Garbage disposals are a convenient and essential part of the modern kitchen. They help eliminate food waste quickly and efficiently, keeping your kitchen clean and odor-free. However, like any appliance, garbage disposals can experience issues over time. A faulty garbage disposal can disrupt your kitchen routine and create unwanted messes. The good news is that many garbage disposal issues can be easily fixed without calling a professional.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot and fix a faulty garbage disposal, as well as when it’s time to seek professional help. If you find yourself needing assistance with this repair, you may want to search for “home repair near me” to find trusted professionals in your area.
Common Garbage Disposal Issues
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand the common problems homeowners experience with garbage disposals. These issues typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Clogging: This occurs when food or debris gets stuck in the disposal, causing it to stop working properly.
- Jamming: A jam happens when an object gets stuck inside the disposal, preventing the blades from rotating.
- Leaks: Water may leak from the bottom, sides, or connections of the disposal.
- No Power: When the disposal doesn’t turn on, it could be due to a power issue or a tripped reset button.
- Unpleasant Odors: Old food particles or debris inside the disposal can lead to unpleasant smells.
Understanding the problem can help you troubleshoot and determine whether it’s something you can fix yourself or if you’ll need to contact a home repair near me professional.
1. Troubleshooting a Clogged Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal is one of the most common issues homeowners face. If your disposal is draining slowly or not draining at all, it’s likely clogged with food particles, grease, or other debris.
How to Fix It:
- Turn Off Power: Safety is the first priority. Make sure the garbage disposal is completely turned off before attempting any repair. Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Check for Visible Obstructions: Use a flashlight to look down the drain to see if you can spot any visible debris. Often, the clog may be due to food scraps that didn’t get chopped up properly.
- Use Tongs or Pliers: If you can see an object, grab some tongs or pliers to remove it. Never use your hands to reach inside the disposal, as the blades are sharp.
- Clear the Drain: If the clog is further down the drain, you can try using a plunger to help dislodge it. Place the plunger over the drain and apply a few quick plunges to clear the blockage.
- Flush with Hot Water: After removing the visible debris, run hot water down the disposal to flush out any remaining food particles or grease.
- Test the Disposal: Once the clog has been cleared, plug the disposal back in and turn it on to check if the water drains properly.
2. Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal
A jammed garbage disposal can occur when an object gets stuck in the blades, preventing them from spinning. This is often caused by larger food scraps, utensils, or other non-food items that accidentally make their way into the disposal.
How to Fix It:
- Turn Off the Power: As with all repairs, always make sure the disposal is turned off. Unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
- Locate the Jam: Look inside the disposal to determine what’s causing the jam. You may be able to spot the item or debris obstructing the blades.
- Use an Allen Wrench: Most garbage disposals have a hex-shaped hole at the bottom. Use an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades and dislodge the object causing the jam. Turn the wrench clockwise and counterclockwise to free the blades.
- Remove the Object: Once the object is free, remove it carefully. If it’s something large, such as a spoon or fork, make sure to fully extract it from the disposal before attempting to use the appliance again.
- Check for Rotation: After clearing the jam, use the Allen wrench to ensure the blades rotate smoothly. Once you’re sure everything is free, plug the disposal back in and test it to ensure it’s working correctly.
3. Fixing Leaking Garbage Disposal
Leaks are another common issue that can occur with garbage disposals. If you notice water pooling around the base of the disposal, or if the disposal leaks from the drain connections, it’s important to address the leak immediately to prevent water damage.
How to Fix It:
- Turn Off the Power and Water Supply: Always begin by ensuring the power is turned off, and disconnect the water supply if necessary.
- Inspect the Connections: Check all connections around the garbage disposal, including the drain pipe, dishwasher connection, and sink flange. Tighten any loose connections with a wrench or screwdriver.
- Replace the Seal: If the leak is coming from the top of the disposal, it could be due to a worn-out seal around the sink flange. To fix this, remove the disposal from the mounting bracket and replace the seal with a new one. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly before installing the new seal.
- Check the Disposal’s Body: If the leak is coming from the body of the disposal, it may be cracked or damaged. Unfortunately, a cracked disposal usually requires replacement, as repairs to the body are typically not effective.
- Test for Leaks: Once you’ve replaced the necessary parts and tightened the connections, plug the disposal back in and turn on the water supply to check for leaks. If everything seems dry, you’re good to go.
4. Dealing with a Power Outage (No Power)
If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on, it could be due to a power issue, such as a tripped circuit or a faulty switch.
How to Fix It:
- Check the Reset Button: Most garbage disposals have a red reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Press the reset button to see if this resolves the power issue.
- Check the Circuit Breaker: If pressing the reset button doesn’t work, check your home’s circuit breaker. A tripped breaker may be the cause of the problem. If the breaker is tripped, flip it back to the “on” position.
- Inspect the Power Cord: If the reset button and circuit breaker are fine, check the power cord to ensure it’s properly plugged in. A loose or damaged cord may prevent the disposal from turning on.
- Test the Switch: Finally, test the wall switch that controls the garbage disposal. If the switch is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
5. Dealing with Unpleasant Odors
A stinky garbage disposal is never a pleasant problem to deal with. Foul odors are typically caused by food debris, grease, or bacteria buildup inside the disposal.
How to Fix It:
- Grind Citrus Peels: One of the easiest ways to eliminate odors is to grind citrus peels (such as lemon or orange) in the disposal. The natural oils and fresh scent from the peels will help neutralize odors.
- Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda into the disposal followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then run hot water to flush out the mixture. This combination will help clean the disposal and eliminate bad smells.
- Clean the Disposal: For a deeper clean, remove any debris and clean the inside of the disposal with a brush. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the sides and remove any food particles or grease buildup.
When to Call for Professional Help
While many garbage disposal problems can be fixed with some DIY effort, there are times when professional help is needed. If your garbage disposal is beyond repair, or if you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting electrical or plumbing issues, Dodge Building and Repair can help!
Dodge Building and Repair can assist with everything from fixing leaks and electrical issues to installing a new disposal unit entirely. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts if the issue seems complicated or unsafe.