Common Reasons Why Your Dayton Area Garbage Disposal Stops Working
When your garbage disposal stops working, or is clogged, it can be frustrating. But before you call a local Dayton Drain Cleaning Company, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue yourself. We will help you understand the common causes of garbage disposal malfunctions, how to fix them, and determine when it’s time to call in a plumber for help.
The Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
One of the most common issues is when the unit fails to power on. If you flip the switch and nothing happens—no sound, no movement—this is likely an electrical issue.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check the power connection: Ensure that the garbage disposal is plugged in properly. It’s surprisingly easy for the plug to come loose under the sink.
- Reset the disposal: Most disposals have a reset button located at the bottom of the unit. Press the red reset button and try turning it on again.
- Check the circuit breaker: If pressing the reset button doesn’t work, the problem may be with the circuit breaker. Check your home’s electrical panel and reset the breaker if needed.
Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Grind
If you hear a humming noise but the garbage disposal is not grinding, this usually indicates that the motor is working, but the blades are jammed.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Turn off the power: Safety first! Disconnect the power by unplugging the disposal or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Use a hex wrench: Many garbage disposals come with a hex wrench (usually found underneath the sink). Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal and manually turn it to dislodge any debris.
- Check for jams: After turning the unit, inspect the grinding chamber for stuck items such as bones, silverware, or fibrous vegetables like celery.
Garbage Disposal Leaking
Leaks from your garbage disposal can cause water damage to your cabinets and floors. These leaks often occur at the connections where the disposal meets the sink or drain.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Tighten the mounting bolts: Sometimes the mounting bolts that hold the garbage disposal to the sink flange can become loose. Use a screwdriver to tighten them.
- Inspect the seals and gaskets: If tightening the bolts doesn’t work, the rubber seals or gaskets could be worn out and need replacement.
- Check the drainpipe connections: If the disposal is leaking from the bottom, it might be an issue with the drainpipe connections. Use plumber’s tape or replace worn-out fittings as necessary.
Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly or Clogged
A slow-draining garbage disposal is another common problem. This usually happens because food debris or grease has built up in the drainpipe.
What Causes Garbage Disposal Clogs?
Garbage disposals are designed to handle small food particles, but certain items can cause blockages.
Common causes of clogs include:
- Fibrous foods – Items like celery, onion skins, or corn husks can wrap around the blades.
- Grease and fat – These can solidify in your pipes, leading to obstructions.
- Large food chunks – Overloading the disposal with food scraps all at once can lead to clogs.
How to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
- Safety First: Always Turn Off the Power: Before working on your garbage disposal, ensure the power is off. Disconnect the unit from the power source to avoid accidents. You can either unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker.
- You don’t need advanced tools to clear a clogged garbage disposal. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Flashlight
- Tongs or pliers
- Hex key or wrench
- Baking soda and vinegar
1. Check for Visible Blockages Using a flashlight, look inside the garbage disposal. If you see food debris or objects blocking the blades, carefully remove them with tongs or pliers—never use your hands.
2. Use the Reset Button Many disposals have a reset button located at the bottom. Pressing this button can sometimes fix the issue if the motor overheated.
3. Use a Hex Key If the blades are stuck, use a hex key (or Allen wrench) to manually rotate the blades from underneath the disposal. Insert the hex key into the hole at the bottom of the unit and turn it back and forth to loosen the clog.
4. Try a Natural Solution For minor clogs, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This can help break down the blockage naturally.
Advanced Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Tips
Overheating Issues
If your garbage disposal shuts down unexpectedly during use, it may have overheated due to an overload of waste or running for too long.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Let the motor cool: Wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes to let the motor cool down before attempting to reset it.
- Avoid overloading: In the future, avoid stuffing large amounts of food waste into the disposal at once. Instead, feed waste gradually while running cold water.
Foul Odors from the Garbage Disposal
A bad smell emanating from your disposal is often due to food residue sticking to the blades or sitting in the drain.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Clean the disposal: Pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda into the disposal, then flush with hot water. This will help to eliminate odors.
- Use citrus peels: Running lemon or orange peels through the disposal will not only help clean it but will also leave a fresh, pleasant smell.
- Deep cleaning: If smells persist, remove the disposal’s rubber splash guard and clean it thoroughly with soap and water.
Blades Not Spinning
If the blades of the garbage disposal are not spinning, this could be due to a broken flywheel or a jammed blade.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check for physical obstructions: Always make sure the disposal is unplugged before inspecting the inside. Use tongs or pliers to remove any stuck debris.
- Turn the flywheel manually: Insert the hex wrench into the bottom of the disposal and try to turn the flywheel manually to free any stuck blades.
Stopping Future Clogs
To avoid future clogs, practice these habits:
- Avoid dumping fibrous foods and large chunks of food down the disposal.
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to flush food through the pipes.
- Regularly clean the disposal with a mixture of ice and salt, which helps dislodge debris from the blades.
Preventative Maintenance for a Healthy Garbage Disposal
To ensure your garbage disposal stays in good working order, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some practices that will extend the life of your disposal:
Use Cold Water
Always use cold water when running your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify fats and grease, making them easier to grind and flush out. Hot water, on the other hand, can cause grease to melt and stick to the sides of your pipes, eventually leading to clogs.
Grind Ice Cubes
Grinding ice cubes through your disposal can help keep the blades sharp and clean. This also helps remove any small bits of food that may be stuck to the grinding chamber.
Avoid Fibrous Foods
Foods like celery, potato peels, and corn husks are difficult for the disposal to handle. These fibrous materials can wrap around the blades, causing jams and clogs.
Regular Cleaning
To prevent odors and buildup, it’s a good idea to clean your garbage disposal every few weeks. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda or ice and salt works well to keep the disposal clean and fresh-smelling.
When to Call a Professional
While many garbage disposal issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, there are times when you may need to call a professional plumber:
- If there are frequent leaks despite tightening seals and gaskets.
- If the disposal continues to trip the circuit breaker even after resetting.
- If the motor has burnt out and the unit needs to be replaced.
Easy Solutions Dayton Area Homeowners Trust
Dealing with a garbage disposal issues can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, most problems can be fixed quickly and easily. Proper maintenance and care will keep your disposal running smoothly for years.
If the issue persists or you are unsure of how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact Albert Services plumbing professionals for expert local plumber services or call 937-444-4357 24 hours a day for any plumbing emergency.