How To Fix a Garbage Disposal

We hear it every day: “What’s wrong with my garbage disposal?”

If your garbage disposal stopped working, follow this troubleshooting guide to get it fixed:

1. Check the Power – Is it plugged in? This may seem like a silly thing to mention, but it’s always possible that the circuit breaker has tripped for that outlet, or that regular use of other items under your kitchen sink has pulled out the plug. (We’ve seen it happen on numerous occasions!) If it seems to be getting power, unplug your garbage disposal before continuing with the rest of your troubleshooting. 
2. Check for Blockages –Is water going down or does it seem clogged? A blockage can be the result of a utensil or other solid object jammed down inside, or it can be due to a buildup of grease and food matter. A blockage can cause a garbage disposal to stop working by binding up the blades. If you notice anything clearly stuck inside, gently try to remove it paying attention to not hurt yourself in the process. Pouring hot (not boiling) water down may help to break up sludge or food particles inside. Never pour liquid drain cleaner into your garbage disposal though, as that can damage your pipes and result in serious injury.
3. Manually Turn the Blades – Using a wrench or heavy wooden dowel inserted inside, manually turn the blades to dislodge anything that may be stuck that you cannot see. This can also help free the flywheel if it has gotten bound up for some reason.
4. Reset the Unit – if your disposal has a reset button underneath that has tripped, reset it, and try running it again. It’s possible that a blockage or minor power surge caused it to trip.

If none of these approaches work or if your garbage disposal is making noise (or was making noise before it stopped working), it’s possible that the motor is burning out or has burned out. In this case, it’s best to call a local plumber to come out and inspect it to determine if it can be fixed or whether you need to replace your garbage disposal. A licensed plumber can fix a broken part or install a new garbage disposal if yours is unfixable.

Call us at 1 (800) 674-9130 for garbage disposal repair services and garbage disposal replacement. We have a team of highly qualified plumbers that are ready to help! Let us get your kitchen back in good working order.

Additional resources:
What is Wrong With My Garbage Disposal?
Clogged Garbage Disposal Repair
What Shouldn't Go Down a Garbage Disposal?
How to Repair a Garbage Disposal That is Leaking
Can I Install a Faucet Myself?
Tips for DIY Homeowner Plumbing
What Options Are There for Kitchen Sink Installation?
How to Replace an Old Sink
How Much Is It to Install a Garbage Disposal?
Should I Call a Plumber to Install a Kitchen Sink?
How to Know If I Need a New Kitchen Sink
Garbage Disposal Installation Costs
Who Can Repair Garbage Disposals?
DIY Garbage Disposal Repair Steps