Garbage disposals are convenient kitchen appliances until they suddenly stop working. A broken disposal can lead to sink clogs, kitchen odors, and meal prep problems. Although you should rely on professionals for all repairs, you can do a few things to troubleshoot your garbage disposal.
General Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Thousand Palms, CA, is here to help you know the steps to take so you can troubleshoot your garbage disposal. We offer repairs for all makes and models to restore your garbage disposal’s function.
Identify the Symptoms
Before you call a plumber, it helps to know the symptoms. For instance, does the disposal hum without spinning, or is it completely silent? Does it drain slowly or make strange noises?
No noise at all points to a power issue, while loud grinding noises indicate a foreign object stuck inside the disposal. Slow drains could mean a clog. Knowing your unit’s behavior helps you convey that information to our Thousand Palms plumbing repair team.
It’s essential to pay attention to these early warning signs of problems. Taking action now will help you avoid extensive damage that could lead to the need for a disposal replacement.
Unplug the Garbage Disposal
You should never attempt to troubleshoot a garbage disposal while it has power. To avoid serious injuries, shut off the unit’s power. Also, never assume it’s safe to touch the disposal’s inner parts, even if there is no response.
Many people become injured annually due to accidental activation while their hands are inside. Only proceed if you are 100% sure no electricity is running to the garbage disposal. You could break or lose a finger!
Press the Reset Button
Most garbage disposals have a reset button at the bottom of the unit. The button may also be on the lower back side, depending on the model.
Overheating or overloading can trigger the internal breaker to shut off the motor. Find the small red or black button and press it firmly. If the button tripped, you should feel it click into place.
Next, plug the unit back in or restore power. Try the switch again. If the garbage disposal works, you are back in business. As a word of caution, avoid stuffing large amounts of food into the unit at once. Always run cold water while operating the disposal.
Clear the Jam Manually
If the reset button does not work or the system hums and does not spin, you may have a jam. You can try to unstick it yourself, but proceed cautiously.
You can use a wooden spoon to help dislodge a jam. Start by shutting off the power and shining a flashlight into the sink drain. Use a wooden tool to reach inside and gently nudge the impellers. This method can help remove the obstruction and restore the spinning action.
Check for Foreign Objects
It’s common for foreign objects to fall into the sink drain, blocking the impellers. Plumbers regularly find silverware, bottle caps, and bones in garbage disposals. These can block the impellers, preventing them from turning and potentially damaging your unit.
Make sure the power is off, and shine a light into the drain to see if you can see any foreign objects. Use a pair of tongs or pliers to reach into the disposal and remove anything that doesn’t belong in there.
As a warning, never attempt to dislodge a foreign object by turning the disposal on. Doing so can cause the object to break, create a bigger block, and damage your garbage disposal. You should also keep the drain covered when not in use to prevent objects from falling inside.
Check for Leaks
Leaks around the disposal can lead to mold growth and potential cabinet damage. If you notice water under your sink, check the connections where the garbage disposal meets the sink and search for any cracks in the unit that could cause the leak.
While some minor leaks may be repairable, you should replace a badly damaged garbage disposal. We can help you determine the best replacement and offer the installation services you need.
Know When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal
Even with proper maintenance and care, disposals do not last forever. Garbage disposals have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. If your unit is older than 8 to 10 years and frequently jams or leaks, replacing it will save you money in the long run.
The following are signs it’s time to replace your old unit with a new garbage disposal:
- Frequent clogs or jams
- Persistent odors, despite cleaning
- Loud grinding or metal sounds
- Leaks from the body of the unit
- Failure to grind food properly
- Frequent shutoffs
Upgrading to a new model means greater efficiency, quieter operation, and improved safety. New models are much more powerful, helping prevent clogs and jams.
Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
Once your garbage disposal is up and running again, you must take the correct steps to keep it in good shape. Maintenance and care can go a long way towards protecting your unit’s function.
Never pour grease or oil down the disposal. When disposing of greasy foods, always run cold water to solidify the fats and keep them moving through the pipes.
Although garbage disposals are powerful, they do not process fibrous foods like celery, banana peels, or corn husks, and they do not handle large chunks of food well.
You should regularly clean your garbage disposal using ice cubes, vinegar, and citrus peels. These help keep the blades sharp and remove stuck-on food and odors. Try this cleaning method once a month to keep your garbage disposal operating properly.
When to Call a Professional
You should leave most major repair issues to professionals who can diagnose and repair your unit. Working with electricity and plumbing systems can be dangerous. Our plumbing team has the knowledge and experience to repair all garbage disposal makes and models.
Consider these signs as a warning that it’s time to call our plumbers.
- Repeated circuit breaker trips when running the unit
- Strong burning smells
- Sparking or smoking
- Potential wiring issues
Leave these issues in the hands of capable professionals. If you try a DIY approach, you could void your garbage disposal’s warranty.
Be Smart About Your Disposal
It’s easy to panic when your garbage disposal stops working. However, most problems have simple solutions. It is always essential to begin with safety. Always make sure to shut off the unit’s power before starting troubleshooting. If resetting or removing any visible jams doesn’t help the problem, it’s time to call the garbage disposal repair professionals.
General Air Conditioning & Plumbing opened its doors in 1984 as an air, plumbing, and electric company. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and guarantee our work. Our core values are intentional, disciplined, accountable, responsive, urgency, and results-oriented. We repair all garbage disposal makes and models and offer installation services if you need a new unit.
Contact our experts at General Air Conditioning & Plumbing today if you need garbage disposal repair in Thousand Palms. We can take care of all your garbage disposal needs!
