Garbage disposals are a kitchen workhorse—grinding up food waste, keeping your sink clear, and making cleanup easier. But when they start acting up, the whole system can grind to a halt (sometimes literally). Whether it’s making a terrible noise, refusing to turn on, or draining slower than a Sunday morning, a broken disposal can be a real headache.
Before you call in the pros, let’s walk through how to repair a garbage disposal using basic troubleshooting steps. Some problems are simple enough to handle yourself with a few tools and a bit of patience. Others? Well, that’s where knowing when to step back can save you from a bigger mess.
1. The Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
Flip the switch, and… nothing? No hum, no movement, just silence? That usually points to an electrical issue. Here’s what to check:
- Reset Button: Under the disposal (typically a red button), this little lifesaver trips when the motor overheats. Press it, then try again.
- Power Supply: Make sure the unit is plugged in. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often a loose plug is the culprit.
- Circuit Breaker: If resetting doesn’t work, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
If none of these solve the issue, the motor might be dead. That’s when it’s time to decide whether to replace the unit or call a professional for repair.
2. The Disposal Hums but Doesn’t Grind
A humming garbage disposal is trying to work, but something’s stopping the blades from spinning. This is usually caused by a jam, often from food debris, a small utensil, or something that shouldn’t have gone down the drain (we’re looking at you, avocado pits).
Here’s how to fix it safely:
- Turn it off and unplug it. Safety first—never stick your hand into an active disposal.
- Use a hex key (most disposals have a hex slot at the bottom) to manually turn the motor and dislodge the jam.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove the obstruction if you can see it. Again, hands out of the disposal!
- Press the reset button and give it another go.
If the motor is damaged from repeated jams, you may need a new unit.
3. Water is Backing Up or Draining Slowly
A slow-draining or backed-up disposal usually means a clog. This happens when food scraps (especially starchy ones like pasta or potato peels) gum up the works.
Try these steps:
- Run plenty of water when using the disposal. It helps keep things moving.
- Check the P-trap under your sink. If it’s clogged, you’ll need to unscrew it and clean it out. Have a bucket ready—this can get messy.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They can damage your pipes and disposal. Instead, try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
If clogs keep happening, your disposal may not be powerful enough for your kitchen’s needs. Upgrading to a stronger model could save you from frequent backups.
4. It’s Leaking
A leaky garbage disposal can be sneaky. Water might drip from the bottom, the sink flange, or the connections to the drain and dishwasher.
- Leak from the bottom? That’s usually a sign of internal seal failure. Time for a new unit.
- Leak at the top (sink flange)? The mounting ring may need to be tightened or resealed with plumber’s putty.
- Leak at the drain connections? Check that the screws and gaskets are secure.
A persistent leak can lead to mold and cabinet damage, so don’t ignore it.
5. The Disposal Smells Terrible
Even a working disposal can cause problems—like making your kitchen smell like a landfill. Food residue builds up inside, especially if grease or fibrous materials are involved.
To freshen it up:
- Run cold water while grinding citrus peels or ice cubes.
- Scrub the rubber splash guard. Food particles love to hide there.
- Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it fizz, then rinse with hot water.
Regular maintenance keeps odors at bay and prevents bigger issues down the road.
When to Call Garbage Disposal Experts
A garbage disposal is a simple machine, but it can cause major frustration when it stops working right. Most problems have easy fixes if you catch them early. Keep an eye (and ear) out for signs of trouble, and your disposal will keep chugging along, making your kitchen cleanup easier—just as it should.
If you’ve tried everything and your disposal is still misbehaving, it might be time for expert help from TC Appliance Repair. Electrical problems, persistent leaks, or a completely dead motor aren’t DIY-friendly. That’s when knowing how to repair a garbage disposal means calling in someone who does it for a living.
Call 777-737-8214 today to request a quote or schedule an appointment with us!
