Garbage Disposal Not Working? 3 Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it can quickly become a frustrating issue in your kitchen. When a garbage disposal malfunctions, it can disrupt your entire household routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore four common problems homeowners face with garbage disposals and offer practical solutions to help you troubleshoot these issues.

Problem 1: Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

Signs and Symptoms

You flip the switch, and nothing happens—no sound, no movement, and no signs of life. This is a strong indication that your garbage disposal isn’t receiving power, which typically points to an electrical issue rather than a mechanical failure. Diagnosing the cause can save you from unnecessary repairs or replacements.

Possible Causes

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: Garbage disposals can occasionally overload the circuit, causing the breaker to trip. This is particularly common if there is a power surge or if the disposal is working too hard to grind dense food materials.
• Faulty Power Outlet: Sometimes, the problem lies not with the disposal but with the power outlet itself. A defective outlet or loose wiring can prevent your unit from turning on.
• Internal Reset Button: Modern garbage disposals often feature a built-in safety feature—an internal reset button that trips when the motor overheats. This can occur if the disposal has been running for an extended period or has been working harder than usual.

Solutions

• Check the Circuit Breaker: Locate your home’s breaker box and inspect the switches. If you find one in the “off” position, flip it back to “on” and then try turning the disposal on again. If the breaker trips repeatedly, you may have a deeper electrical issue that needs professional attention. For assistance with electrical problems, check out our electric circuit breaker repair services.
• Test the Outlet: Plug a small appliance, such as a phone charger or lamp, into the same outlet your garbage disposal uses. If the appliance doesn’t work, the problem may lie with the outlet or wiring. To prevent further electrical issues, have an electrician inspect the outlet. Learn more about our electrical services for comprehensive home support.
• Press the Reset Button: Most garbage disposals have a small red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the unit. With the disposal turned off, press this button firmly. If the motor has overheated, this should reset it and restore functionality.

Problem 2: Garbage Disposal Is Not Draining

Signs and Symptoms

You notice water pooling in your sink or find that your garbage disposal is draining slowly. This is typically due to a clog somewhere within the disposal or the plumbing lines connected to it.

Possible Causes

• Clogged Drain Line: When food waste, grease, or fibrous materials like potato peels or celery are ground up and sent down the drain, they can accumulate over time and cause a clog in the drain line.
• Blocked Trap: The U-shaped pipe under your sink, called the P-trap, is a common location for clogs to occur. Food waste, grease, and even non-organic materials can collect here, preventing proper drainage.

Solutions

• Clear the Clog with a Plunger: A simple plunger can sometimes dislodge minor clogs. Use a standard sink plunger, creating a tight seal around the drain, and apply firm, consistent pressure.
• Inspect and Clean the P-Trap: If plunging doesn’t work, the issue may be in the P-trap. Place a bucket under the pipe to catch any water, then use a wrench to disconnect the P-trap and manually remove any debris.

Problem 3: Garbage Disposal Is Humming but Not Working

Signs and Symptoms

You turn on your garbage disposal, and instead of the usual grinding noise, you hear a low hum. This usually means the disposal is getting power but is unable to operate due to a mechanical obstruction or motor failure.

Possible Causes

• Jammed Impellers: The impellers inside your garbage disposal can become stuck due to hard food waste or foreign objects like utensils. This prevents them from moving, causing the humming noise.
• Motor Failure: If the motor is weak or damaged, it may be receiving power but be unable to rotate the impellers. A humming sound without blade movement can indicate a failing motor.

Solutions

• Manual Rotation: Use a hex wrench on the bottom of the disposal to manually turn the blades and free any stuck impellers. This can sometimes dislodge small obstructions and get the unit working again.
• Unjam the Disposal with a Wooden Object: Insert a long object, like a wooden spoon, into the disposal and gently push the impellers. Avoid using your hands or metal tools, as these can damage the blades or result in injury.
• Consider Replacing the Unit: If the disposal continues to hum and won’t grind, it may be time to consider replacing the unit. Over time, motors can wear out, making replacement a more cost-effective solution than repair.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working

Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, and like any other piece of machinery, it requires regular maintenance and proper use to perform optimally. Taking the right steps to care for your disposal can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. 

Avoid Hard Items

• What to Avoid: Bones, fruit pits, popcorn kernels, crab and shrimp shells, and any other hard or dense items that can stress the motor and jam the blades.
• Potential Damage: Hard items can dull or even break the blades, and in severe cases, cause the motor to overheat or burn out.
• Alternative Disposal Methods: Throw bones and other hard items in the trash or, if you compost, consider adding appropriate materials to your compost bin instead.

Use Cold Water While Operating

• Why Cold Water? Cold water solidifies fats and oils, making them easier for the disposal to grind up. Using hot water, on the other hand, can melt these substances, allowing them to coat the blades and pipes, which can lead to build-up and clogs over time.
• How to Do It: Turn on the cold water before you start running the disposal and continue running it for a few seconds after you turn the unit off to flush out any remaining particles.

Avoid Grease and Oil

• What Happens: Grease and oil can build up on the blades and walls of your disposal, hardening over time and eventually causing drainage issues.
• Best Practices: Always dispose of cooking oils, fats, and grease in a separate container and throw it away in the trash. If you accidentally pour a small amount into the disposal, immediately run cold water and a few drops of dish soap through the system to break down the grease.

Don’t Overload the Disposal

• Feed in Small Batches: Instead of dumping all the food at once, feed waste into the disposal in small batches. This helps the blades to effectively break down the food and prevent the unit from clogging or straining.
• What to Avoid Overloading: Avoid grinding large quantities of fibrous vegetables (like celery or asparagus) and starchy foods (like potatoes or pasta) all at once. These can wrap around the blades or create a paste-like consistency that clogs the unit.

Flush Your Disposal After Use

Even after the grinding stops, it’s essential to flush your disposal with water for a few extra seconds. This allows all food particles to be washed down the drain and prevents leftover bits from lingering and causing blockages.

• Proper Technique: Keep the cold water running for about 15-30 seconds after you turn off the disposal. This flushes any remaining particles through the pipes and helps prevent build-up.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried troubleshooting your garbage disposal and it’s still not working, it’s time to call in a professional. Whether you’re in Kansas or Missouri, Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric can provide expert guidance and repair services to get your kitchen running smoothly again.