Monday, July 22nd, 2024

What to do when your garbage disposal stops working

When was the last time you thought about your garbage disposal? Chances are, not for some time. It’s an appliance that we tend to take for granted. That is, until it stops working. 

If you find yourself in a situation where your garbage disposal fails to turn on or causes the sink to back up, take a deep breath and don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here’s our straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and tackle the two most common garage disposal issues. 

“Nothing happens when I flip the garbage disposal switch.” 

First check the power. Ensure the disposal is appropriately plugged in, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Sometimes, a simple breaker reset is all it takes to restore power.

Next, turn off the disposal and try using the disposal key. Most garbage disposals come with a unique key, sometimes called the disposal wrench, that fits into the bottom of the unit. This key manually rotates the disposal’s grinding mechanism to free it up if it’s jammed.

Now, locate the small hole at the bottom center of the disposal unit and insert the disposal key into this hole. Turn it back and forth a few times to dislodge any stuck objects. Then, remove the wrench and try turning on the disposal again.

You could also use the disposal’s reset button on the unit’s bottom or side. Sometimes, this resolves issues that have caused the disposal to stop working.

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Lastly, check for any overload. If the disposal is overloaded with food waste, it may have tripped a safety feature that shuts off power to prevent damage. Allow the unit to cool down for a few minutes, then press the reset button and try again.

“The garbage disposal caused a backup in the sink.” 

If your garbage disposal backs up water into the sink, this is often a sign of a clog or blockage within the disposal or the drainpipe. Here’s what to do:

Turn off the disposal. First and foremost, switch off the disposal to prevent further backup or damage.

Clear the blockage. Use a flashlight to look into the disposal chamber and check for any visible objects, such as large food pieces or utensils, causing the blockage. Remember: never put your hand into the disposal. Instead, use tongs or pliers to remove any debris.

Use a plunger. If the blockage is further down the drainpipe, you can try a plunger to dislodge it. Ensure there is enough water in the sink to cover the rubber part of the plunger, then plunge several times to clear the obstruction.

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Run cold water. Once the blockage is cleared, run cold water for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris and ensure smooth drainage.

By following these steps, you can usually resolve issues with your garbage disposal without needing to call a plumber. If it doesn’t fix the problem, give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call. We can address the issue quickly and fix it in no time, so your garbage disposal is humming again.