Why Is My Garbage Disposal Not Working And How To Fix It?

A malfunctioning kitchen appliance can be a real headache, especially when it is your garbage disposal. If you find your garbage disposal not working, there are a few simple reasons behind it. It could be a Tripped Disposer or a Damaged Motor. You can easily fix this issue using the steps in the following blog post. Otherwise, you can also call a professional if you are unable to do it yourself. Don’t hesitate any longer, and dive into this blog post now!

Reasons Behind The Garbage Disposal Not Working

You must be wondering why this disposer is not working. Well, here are some reasons you should know about.

1. Tripped Disposer – Sometimes the reset button gets triggered when it is overloaded and the disposal will not work. You must press the “Reset” button to fix this issue that is located on its bottom and turn it on again.
2. Stuck Items – It will also not work if food scraps or small objects are stuck inside which further blocks the blades. Hence, you should turn off the power, use pliers or tongs to remove anything blocking the disposal, and try running it again.
3. Damaged Motor – If you hear no sound or a hum, the motor might be broken. If you see that the motor in the Garbage Disposal is damaged, it could need replacing or fixing by a professional.
4. Clogged Pipes – If the pipes in this waste management system are getting clogged, they may also malfunction. Hence, you need to clean these pipes to keep your sink clean and waste-free.

These common reasons will cause your disposer to stop working. If it won’t grind any waste, you might also need to call a professional with the repair.

Necessary Tools To Fix This Disposer

If you see that this unit won’t work, it can be very frustrating. Hence, you should use the following tools to fix a broken trash disposer.

1. Screwdriver
2. Pliers
3. Hex Wrench
4. Hammer
5. Hacksaw
6. Silicone
7. Plumber’s Putty

Using the right tools and following easy steps will help you fix your faulty Garbage disposal. Hence, you should carefully use these tools to fix it.

How To Fix The Garbage Disposal Which Is Not Working?

If you come across the Garbage Disposal Not Working issues, don’t worry! You can fix most problems with a few easy steps. So, keep reading to learn how to get your disposal running again.

Examine All The Electrical Connections

1. First, you should make sure the unit is plugged in and connected to the power source.
2. Use a flashlight to find the red “Reset” button below the sink.
3. Press it until it stays in, resetting the disposal’s motor to fix minor issues.
4. You may also check the user manual if necessary.
5. Now you need to check the main electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker is off.

Check Out Possible Leaks From The Bottom And Top

If your garbage grinder is malfunctioning due to leakage issues, you must check out this section to learn about how you can fix it.

From The Bottom

Looking at the leaks from the lower parts of a system. So, follow these easy steps if your garbage disposal is not turning on due to leakage issues:

1. Turn off the power of the garbage disposal at the breaker box to stop the electricity flow.
2. Now place a bucket under the unit and use a wrench to loosen the connector.
3. Disconnect the dishwasher hose by loosening the screw that holds the clamps.
4. Use a screwdriver to run the mounting bracket and loosen the disposal from the sink.
5. Remove the disposal’s covering plate at the bottom.
6. Then unscrew the wire connectors to disconnect the wiring.

Your garbage disposal stops working if there are leakage issues from the bottom which help spot problems early.

From The Top

Checking out and fixing leaks from the top parts of a system helps to prevent damage. So, follow the steps below if your waste disposal stops working:

1. You should shut off the circuit breaker, turn off the disposal, and unplug it.
2. Use a flashlight to look under the sink and find where the leak is coming from.
3. If the leak is at the top, check the metal flange inside the sink drain for damage.
4. Find a mounting ring below the washing sink and turn it in the anti-clockwise.
5. Loosen the bolts holding the flange and lift the flange out from the top of the sink.
6. Remove the old plumber’s putty and wipe the area clean with a rag.
7. Apply a small amount of new plumber’s putty around the flange and place the flange back into the drain.
8. Finally, you should tighten the bolts, then reinstall the disposal, plug it back in the electric plug, and turn on the power.

If your Garbage Disposal is damaged, you should follow these steps. Regular care and cleaning will keep it working well.

On The Whole

A broken disposal may cause several issues when using it to clean up after meals. But if you see your garbage disposal not working, it might happen due to some simple issues such as a blocked pipe, a tripped reset button, or a jammed motor. To start with, you should check for any blockages and press the reset button. If that does not work, you must take a glance at the electrical connections. Regular cleaning and caring will help you to fix your disposal unit and prevent any future problems.

FAQs

Question. When Should We Call A Professional If Your Garbage Disposal Is Not Working?

Answer. You should call a professional to fix the Garbage disposal issues. You should also call an expert if there’s a clogged drain or leaking under the sink.

Question. Is It Safe To Use A Plunger To Fix Your Disposer?

Answer. No, do not use a plunger as it can damage the disposal or pipes and repair the issues. Hence, you should follow proper steps like checking for blockages.

Question. What Should I Do If My Disposal Unit Smells Bad?

Answer. If you have a broken garbage disposal, you should clean it by running cold water while grinding food waste.

Question. Can I Replace My Garbage Disposal?

Answer. Yes, if you think that your disposer might not work at all, you can replace it.