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5 Common Garbage Disposal Problems (Plus Quick Fixes)

March 27, 2017 by Justin Curtis 4 Comments

Your garbage disposal has become indispensable, correct? When it develops a problem, your sink could clog, smells can start to emerge from the sink, and mealtime clean-up can take a lot longer. Here’s 5 quick fix solution for common garbage disposal problems that might come in handy somewhere down the road:

  1. Jammed garbage disposal: Make sure to flip the switch and listen for the hum, which signals that something’s gotten caught between the impellers and the shredding ring. Step 1 – Turn off power at electrical box. Step 2 – Insert an offset wrench into the unit’s bottom slot and turn it first clockwise, and then counterclockwise to try to dislodge jam. If it’s freed up, it’s unjammed. Step 3 – Run a thick dowel rod or a broom handle down the disposer to try to free up impellers (remember, never stick a hand into the disposal). Step 4 – Turn power back on, push the reset button once, turn the water on, and flip disposal off and on a few times to get rid of the guilty culprit that caused the jam.
  2. Leaking garbage disposal: Step 1. Turn off the disposal. Step 2 – If a top flange is leaking, remove your disposal with a clockwise turn from the bottom. If mounting bolts are tight, take them off and either replace plumber’s putty with new putty or use a drop of silicone caulk instead. Replace flange and disposal, power up the unit and see if it’s still leaking. Step 3 – If the leak’s at your dishwasher connection, tighten the hose clamp that’s connected to your disposer’s dishwasher inlet. Replace the hose if it’s leaking or damaged. Step 4 – If the leak is by the discharge that’s connected to the drainpipe, tighten all bolts around it and run a small bit of water. If the discharge is still leaking, replace the gasket between disposer and pipe, and then put the pipe back together.
  3. No power: Step 1- Make sure no buzz or hum is coming from the jammed disposal. No noise means no power. Step 2 – Make sure plug hasn’t been loosened. Step 3 – Check reset button at the bottom of the unit. If it has popped out, push it. Step 4 – Check circuit breaker – it might need to be reset. Step 5 – If your garbage disposal still isn’t running, you have either a damaged disposal or a bad switch. Step 6 – The switch needs to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable working around electrical equipment, it’s time to call the electrician.
  4. Clogged drain: Step 1 – If your garbage disposal won’t drain, or is having some trouble draining, disconnect your drain trap (the S or P shaped plumbing line that follows the disposer’s discharge) and remove it from discharge drain. Step 2 – Clean out any obstructions or clogs. Step 3 – If there are no clogs inside the trap, it’s likely that a clog exists inside the line that connects to the wall. Step 4 – Try using a plunger and see if clog can be dislodged with force and water. Step 5 – Remove the sink stopper and extend a sink auger cable down into the drain. Crank the auger handles until you can feel the clog. Keep applying gentle pressure on the clog until you’ve worked through it. Step 6 – Repeat as necessary until all the clog is removed. Make sure to flush pipes using hot water once you’ve cleaned the drain.
  5. Garbage disposal blades aren’t moving: Step 1 – If you’ve removed the blockage, and the disposal’s blades still aren’t moving, you’ll need to check the flywheel. (This could be the reason if you’ve noticed some leakage down at the disposal’s bottom). Step 2 – Make certain that the circuit breaker, as well as the garbage disposal, is turned off. Step 3 – Find the machine’s hex hole and use a hex wrench to detach flywheel. Once it’s disconnected, clean out any accumulated debris. Step 4 – If you think there’s a problem with the blades, disconnect all the hose fittings and remove any debris that is in the impellers. Step 5 – Take a look at the garbage disposal manual to see if there’s a possibility that you can sharpen the disposer’s blades. If the manual says OK, go ahead and sharpen them; it will prevent some future clogging. Step 6 – It’s time to reassemble your garbage disposal and retest.

Not sure which one to buy?  Check out our comparison table below:

Model

Horsepower

Our Review

InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Compact Garbage Disposer
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Compact Garbage Disposer
  • NOTE: Item do not come with a power cord attached, it is a separate add-on accessory
  • SPACE EFFICIENT, DURABLE COMPONENTS: Perfect for small households or houses with restricted cabinet space, this garbage...
  • QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal features noise reducing SoundSeal Technology, our exclusive,...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Evolution Compact

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3/4 HP

Read Review

InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
3,182 Reviews
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
  • RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime...
  • DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/3 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting...
  • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Badger 1

Learn More

1/3 HP

Read Review

Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP , Gray
Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP , Gray
  • COMPACT SIZE: Smaller and lighter ¾ HP design is 7-3/4 inches in diameter, 13-3/4 inches long and weighs 8.6 lbs
  • HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 3/4 HP, 2700 RPM (115 volts) permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated and jams less
  • EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splash guard for easy...
Buy on Amazon

Waste King L-3200 Legend Series

Learn More

3/4 HP

Read Review

InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Evolution Excel, 1.0 HP Continuous Feed
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Evolution Excel, 1.0 HP Continuous Feed
  • QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal is the quietest disposal on the market, featuring advanced noise...
  • DURABLE COMPONENTS FOR THE TOUGHEST FOOD SCRAPS: This garbage disposal features alloy stainless steel components with...
  • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Evolution Excel

Learn More

1.0 HP

Read Review

Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal with...
Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal with...
  • HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 rpm permanent magnet motor jams less
  • EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splashguard for easy...
  • 5 YEAR PROTECTION: 5-year Limited In-Home Warranty
Buy on Amazon

Waste King L-2600 Legend Series

Learn More

1/2 HP

Read Review

Model

InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Compact Garbage Disposer
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Compact Garbage Disposer
  • NOTE: Item do not come with a power cord attached, it is a separate add-on accessory
  • SPACE EFFICIENT, DURABLE COMPONENTS: Perfect for small households or houses with restricted cabinet space, this garbage...
  • QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal features noise reducing SoundSeal Technology, our exclusive,...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Evolution Compact

Learn More

Horsepower

3/4 HP

Our Review

Read Review

Model

InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
3,182 Reviews
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
  • RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime...
  • DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/3 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting...
  • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Badger 1

Learn More

Horsepower

1/3 HP

Our Review

Read Review

Model

Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP , Gray
Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP , Gray
  • COMPACT SIZE: Smaller and lighter ¾ HP design is 7-3/4 inches in diameter, 13-3/4 inches long and weighs 8.6 lbs
  • HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 3/4 HP, 2700 RPM (115 volts) permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated and jams less
  • EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splash guard for easy...
Buy on Amazon

Waste King L-3200 Legend Series

Learn More

Horsepower

3/4 HP

Our Review

Read Review

Model

InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Evolution Excel, 1.0 HP Continuous Feed
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Evolution Excel, 1.0 HP Continuous Feed
  • QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal is the quietest disposal on the market, featuring advanced noise...
  • DURABLE COMPONENTS FOR THE TOUGHEST FOOD SCRAPS: This garbage disposal features alloy stainless steel components with...
  • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Buy on Amazon

InSinkErator Evolution Excel

Learn More

Horsepower

1.0 HP

Our Review

Read Review

Model

Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal with...
Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal with...
  • HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 rpm permanent magnet motor jams less
  • EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splashguard for easy...
  • 5 YEAR PROTECTION: 5-year Limited In-Home Warranty
Buy on Amazon

Waste King L-2600 Legend Series

Learn More

Horsepower

1/2 HP

Our Review

Read Review

Last update on 2022-05-18 at 02:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5 Common Garbage Disposal Problems, repairs

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sindee Dane

    August 25, 2017 at 5:17 am

    My garbage disposal makes a very loud noise when I run it. What may the problem be? Thanks, Sindee

    Reply
  2. barry rasile

    December 4, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    disposal hums but the blades still move

    Reply
  3. Taylor Hansen

    October 6, 2020 at 10:43 am

    Last night my garbage disposal seemed jammed and it won’t break anything down. It’s good to know that you should listen to a hum when it’s turned on and see if something is caught in the impellers. I’ll be sure to call a professional to fix my disposal since I don’t know what to do with it.

    Reply
  4. john madden

    October 14, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    water and food comes up the other sink when i use the disposal

    Reply

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