A lot of people run into problems with their garbage disposal. These things jam up and stop working the way they’re supposed to, and many homeowners don’t know what to do when that happens. I’ve been there, too. One week, I teamed up with Rodrigo Garcia, a master plumber from Elite Rooter in San Diego, CA, to learn some quick fixes for garbage disposal. Rodrigo shared a ton of essential advice that helped me tackle the problem—and today, I’m passing that advice along to you.
Before we dive into the fixes, though, let’s quickly go over how these disposals work. This will make it much clearer when you’re troubleshooting the problem.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
Garbage disposals sit beneath one of the basins in your sink, receiving food waste and water through a large gasket. When you turn the unit on, a grind plate inside starts spinning, using small brass impellers that help channel food toward the outer wall where it’s grinded down into small bits. These bits are washed away by water, carried through the drain valve, and sent into your plumbing system.
When a garbage disposal stops working, it’s usually because a foreign object (like a spoon or piece of ceramic) has gotten stuck in the grind chamber. These units aren’t designed to break down anything tougher than small, wet food scraps. If something too hard or dense (like glass, bone, or metal) falls in, the unit can get jammed, and the motor may stop working entirely. But don’t worry—it’s fixable!
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Step 1: Turn Off the Power for Safety
Before you do anything, always turn off the power to the disposal. I can’t stress this enough—safety is key. You can either unplug the unit or flip the breaker to cut power. This is really important because you don’t want to risk injury while working on the disposal, especially if the motor kicks back on unexpectedly.
Step 2: How to Clear a Jam in Your Garbage Disposal
When your garbage disposal is humming but not working, it’s often due to a jam. Once you’re sure the unit is powered off, it’s time to clear the jam.
- Use Tongs or Needle-Nose Pliers: Sometimes, you can simply reach inside with a pair of tongs or needle-nose pliers to fish out the object causing the jam. Be careful—don’t stick your hand inside unless you’re sure the power is off.
- Manually Free the Blades with an Allen Wrench: If the jam isn’t easily accessible, you can use an allen wrench to manually turn the motor. There’s a socket on the underside of the unit where the wrench fits. Turn it back and forth until the blades move freely again. This method usually works for 90% of jams.
- Remove the Unit: If the jam is deeper or more stubborn, you may need to remove the unit. You can unhook it from the plumbing connections, such as the dishwasher drain line, by removing the spring clamp and disassembling the tubing. This is usually a more involved process, but it helps if other methods fail.
Step 3: Resetting Your Garbage Disposal
After clearing the jam, you may find that your garbage disposal still doesn’t turn on. This can happen if the unit overheated during the jam. Most disposals have a thermal overload switch that shuts off the motor to prevent overheating.
Here’s what you can do:
- Locate the Reset Button: Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the underside of the unit. It’s usually a small, square button.
- Press the Reset Button: Once you’ve cleared the jam, press the reset button on the garbage disposal. This will reset the internal circuit and should get the disposal working again. If this doesn’t work, it may be time to check the power supply or contact a plumber.
Step 4: Preventing Future Jams
If you’ve managed to get your garbage disposal running again, the last thing you want is for it to break down again soon.
Here are a few simple ways to keep it in good shape:
- Avoid Large Scraps: Never put large items down the disposal. It’s designed for small food scraps only, and putting anything too big (like a whole potato peel) can easily cause a clog or jam.
- Don’t Dump Grease: I learned the hard way that grease can easily clog up a disposal. Always scrape off the excess grease into the trash, not the disposal.
- Clean Your Disposal Regularly: I clean my disposal every couple of weeks. It’s easy—just toss a handful of ice cubes and a small amount of liquid dish soap into the disposal. Turn it on with cold water, and the ice will help clean out any food debris stuck inside.
What to Do When Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Work
Q1: What should I do if my garbage disposal won’t drain?
A1: Start by turning off the power and using an allen wrench to manually free the blades. If that doesn’t work, check the P-trap under your sink for blockages.
Q2: Why is my garbage disposal making a humming noise but not working?
A2: The humming typically means the motor is on, but the blades are stuck. Use an allen key to dislodge the obstruction. Press the reset button after clearing the jam.
Q3: How long do garbage disposals last?
A3: With regular use and proper care, a garbage disposal can last between 8-15 years. If yours is more than 10 years old and constantly breaking down, it might be time for a replacement.
Q4: How do I install a new garbage disposal?
A4: If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, I recommend calling a local plumber repair near me. Otherwise, ensure you have the necessary tools, like a garbage disposal wrench, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Q5: Can I use Drano to fix my garbage disposal?
A5: I strongly advise against using Drano or any similar chemicals in your disposal. These chemicals can corrode the internal parts and cause damage. Stick to the allen wrench and manual methods for a safer fix.
Fixing Your Garbage Disposal Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
I’ve learned that fixing a garbage disposal not working doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. With a little patience, the right tools, and some helpful advice from Brent Clifford at Eco Plumbers, most disposal issues can be easily resolved. But if you find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber. Sometimes, it’s just better to let the experts handle it.
Big thanks to Elite Rooter Plumbers for their advice and expertise—if you’re in the San Jose, San Diego, Tampa, or Ventura areas, I highly recommend them because it is a top rated company and 4.8-star review on the google.
