Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Tips

Garbage disposals are the unsung heroes of kitchen appliances — putting in the work to keep things clean and tidy. When your garbage disposal malfunctions, it can reduce your kitchen’s efficiency and lead to unpleasant odors, humming noises, leaks under your sink, or complete failure.

Here, we’ll go through the common reasons for your garbage disposal failure and troubleshooting actions you can take to resolve these issues.

How To Fix Your Garbage Disposal

The most common types of garbage disposals are batch feed and continuous. Batch feed systems are activated when a cover is placed over the drain opening, while continuous systems require manual activation with an on-and-off switch.

Garbage disposal failures can be due to electrical system issues, jams in the grinding mechanism, faulty seals, or clogs in your plumbing system. Depending on the problem with your disposal, it may be easy to resolve.

Check Your Outlet

It sounds simple but often is overlooked — leading to costly and unnecessary service calls for your system. An electrical issue is always the case if you flip your switch on and there’s no humming sound from the motor’s activation.

By checking the electrical connections, like the power cord, and ensuring your outlet has power, you can rule out potential electrical issues before calling a professional for help.

Follow these steps to check your power:

• Check the outlet and power cord to ensure your system has access to a reliable power source.
• Turn your disposal on.

Is there still no power? It’s not uncommon for electrical shortages in your system to trip your circuit breaker. Check your circuit breaker and try your system again.

If your disposal still doesn’t have power, you may be dealing with a more complex wiring issue. A voltage tester can be used to determine if there’s a loose connection in your wiring.

To check your outlet:

• Turn your circuit breaker off.
• Remove the screws that secure your disposal faceplate.
• Inspect the wiring. Check for loose connections.
• Secure and tighten all connections.
• Turn your home’s power back on and test your system again.

Reset Your System

Sometimes, fixing your garbage disposal is as easy as pushing the reset button at the bottom of the unit. Your disposal has an internal circuit breaker that protects it from damage caused by electrical shortages or surges in your home.

You can reset the built-in breaker by locating the reset button and pressing it. After you’ve reset your system, it’s time to test your garbage disposal to see if this has fixed the issue.

Address Leaks

The sink mounting flange can be the source of that frustrating leak under your sink. Vibrations from using your garbage disposal can eventually loosen the mounting apparatus that connects your system to the sink drain.

To fix your leak:

• Turn off your garbage disposal.
• Turn the disposal counterclockwise from the bottom to remove it from the mounting flange.
• Apply plumber’s putty between the sink and the flange.
• Tighten the mounting bolts that hold the flange to the sink.
• Clean away excess putty.
• Reinstall your disposal system.
• Check for leaks by running your water.

Preventing Garbage Disposal Failure

In addition to regular maintenance, there are steps you can take to prevent your system from failing. Refraining from placing hard items like bones or fibrous materials down your system can reduce the risk of jams and other damage, extending the life span of your garbage disposal.

By adopting mindful habits while using your system, you can save yourself the hassle of breakdowns and enjoy the full function of your kitchen.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Services With All Hours

Garbage disposals are complex appliances, and sometimes, they need professional help to get them going again safely. When you’ve exhausted all your efforts and still can’t get your garbage disposal working efficiently and effectively in your Salt Lake City home, All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help.

With upfront pricing, same-day services, and free estimates on replacements, trust our highly skilled and experienced technicians to diagnose and resolve your disposal issues with no trouble.

Schedule garbage disposal services in Salt Lake City, UT, with All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Cooling by calling (801) 895-5774.