Is your garbage disposal leaking, clogged, nor draining or jammed? Not only can this be a great inconvenience but also a health hazard. Learning how to identify problems with your garbage disposal and apply solutions can help you get your garbage disposal back up and running quicker. 

A word of caution 

It is important to note that a garbage disposal can be dangerous. Ensure that is unplugged before or turned off before you attempt any repairs. You should also never reach into a garbage disposal. You could end up with serious injuries as a result. Keep these two points in mind when troubleshooting and fixing your garbage disposal for safety. 

How to fix a garbage disposal 

1. Garbage disposal does not turn on 

If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on, check the connection to ensure it is plugged in and turn it on. If you don’t hear a humming sound, there could be an electrical problem. Press the reset button located at the bottom of the unit. This button is a built-in circuit breaker. It pops out when tripped. Push it back in to reset the unit. Check the main service panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. Reset the lever and turn the disposal unit on to see if it is working. 

If the disposal is not working, the unit itself may be faulty. Turn off the power to the unit and disassemble the switch controlling the disposal in order to inspect the wiring. Tighten any lose wire connections. If connections are secure, consider replacing the switch. 

If none of the above work, you may need to consider replacing your garbage disposal unit. 

2. Disposal unit is humming but does not grind 

If the disposal does not grind but you can hear the humming sound of the motor, you may be dealing with a jammed flywheel. This can result in motor of your disposal unit burning out. 

Turn off the power. Insert the offset wrench that came with your unit into the flywheel turning hole. This is located at the bottom of the unit. You can purchase this wrench at a hardware store if you don’t have it. Turn it clockwise to dislodge the stuck flywheel or impeller. If the flywheel becomes dislodged, you will feel it turning freely. 

Look down the disposal using a flashlight to check for objects that may have caused the jam. Use a pair of pliers to remove any foreign objects. Do not stick your hand down the disposal. Press the reset button on the unit and turn the power back on. Run some tap water and flip the switch of your disposal unit on and off in short bursts to unclog any remaining debris. 

3. Disposal is draining slowly 

This is often the result of clogging. Turn off the disposal unit and unscrew the bolts that hold the discharge pipe to the unit. Remove the drain trap as well as the discharge pipe and inspect them for clogs. Rinse them out. Use a sink auger to clear obstructions in the branch drain line that goes into the wall. Reassemble the drain trap and reconnect your unit. Run some hot water into the unit and check to ensure that the water runs freely.