What To Do If Garbage Disposal Is Smoking? Tips and Tricks to Fix It

Garbage disposals are a handy appliance that helps us get rid of food waste easily. However, just like any other appliance, they can malfunction, and if your garbage disposal is jammed or has a problem with its motor, you may notice a smokey smell. If you notice smoke coming from your garbage disposal, you must act quickly to prevent any further damage or danger. In this article, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to fix your smoking garbage disposal and ensure it runs smoothly.

What To Do If Garbage Disposal Is Smoking?

Here are some steps you can take if your garbage disposal is smoking:

Turn off the Power - Immediately!

1. The first thing you should do is turn off the power supply to your garbage disposal. You can do this by unplugging it from the power source or turning off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the garbage disposal. Never try to fix a smoking garbage disposal while it's still connected to the power supply. Make sure the disposal stops smoking before working on it - if there is a significant amount of smoke, wait 15 minutes before proceeding. 

Identify the Cause of Smoke

2. The next step is to identify the cause of the smoke. There are several reasons why your garbage disposal might be smoking, including:

• Overheating due to heavy use
• A foreign object stuck in the disposal
• A damaged motor
• Electrical issues
• A damaged power cord

Once you've identified the cause of the smoke, you can take the necessary steps to fix it. If there are no foreign objects stuck in your disposal and it seems to be operating normally when it began to generate smoke, you may have a damaged motor. If you were using the disposal to clean up after a big party, it may just need some time to cool down as it has overheated. Other issues such as a short circuit may also cause a garbage disposal to smoke - if there is alot of smoke or if you suspect there may be a fire you should call emergency services. 

Clear any Obstructions

3. If there's a foreign object stuck in your garbage disposal, you'll need to remove it. Use pliers or tongs to carefully remove the object, making sure not to damage the blades. Never use your hands to remove the object.

Wait for it to Cool Down

4. If your garbage disposal is smoking due to overheating, turn it off and wait for it to cool down. You can try running the faucet on the cold water setting through the disposal to cool it down faster.

Reset the Disposal

5. Once your garbage disposal has cooled down, you can try resetting it. Look for the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and press it. If the reset button doesn't work, you may need to replace the motor.

Call a Professional

6. If you've tried all the above steps and your garbage disposal still produces smoke when you are jjust running the disposal empty with running water, it's time to call a professional. A licensed plumber or electrician can diagnose and fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q. What Can Cause A Garbage Disposal To Smoke?

A: A garbage disposal may produce a smoke odor if it begins to overheat, and the excess friction inside the unit begins to cause parts inside the motor or impeller to heat up. This can cause parts (especially plastic components) to melt and even burn. Older disposals may be prone to smelling like smoke as their parts rust or wear down and become stiffer and harder to turn. An old disposal may require the motor to work harder and thus overheat and generate a smoke aroma. 

Q. Is it safe to fix a smoking garbage disposal by yourself?

A: If you're not experienced with electrical appliances, it's best to call a professional. Attempting to fix a smoking garbage disposal yourself can be dangerous and lead to further damage.

Q. Can I prevent my garbage disposal from smoking?

A: Yes, you can prevent your garbage disposal from smoking by not overloading it with food waste, avoiding putting hard or tough objects in it, and running cold water while using it. You may need to replace your disposal if it is constantly generating a smokey smell. 

Q. How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

A: You should clean your garbage disposal at least once a month to prevent food waste buildup and keep it running smoothly. Take a look on our article below on how best to clean and maintain your disposal: 

If your garbage disposal is smoking, it's important to act quickly to prevent any further damage or danger. Follow the steps mentioned above to identify the cause of the smoke and fix the issue. Remember, safety should always come first, and if you're not experienced with electrical appliances, it's best to call a professional. By taking care of your garbage disposal, you can ensure it runs smoothly and lasts longer.