Garbage disposals are a helpful asset that lets you drain certain food scraps—without the fear of clogging. This resource is soon rendered ineffective when garbage disposal problems start to manifest. Since garbage disposals have a series of different components, it can be hard to tell what’s causing the problem.
If your garbage disposal is not working correctly, we have created an intuitive guide to help you diagnose and fix the issue. These are the steps and actions you can take to move forward.
Top Reasons Your Garbage Disposal is Not Working
Realizing your garbage disposal is not working can cause a slight panic. Unless you’re a professional, it’s common to lack knowledge about garbage disposal problems and how they start. Let’s look at the common reasons why garbage disposals cease to function properly.
1. Jammed System
Garbage disposals can become jammed when an item is preventing its blades from turning. Bones, eggshells, solidified fats or oils, and non-food items are some of the most common reasons for a jammed garbage disposal.
Even if you’re responsible for keeping these items out of your garbage disposal, putting too much food down at once can cause a jam. It’s also common for the blades of a garbage disposal to lack efficiency if they haven’t been cleaned recently.
2. Dead or Broken Garbage Disposal
Turning on your garbage disposal only to hear silence is a sign it’s “dead” or broken. A “dead” garbage disposal can result from a:
- Loose plug
- Popped-out reset button
- Faulty electrical switch
- Overloaded circuit breaker
- Dead motor
3. Leaking
The next major garbage disposal problem is leaking. A damaged or improperly connected garbage disposal can also cause drainage issues.
Garbage disposals can leak from the top, side, and bottom. When garbage disposals leak from the bottom in particular, they can leak into the dishwasher, the plumbing system, and even the drainpipe.
Garbage disposal leaks typically occur due to:
- Worn-out O-rings, gaskets, or flanges
- Loose or lackluster connections with a drain pipe or dishwasher
- Missing sealant around the disposal
The professionals at AccuTemp are ready to respond with convenient water leak repair services in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our expert plumbers have the skills and training necessary to fix your leaking garbage disposal.
4. Sink is Not Draining
Are water and food backing up into the sink? This garbage disposal problem is due to a lack of drainage capabilities, most likely due to dull blades or a dense clog.
5. Humming Noises
Humming noises with no operation means the garbage disposal is either jammed or lacking the power to break down food waste as it should. It could also be due to a poor electrical connection.
6. Odors
The longer leftover remnants of food accumulate inside the garbage disposal, the more likely it is for foul odors to start permeating. Typically, all the garbage disposal needs is a thorough cleaning to get rid of the smells. If this doesn’t do the trick, a disassembly of the garbage disposal may be required.
Require drain cleaning services in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas? Reach out to AccuTemp today at (225) 244-8826 to receive assistance.
7. Garbage Disposal is Draining into the Dishwasher
Finding that your garbage disposal is draining water and food into the dishwasher is a leak-related issue. This type of leak happens when the dishwasher line is incorrectly installed.
8. Smoke
One of the more concerning garbage disposal problems is the presence of smoke. If your garbage disposal is smoking, it’s either due to a failing motor or a short circuit. If this occurs in your home, contact our team members for 24-hour plumbing services.
Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that we’ve established the various reasons for garbage disposal problems, we can look at how to troubleshoot and cover some additional questions.
How Can I Troubleshoot My Broken Garbage Disposal?
There are a few ways to troubleshoot garbage disposal problems. One option is to check the power plug. Inspect the power outlet and the power cord, then unplug it and re-plug it back in. Flip the switch to see if the garbage disposal is working correctly.
Another option is to hit the reset button. If the circuit breaker trips, make sure to hit the reset button on the breaker itself and the disposal. Flip the switch and see if that is the correct solution.
Other options would include checking the breaker, the wall switch, and the wires connected to the unit. These options entail either working or closely working with electrical wiring, so it might be better and safer to leave it to a professional plumbing service provider.
Why is My Garbage Disposal Humming?
Humming noises from your garbage disposal point to a jam, lack of power, or a poor electrical connection. In the event of a jam, the problem is likely with the impeller or flywheel. Try the reset button first, then move on to turning off the power using the wall switch and circuit breaker.
You can also dislodge an obstruction by inserting the hex wrench into the flywheel hole and turning it clockwise. Once the obstruction has been removed, restore power by resetting the aforementioned buttons. Run the tap as you turn the switch on and off, washing the remaining debris down the drain.
Why is My Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly?
Oftentimes, a slowly draining garbage disposal is related to a clog or dull blades. If clogging is the culprit, a fix involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe to remove the obstruction.
Why is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?
There are several reasons why your garbage disposal might be leaking. Usually, leaks stem from worn-out or loose components or an insignificant amount of sealant around the disposal. Some easy ways to fix leaks and other problems include replacing parts, tightening components, or applying sealant around the garbage disposal.
Why is My Garbage Disposal Leaking from the Bottom?
A garbage disposal may leak from the bottom when the rubber hose connected to the dishwasher is loose or damaged. Start by checking to make sure the bolts are tightened where the discharge pipe is connected to the disposal. If a leak continues, you can remove the bolts and replace the gasket seal. After reinstallation, tighten the bolts as much as possible.
When Should I Replace My Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposal replacement is worth considering if you’ve exhausted your options to fix any of the common problems. Sometimes, garbage disposal problems like leaks and noises can’t be resolved through repair, requiring replacement. Garbage disposal replacement is common every 5 to 10 years.
Professional Garbage Disposal Repair Services
Responding to garbage disposal problems isn’t a task that can always be solved with do-it-yourself (DIY) methods. Luckily, our skilled plumbers offer exceptional garbage disposal repair services in New Orleans, Louisiana and have the tools required to restore the operation of your system.
From problems deep inside the plumbing system to electrical issues, fixing a garbage disposal is best left up to the professionals. Give our staff a call at (225) 244-8826 to receive assistance.
