If you’re reading this, your garbage disposal probably isn’t working quite right. Don’t worry; sometimes it’s worth it to fix your garbage disposal yourself. Let’s talk about what might be wrong and how to get things running smoothly again.
First things first: if your disposal’s giving you trouble, you might notice it humming but not grinding, leaking water, draining super slowly, or just not responding when you flip the switch. Sometimes, it’s as easy as hitting the reset button (yes, really!). Other times, you might be dealing with electrical problems, something stuck inside, or worn-out parts.
Quick safety note before diving in: ALWAYS turn off the power before you poke around, and keep those fingers out of the disposal!
Troubleshooting a Garbage Disposal
1. Electrical Issues
When your disposal’s completely dead, electricity is usually the culprit.
Here’s what you can try:
- Take a peek under your sink. Iis the disposal actually plugged in? (Hey, it happens to the best of us!)
- Look for a red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit. If you find it, give it a press. Sometimes, that’s all it needs!
- Check your circuit breaker panel; the disposal’s circuit might have tripped
- The wall switch could be acting up (if you’re comfortable checking the wiring, go for it, just make sure the power’s off first!)
If none of these work, you should call an electrician. Some wiring issues are best left to the pros.
2. Garbage Disposal Humming, but Not Turning
Don’t panic! This usually means something’s stuck in there.
Here’s the deal:
The motor’s trying, but something’s keeping the flywheel from spinning. Good news; it’s usually an easy fix:
- Shut off the power at your breaker box (seriously, don’t skip this step!)
- Grab a disposal wrench and look for a hexagonal hole at the bottom of the disposal
- Give it a few turns until whatever’s stuck in there breaks free
- Press the reset button and test it out
- Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly
If water’s just sitting there laughing at you, you’ve probably got a clog.
Here’s what to do:
- Disconnect the drain trap (that U-shaped pipe under the sink)
- Clean out any gunk you find
- Reassemble
Pro tip: Skip the chemical drain cleaners; they’re hard on your pipes and disposal. Good old-fashioned elbow grease is your friend here!
3. Garbage Disposal Leaking
Leaks can show up in different spots, and each one needs its own fix:
Leaking from the top:
- Your sink flange may have come loose
- You’ll need to take the disposal off, apply plumber’s putty around the flange, and tighten everything back up
Leaking from the bottom:
- Check all your hose connections first; they might just need tightening
- If the hoses look beat up, time to replace them
Is it still leaking? It may be time to call in a pro.
When to Replace a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals aren’t immortal. They usually last 5-10 years.
If yours is:
- Smoking
- Frequent clogging
- Making all the wrong noises
…it might be time to say goodbye and get a new one. The good news? Newer models are usually quieter and work better anyway!
When to Call a Professional
Some things are worth DIYing, and others, not so much.
Call a plumber if:
- You’ve got electrical issues you can’t figure out
- The breaker keeps tripping
- You’ve tried everything in this guide and nothing’s working
Sometimes, spending a bit on a pro now saves you from bigger headaches later!
FAQ – Garbage Disposal
Will unplugging it reset everything?
No. You need to hit that reset button on the bottom of the unit.
Why’s it locked up?
Usually, it’s because something too big got stuck in there. Time for that Allen wrench!
How do I unjam it?
Power off, put the Allen wrench in the bottom, turn until it moves freely, and then reset. Easy peasy!
Your garbage disposal seems intimidating when it’s acting up, but most problems are fixable! Just remember:
- Safety first! Always cut the power before you start
- Try the simple fixes first
- Know when to call a pro
With a little know-how and some careful tinkering, you can get things running smooth as butter again. If you need backup, remember that at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’re your punctual plumbers, and we’ll get there on time to take care of your garbage disposal repairs or replacement. Give us a call.