Garbage disposal troubleshooting is very straightforward. Disposal units have two main working parts: a power supply and a motor. Most of the problems arise when something gets jammed in the blades and the power shuts off or the motor seizes. Here's how to handle some common problems.
No Noise when Disposal Power Switch Is Flipped
If you flip the power switch, the disposal doesn't start running and you don't hear any noise, then the problem is electrical.
Check to make sure the disposal is plugged into the wall socket. If it is plugged in, press the reset button found on the bottom of the disposal.
If the disposal still doesn't work, check your circuit breaker to see if the breaker for that wall socket has been tripped. Be aware that electrical shutdows usually occur as the result of a jam or overheating. If the blades turn freely but the unit keeps shutting itself off, it needs to be replaced.
Disposal is Humming, Blades Don't Turn
If you have flipped the power switch and the disposal is making a humming sound but the blades are not turning, that means the disposal is jammed. Before you try to fix this, remember the first rule of garbage disposal repair: Never put your hand down the disposal, even if the power is off.
To clear the jam, turn the power of at the electrical panel by flipping the circuit breaker. Unplug the garbage disposal as well.
Try to clear the jam by using a dowel or plunger handle inserted at an angle. Slowly move the blades enough to turn the impeller and dislodge the jam.
If that doesn't work, you can use an allen wrench to turn the flywheel. Insert the allen wrench into the socket on the bottom of the flywheel, beneath the disposal. Slowly spin the flywheel until the jam clears.
After the jam is cleared, plug the disposal back in and turn the circuit back on at the electrical panel.
Slow Draining
If the disposal is grinding but the food particles will not drain out of the disposer, then it is most likely a clogged drain. Never use drain cleaners to fix this problem. Drain cleaner will damage the disposal and will just back up into the sink, leaving you to bail those harsh chemicals out of the sink.
You can try to remove the clog by removing the bolts that hold the discharge pipe to the disposal. Disconnect the drain trap and remove it. Check for clogs and remove any that you find.
If the clog cannot be spotted in the discharge drainpipe, then the clog may be further down the line. At this point, it's best to call in a professional plumber to snake the drain.
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