The Top 5 Reasons Garbage Disposals Stop Working (and How to Fix Them)

Electrical Issues

This is one of the most common problems the disposals face. When you try to flip the switch, if it doesn’t turn on, most likely you’re dealing with an electrical issue. You most likely have an electrical issue if you flip the switch on your garbage disposal and it doesn't turn on. To fix this, you first need to make sure that the garbage disposal is properly connected. Click on the reset button and see if the unit starts working again. If it doesn’t, check the circuit breaker and reset it, and if the issue still goes on and you suspect wire damage, give a call to professionals.

Humming Sound

If you hear an odd, humming-like sound coming from your unit, the first thing you should do is to immediately turn it off because it most likely means something like bones or glass got jammed in the flywheel. What you can do after turning the unit off is try to clear the object that got stuck with the help of tongs or a wooden spoon. Never try to get rid of it with hands. When you feel like it’s clear, you can turn on the unit again.

Clogged Pipes

Certain foods have a tendency to build up inside the pipes and cause blockages as a result, and they should be completely avoided from garbage disposals. Grease, even if it is liquid when sent down the pipes, eventually solidifies and blocks the pipes. In a similar way, starchy food like paste or potatoes tends to get swollen with water and blocks the area. Coffee grounds, bones, and eggshells should also be avoided. To solve the issue, please never opt for chemical drain cleaners, because they corrode the metal in garbage. You may use the classic plungers to handle the clog; however, if it persists, make sure to call a professional plumber.

Overheating

If the garbage disposal just stops working without any other signs, it may be overheated. This can be because the disposal is working harder than normal due to clogs or simply because of overuse. Make sure to give your disposal some time before using it again. However, if there are no obvious electrical issues and if it still doesn’t work, garbage disposal repair may be needed.

Poor Maintenance

Just like other appliances, proper maintenance is necessary for the full functionality of your garbage disposal. Since it regularly deals with food particles, buildup of these materials without proper cleaning and maintenance causes deterioration of the blades. As a result, over time, the disposal unit may stop working. In addition, overusing the garbage disposal as well as not using it can cause it to malfunction.

Don’t Delay Professional Services

The problems regarding garbage disposals come in a great range. Some of them can be solved by simply resetting the unit or taking out a jammed object, while other times it is related to more complex issues. When this is the case, the need for professional help is nonnegotiable. Dealing with garbage disposals with no knowledge about how they work can be very dangerous. If you are observing issues with your unit and the issue doesn’t seem to be solved by the methods we discussed in the article, call the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including plumbing, sewer services, water heater repairs, and many others. Call us today and schedule your appointment.