Rubbish disposals are a handy kitchen device—till they cease working. A jammed, buzzing, or fully silent unit can disrupt your every day routine and result in plumbing issues if left unaddressed. On this Redfin article, we’ll stroll you thru the commonest causes your rubbish disposal won’t be working, how you can troubleshoot it, and when it’s time to name a professional—whether or not you’re in a home in Chicago, IL or a house in Phoenix, AZ.
1. Examine the facility supply
Typically, the answer is so simple as restoring energy.
Begin with the reset button: Situated on the underside of the unit, this pink or black button resets the disposal. If it’s popped out, press it again in.
Look beneath the sink: Ensure that the unit is plugged in. It could have come free.
Check the outlet: Plug in one other equipment to test if the outlet is working. If not, attempt resetting your circuit breaker.
Professionals ideas for checking the facility supply
At all times begin with a reset“If your garbage disposal suddenly stops, check for a reset button on the bottom—it often trips during jams,” says Stream Metropolis Plumbing. “Always unplug the unit before inspecting, and avoid harsh chemical cleaners. We recommend flushing monthly with baking soda and vinegar to keep odors away. Strange noises or persistent leaks usually mean it’s time for a replacement.”
Examine the plug and wall swap“A non-working disposal might just need a quick reset,” says Sargents Maytag. “Make sure it’s plugged in, hit the reset button, and inspect for jams using a flashlight and tools—never your hands. If it still won’t turn on, the wall switch or wiring could be the issue.”
Don’t ignore electrical overloads “A sudden shutdown is often due to an electrical overload, and the reset button can solve it fast,” explains A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating. “Just remember to cut power first. For lasting performance, avoid fibrous waste and clean the disposal with a mix of ice cubes and citrus peels each month. These small steps can prevent costly issues.”
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2. Hear for buzzing or silence
The sound your rubbish disposal makes gives a clue.
Buzzing noise: This normally means the disposal is getting energy, however the blades could also be jammed by one thing like a chunk of silverware or fibrous meals. Operating the unit on this state can burn out the motor, so shut it off instantly and transfer to clearing the jam.
No noise in any respect: The unit won’t be receiving energy in any respect. Ensure that it’s securely plugged in, press the pink reset button on the underside of the unit, and test your circuit breaker for a tripped swap. If it nonetheless received’t reply, there could also be a problem with the wall swap or inside wiring.
3. Clear a jam safely
By no means use your arms contained in the disposal—use the proper instruments as an alternative.
Flip off the facility: Unplug the unit or swap off the circuit breaker earlier than doing something.
Use an Allen wrench: Insert it into the hex gap beneath the unit and manually flip it to free caught impellers.
Attempt tongs or pliers: Take away seen blockages utilizing lengthy instruments—not your arms.
Professional ideas for fixing a jammed rubbish disposal
Keep away from jams with protected practices “One of the most common reasons a garbage disposal fails is a jam or overload,” says Alliance Equipment Restore. “If the unit stops working, hit the reset button first—but always cut the power before checking for blockages. Never put fibrous foods down the drain, and run cold water to flush everything through. Good habits can seriously extend your disposal’s lifespan.”
Examine for particles and by no means deal with your disposal like a trash can“Start by figuring out if the disposal is jammed or just lost power,” explains Invoice Helmken Plumbing. “If it’s jammed, turn off the power and inspect inside for debris—then rotate the blades with the right tool. And never treat your disposal like a trash can—avoid grease and tough waste.”
Attempt a hex wrench to free the jam“If your garbage disposal jams, try using the included hex wrench to free it up from below,” advises Sam’s Equipment Restore. “Always make sure the unit is powered off before reaching inside. If it keeps tripping or grinding loudly, a replacement may be needed. For maintenance, flush it with cold water and toss in ice cubes with lemon peels to clean and deodorize.”
4. Examine for clogs and buildup
If the unit runs however doesn’t drain, the clog could also be deeper within the drainpipe.
Use a plunger: A sink plunger (not the bathroom form) might help push meals particles by if the blockage is simply past the disposal. Ensure that to cowl the opposite drain (if it’s a double sink) for higher suction.
Clear the entice: Place a bucket beneath the P-trap (the curved pipe beneath the sink), then unscrew it rigorously to rinse out any trapped meals or sludge. This can be a frequent place for clogs to type.
Keep away from chemical cleaners: Harsh drain cleaners can injury the disposal’s inside parts. As a substitute, pour in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, let it fizz for a couple of minutes, and flush with sizzling water.
5. Know what to not put in a rubbish disposal
Prevention is essential. Keep away from these frequent clog-causing objects:
Grease and oils: They solidify in pipes and trigger buildup.
Fibrous greens: Celery, corn husks, and artichoke leaves can wrap across the blades.
Espresso grounds: They clump collectively and might clog drains.
Eggshells: The membrane layer can get caught within the disposal and trigger jams.
Starchy meals: Pasta, rice, and bread broaden with water and create a gluey mess.
6. Name an expert if wanted
If you happen to’ve tried all the things and it’s nonetheless not working—otherwise you’re uncomfortable doing repairs—it’s good to name a licensed plumber or electrician.
Pinpoint the difficulty earlier than calling for assist “Many disposal issues come down to something simple, like a stuck object or rust buildup,” says LocalPRO Equipment Restore. “Always disconnect power before troubleshooting and use tongs instead of your hands. If the unit hums or won’t reset, try using a hex key underneath. For leaks or aging disposals, replacement is often easier than repair.”
7. Change the unit
If the disposal remains to be unresponsive or incessantly wants resetting, it might be time for a alternative.
Examine for leaks: Water across the base might point out a cracked unit or unhealthy seal,each of which frequently require changing the unit.
Older than 10 years? Many disposals final 8–15 years. If yours is getting older and performing up, think about changing it with a more recent, extra environment friendly mannequin.
Plumber-approved ideas for figuring out when to restore or substitute
Perceive the complete lifecycle of a disposal “A dead disposal might be overheating, jammed, or have a burned-out motor,” says Cocoon House Companies. “Let it cool for 15 minutes, then press the reset. If it’s still not working, it could be time for a new unit—especially if it’s leaking or corroded. Run cold water during use, avoid overloading, and always break down large scraps beforehand.”
Know when to restore or substitute “Most disposal problems come from jams or power failures,” says Plumbers Elite. “Reset the unit, check the breaker, and use a hex key to free the blades if needed. If it leaks or smokes, or it’s over a decade old, replacement is usually best. Always cut the power before any fix, and clean monthly using ice and citrus for better performance.”
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Incessantly requested questions on rubbish disposal repairs
1. Is it protected to repair a rubbish disposal myself?
Sure, if the difficulty is minor like a reset or jam you possibly can clear safely with instruments. At all times unplug it first.
2. Why is my rubbish disposal buzzing however not spinning?
This normally means it’s jammed. Attempt utilizing an Allen wrench on the underside of the unit to free the blades.
3. What ought to I by no means put down a rubbish disposal?
Keep away from grease, espresso grounds, fibrous greens, and starchy meals like pasta or rice.
4. When ought to I name an expert?
If the disposal is leaking, unresponsive, or greater than 10 years previous, it’s greatest to name a licensed plumber.
5. Can I exploit drain cleaner in a rubbish disposal?
No—chemical cleaners can injury the unit. Use a vinegar and baking soda combine as an alternative.
