How to Repair a Garbage Disposal

A malfunctioning garbage disposal can disrupt your daily kitchen routine, making it difficult to clean up and maintain your space. Whether it’s a jammed unit, a slow drain, or a leak, garbage disposal issues can be frustrating, but many can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting.

Here are the most common signs of a broken garbage disposal:

• The disposal is humming but not grinding.
• Water is leaking from under the unit or filling up the sink.
• The disposal drains slowly.
• You flip the switch, but the unit doesn’t turn on.

In many cases, the easiest way to fix a garbage disposal is to press the reset button located at the bottom of the unit. However, if this doesn’t work, the problem might be related to electrical issues, disposal jams, drain clogs, or faulty seals in the hoses or mounting connections.

Below, we’ll walk through how to repair a garbage disposal step by step, so you can get your kitchen back to normal as quickly as possible. If these steps seem overwhelming, don’t worry—LaCassa Plumbing can handle it for you.

DIY Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Guide

Before diving into the more complex fixes, here are some basic steps to troubleshoot your garbage disposal:

1. Check the Power
   If the garbage disposal doesn’t turn on, and there’s no humming sound, it could be an electrical issue. Make sure the unit is properly plugged into the outlet, then check your breaker panel for any tripped circuits. Test the garbage disposal again to see if it’s receiving power.
2. Press the Reset Button
   The garbage disposal has an internal circuit breaker designed to shut off the motor in case of an overload or jam. The reset button, located at the bottom of the disposal, can restore power once the unit cools down. Press the button and test the disposal.
3. Check the Breaker or Wiring
   If your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, the issue may be with the wiring. Turn off the breaker, remove the switch plate for the garbage disposal, and check for loose or damaged wires. Tighten any loose connections and test the unit again.
4. Inspect the Wall Switch
   If everything appears to be working fine at the outlet and breaker, the issue could be with the garbage disposal’s wall switch. Remove the switch plate and inspect the wiring connections, tightening any loose connections before testing the switch again.
5. Ensure Tight Wiring Connections
   Loose wires can prevent the unit from receiving power. Check the wires connecting the disposal to the outlet or switch and tighten them if necessary.

If none of these steps work, it might be time to call LaCassa Plumbing for professional assistance. We can diagnose and repair any electrical issues with your disposal, ensuring it’s safe to use.

Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Working

If the garbage disposal hums when you flip the switch but doesn’t grind, this indicates that the flywheel or impeller is jammed. The motor may still try to run, which can cause it to overheat and potentially burn out if the reset button or circuit breaker doesn’t kick in.

Here’s how to fix a jammed garbage disposal:

• Turn Off Power: First, switch off the disposal at the breaker to ensure it’s completely powered down.
• Manually Rotate the Flywheel: Insert a hex wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal unit. Rotate the flywheel back and forth to dislodge any food particles or debris that may be stuck.
• Remove the Obstruction: Use tongs or long pliers to remove any food scraps or objects that are jamming the flywheel. Never use your hands to reach into the disposal.
• Reset the Unit: After clearing the jam, press the reset button, restore power, and test the disposal to ensure the obstruction is gone.

If you’re unsure about clearing a jam or are uncomfortable with the process, the team at LaCassa Plumbing can quickly address the issue and ensure your garbage disposal is running smoothly.

Fixing a Garbage Disposal That Drains Slowly

If your garbage disposal is draining slowly, the issue is likely a clog in the pipes or drain trap. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Disassemble the Drain Trap: Begin by turning off the disposal and removing the bolts that hold the discharge pipe to the unit. Then, disconnect the drain trap and the pipe that connects to the wall.
2. Clear the Clog: Check the pipes and trap for any food buildup or debris that may be causing the clog. Clean out any obstructions.
3. Use a Sink Auger: If the pipes appear clear but the problem persists, the clog may be further down the branch drain. Use a sink auger to remove the clog.
4. Reassemble and Test: Once the clog is cleared, reassemble the pipes and run water through the system. Turn on the disposal to ensure everything is draining properly.

Warning: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners with your garbage disposal. These chemicals can damage the disposal unit and void your warranty, while rarely fixing the actual problem.

For expert drain cleaning and clog removal, contact LaCassa Plumbing. We’ll handle the hard work and make sure your disposal drains properly without any harmful chemicals.

How to Fix a Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal can result in water damage under your sink, but identifying the source of the leak will help you fix it. Here’s how to address leaks from common areas:

Leaking from the Top

Leaks from the top of the disposal typically occur at the sink flange where the disposal connects to the drain opening.

• Turn Off the Power: Unplug the disposal or turn off the circuit breaker to cut power.
• Remove the Disposal: At the mounting ring, turn the disposal counterclockwise to detach it from the sink.
• Seal the Flange: Apply fresh plumber’s putty around the sink flange and tighten the mounting bolts.
• Reinstall the Disposal: Reattach the disposal and check for leaks by running water through the sink.

Leaking from the Bottom or Sides

If water is leaking from the bottom or sides of the disposal, the issue may be a loose hose or a worn-out gasket.

• Tighten Hose Clamps: Check the dishwasher hose and drainpipe connections for leaks and tighten the hose clamps if necessary.
• Replace Gaskets: If the leaks persist, you may need to replace the rubber gaskets that seal the pipes and hoses.

If these fixes sound too complicated or the leak persists, LaCassa Plumbing can help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. We specialize in fixing leaks and replacing worn-out parts, saving you the hassle and potential water damage.

When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal frequently jams, makes loud noises, or isn’t grinding properly despite multiple repairs, it may be time to replace it. Most garbage disposals last around 5 to 10 years, and replacing the unit can often save you time and money compared to frequent repairs.

Common signs that it’s time to replace your disposal include:

• Persistent clogs or jams
• Leaks from the disposal body itself
• Poor drainage or the need to reset the unit frequently
• A blown motor or strange odors coming from the unit

LaCassa Plumbing can help you decide if a replacement is necessary. We offer expert installation services and can recommend the right model for your home and kitchen needs.

When to Call LaCassa Plumbing

While many garbage disposal problems can be resolved with DIY methods, there are situations where it’s best to consult a professional. If you’re dealing with electrical issues, wiring problems, or a unit that requires frequent resetting, an experienced plumber can help diagnose the issue.

Additionally, if your disposal is old or beyond repair, LaCassa Plumbing can recommend a replacement and garbage disposal installation of a new unit safely, ensuring it functions properly for years to come.