, such as grinding, rattling, or screeching, there’s likely something caught in the disposal that shouldn’t be there.
1: Turn Off the Power
- Unplug or Switch Off: Always ensure the power is off before inspecting the disposal.
2: Inspect the Disposal
- Look Inside: Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for any foreign objects that may be causing the noise. Common culprits include items such as silverware, bones, or small pieces of glass.
- Remove Objects: Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any objects you find. Never use your hands to remove items from the disposal.
3: Check the Blades
- Blade Inspection: If the disposal is still making noise after removing foreign objects, there may be an issue with the blades or the mounting assembly. Inspect the blades to ensure they are secure and not damaged. If the blades are loose or damaged, the disposal may need to be repaired or replaced.
6. Garbage Disposal Smells Bad
A foul smell coming from your garbage disposal is usually caused by food particles that are stuck inside and have started to decay.
1: Clean the Disposal
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, then follow it with a half a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for several minutes before flushing with hot water.
- Ice Cubes and Salt: You can also clean the disposal by grinding a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt. This helps to dislodge food particles from the blades and scrub the interior of the disposal.
2: Clean the Rubber Splash Guard
- Remove Buildup: The rubber splash guard (or baffle) at the top of the disposal can also harbor food particles and bacteria. Carefully clean the underside of the splash guard with a brush or sponge, using hot, soapy water.
3: Freshen the Disposal
- Lemon or Lime: To freshen up the disposal, cut a lemon or lime into small pieces and run them through the disposal while running cold water. The citrus will help neutralize odors and leave your disposal smelling fresh.
When to Call in a Professional About a Broken Garbage Disposal
While many broken garbage disposals can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, there are times when professional help is needed. If your broken garbage disposal continues to malfunction despite your efforts, or if you’re dealing with complex issues like electrical problems or severe leaks, it’s best to call in a professional.
At Atlanta Appliance Service, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of garbage disposal problems. Our experienced technicians have the tools and expertise to get your disposal back in working order quickly and efficiently. Don’t let a broken garbage disposal disrupt your kitchen—contact us today for fast, reliable service.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can often resolve common garbage disposal issues on your own. However, if you find yourself in need of expert assistance, remember that Atlanta Appliance Service is here to help. We’re committed to providing top-notch appliance repair services to keep your home running smoothly.