Introduction
A garbage disposal is a useful appliance found in many kitchen sinks that helps grind up and dispose of small bits of food waste. However, like any machine, garbage disposals can sometimes break down or stop working properly. When your garbage disposal starts acting up, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and get it functioning again before calling a plumber.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview on garbage disposal repair, covering common problems, parts that need replacing, and step-by-step instructions for DIY fixes. Read on to learn how to diagnose issues, reset your unit, remove jams, replace key components, and finally when to call for professional assistance. With the right information and a little bit of handiwork, you can likely get your garbage disposal back up and running again.
How a Garbage Disposal Works
Before diving into troubleshooting tips, it helps to understand how a garbage disposal operates.
A garbage disposal is composed of several key components:
- Grinding disk or shredder ring – This disk contains blunt projections that spin at high speeds, grinding and pulverizing debris.
- Motor – Provides the power and RPMs for spinning the shredder ring. Can be induction or permanent split-capacitor motor.
- Impellers – Fins attached above grinding disk that helps push food waste downwards.
- Drain line – Carries the shredded particles from the disposal chamber to the main wastewater plumbing line.
When the disposal is turned on, the motor spins the shredder ring at speeds ranging between 1700-2000 RPM. The impellers push waste against the grinding disk, shredding it into tiny particles that can pass through plumbing. An integral jam-clearing wrench is built into the base, allowing users to manually turn the shredder ring to clear stuck debris.
Now that the key components are understood, let’s look at troubleshooting common garbage disposal issues.
How to Diagnose Garbage Disposal Problems
When a garbage disposal stops working properly, there are some preliminary checks you can do to diagnose what type of issue it is having:
Noisy Operation – If the disposal is turning on but making loud grinding, squealing or clanking noises, there may be something stuck in the chamber or shredder ring. jammed object that needs to be cleared.
Humming/Buzzing – A humming noise, but the grinder plate fails to spin, indicates a problem with the motor. This could mean a stuck rotor, faulty windings or a binding unit.
No Power – No noise at all when turned on likely means a power issue like a tripped circuit breaker, defective wall switch or an unplugged cord.
Leaking – Water leaking from base indicates a possible damaged seal/gasket or loose mounting assembly.
Slow Draining – Poor draining after use may mean a clogged dishwasher drain line, clogged sink drain basket or a jam deeper in the unit.
By identifying the type of issue occurring, you can then isolate the faulty part and focus troubleshooting steps.
Resetting a Tripped Garbage Disposal
If absolutely nothing happens when you turn on the disposal switch, the unit may have simply tripped an internal overload protector. Garbage disposals have a small reset button on the bottom, motor housing or side.
To reset a tripped disposal:
- Locate the reset button, which will typically be red or yellow in color. Common reset button locations include:
- On the bottom of the unit, accessible through a small hole on the mounting ring.
- Inside the disposal chamber, reachable through the sink drain opening after removing the splash guard.
- On the side or motor housing of the disposal.
- Disconnect power to disposal by unplugging cord or turning off circuit breaker.
- Allow unit to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Press the reset button until an audible click is heard.
- Restore power and test disposal. If it still won’t start, issue is likely not a simple tripped overload.
Resetting the protector may get your disposal going again, but if it continues to trip, you likely have a larger electrical problem and may need to replace the unit.
Removing Foreign Objects/Jams
If the garbage disposal hums when turned on but won’t grind, there is likely something jammed in the shredder ring or chamber preventing rotation. Typical culprits include utensils, bottle caps, bones, glass, pennies and bits of plastic.
To clear out a jam:
- Turn off power to disposal at breaker or unplug cord.
- Insert one end of the integral jam-buster wrench into center hole on bottom of garbage disposal. Twist wrench back and forth to manually rotate shredder ring and dislodge object.
- If unable to budge jam, insert wrench and turn mounting ring at base counterclockwise to realign grinding chamber for easier access through drain opening.
- Locate foreign object stuck in grind ring via drain opening or bottom service hole. Use tongs or pliers to remove if possible.
- If object remains lodged, insert screwdriver or Allen wrench in bottom service hole to aid removal.
- Replace splash guard, reattach chamber if dismounted and test unit. Turn on briefly and listen for any rattling noises indicating remnants of clog.
- Consider running ice cubes and citrus peels to help scrub and freshen disposal interior after removal of gunk and jams.
For severe jams, the garbage disposal may need to be disconnected from mounting assembly below sink for improved visibility and access. Alternatively, schedule a service call with a professional plumber equipped with special tools for drain cleaning.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Beyond stuck objects, there are several other common garbage disposal malfunctions and repairs DIYers can tackle:
Leaking Water
Potential Cause: Damaged sink flange/mounting gasket, corroded fittings, loose mounting bolts
Fix: Inspect flange seal and remount disposal, tighten all mounting bolts, replace damaged or corroded pipes/fittings
No Power
Potential Cause: Tripped circuit breaker, wall switch failure, defective wire connection
Fix: Reset breaker, replace defective wall switch, check and tighten wire connections
Loud Grinding Noise
Potential Cause: Damaged shredder ring, misalignment, stuck object
Fix: Manually turn ring with wrench to realign, remove stuck objects, replace shredder ring
Bad Odor
Potential Cause: Small clogs in line, spoiled food buildup
Fix: Flush with baking soda and vinegar, use enzymatic drain cleaner, replace unit
Humming But Won’t Spin
Potential Cause: Bad or stuck motor, jammed impellers
Fix: Turn wrench through drain to check impellers, replace motor
Draining Slowly
Potential Cause: Clogged dishwasher drain line, clogged sink basket, partial blockage
Fix: Remove and clean basket, use zip-it tool to clear blockages
Replacing Garbage Disposal Components
If troubleshooting points to a defective part that requires replacement, here are some tips on replacing common user-serviceable parts:
Motor – Motors consist of a stationary stator winding and rotating rotor assembly. If damaged or worn, the entire unit typically needs replacement. Unscrew electrical cover plate and detach wiring connections. Disconnect drain piping. Remove mounting ring bolts to detach motor housing from sink flange. Install new motor and reconnect drain line and wiring.
Grinding Ring – Remove old ring by unscrewing three mounting screws at base of unit. Pry off the ring and remove any remaining putty. Clean surface thoroughly. Apply fresh putty and insert new ring. Tighten screws and test. May need to realign motor shaft.
Gasket/Mounting Seals – Remove disposal and clean sink flange surface thoroughly. Peel off old gasket and use putty knife to scrape away any residue. Apply plumber’s putty around flange lip and press in new gasket until sealed tightly all around. Re-mount disposal.
Impellers – Remove grinding ring first to access impellers. Use needle-nose pliers to grip mangled impellers and rotate counterclockwise to unthread from plate. Clean threading in plate and insert new impellers, tightening clockwise with pliers.
When to Call a Professional
While many garbage disposal repairs can be completed by a knowledgeable DIYer, there are some issues best left to qualified appliance repair technicians:
- Complete motor failure requiring extensive disassembly of unit
- Complex electrical control panel malfunctions
- Major blockages requiring drain line snaking or removal of disposal
- Damage to grinding components from foreign objects
- Major leaks indicating casing cracks or faults
- Problems traced back to damaged sink, drain or electrical connections
Hiring a professional service may cost more upfront, but will save you time and prevent mistakes that lead to further plumbing headaches down the road. Only tackle DIY garbage disposal repairs you are fully confident completing safely.
FAQs About Fixing a Garbage Disposal
What causes a garbage disposal to stop working?
Common causes include stuck objects jamming the shredder ring, overloaded motors tripping the reset, and general wear-and-tear or damage to components like the motor, seals and impellers.
What should you not put in the garbage disposal?
Avoid bones, grease, egg shells, coffee grounds, potato peels, seeds/pits, whole vegetables and fibrous items which can clog drains.
How can you sharpen garbage disposal blades?
Grinding ice cubes, lemon or orange peels helps clean and sharpen shredding disk. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. replace shredder ring if too dull.
Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?
Bad scents usually indicate decomposing gunk built up inside unit. Disinfect with baking soda and vinegar. Replace if smells persist after thorough cleaning.
How do you unjam a garbage disposal?
Use built-in jam wrench to rotate ring and dislodge stuck debris through drain opening. Insert screwdriver or wrench to pry out objects. Never reach hands inside live unit!
Can I repair a garbage disposal myself?
Many basic repairs like clearing jams, replacing shredder ring, grinding motor, gaskets and impellers can be DIYed. More complex electrical and plumbing issues best left to pros. Know your limits!
Conclusion
Troubleshooting and repairing common garbage disposal issues like hums, jams, odors and leaks does not necessarily require calling an expensive plumber. Armed with this guide, a little mechanical know-how and proper safety precautions, many problems can be diagnosed and fixed with basic tools and patience. Seek professional assistance if repairs are beyond your skill level or comfort zone. With some TLC, your garbage disposal can be restored to working order or readily replaced if too far gone. Just take the proper precautions when sticking your hands in unknown appliance guts!