Garbage Disposal Problems: Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient appliances in the modern kitchen. It grinds up food scraps, helps reduce waste, and keeps drains clear. But when something goes wrong—strange noises, clogs, or complete failure—it can quickly turn convenience into frustration.

At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, serving Orange County and Los Angeles County, we specialize in residential and commercial plumbing services, including drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, and leak detection. This guide covers the most common garbage disposal problems, how to troubleshoot them, and when to call a professional.

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1. How a Garbage Disposal Works

Understanding how the appliance functions makes troubleshooting easier.

• Motor and flywheel: Spins the grinding plate.
• Impellers (not blades): Push food waste against the shredder ring.
• Grind chamber: Where food scraps are broken down.
• Discharge pipe: Moves ground waste into the drain system.

Contrary to popular belief, disposals don’t have sharp blades—they grind food with blunt impellers and a shredder ring.

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2. Common Garbage Disposal Problems

1. The Disposal Won’t Turn On

Likely causes:

• Tripped reset button
• Power supply issue
• Burnt-out motor

2. Humming Sound but Not Grinding

Likely causes:

• Jammed flywheel from stuck food or objects
• Motor overload

3. Slow Draining or Clogs

Likely causes:

• Food buildup in the drainpipe
• Grease or fibrous waste jamming the chamber

4. Leaks

Likely causes:

• Loose sink flange
• Damaged discharge pipe
• Cracks in the unit housing

5. Foul Odors

Likely causes:

• Decomposing food waste inside the chamber
• Residue stuck on the shredder ring or impellers

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3. Troubleshooting Step by Step

Problem 1: Disposal Won’t Turn On

1. Check that the unit is plugged in.
2. Press the reset button (usually located on the bottom).
3. Check your breaker panel for a tripped circuit.
4. If it still won’t turn on, the motor may need replacement.

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Problem 2: Humming but Not Grinding

1. Turn off the disposal.
2. Insert an Allen wrench into the hex slot at the bottom of the unit.
3. Rotate back and forth to free the jammed flywheel.
4. Press the reset button and test again.
5. If humming persists, the motor may be failing.

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Problem 3: Slow Draining or Clogs

1. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to clear minor debris.
2. Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they damage pipes.
3. Use a plunger on the sink drain to dislodge blockages.
4. If the clog persists, professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting may be required.

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Problem 4: Leaks

1. Check the sink flange and tighten mounting bolts.
2. Inspect the discharge pipe and tighten connections.
3. If the housing itself is cracked, replacement is the only solution.

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Problem 5: Bad Odors

1. Grind ice cubes to remove stuck debris.
2. Add lemon or orange peels for fresh scent.
3. Flush with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
4. Avoid bleach—it can damage rubber seals.

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4. What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

Prevention is the best troubleshooting. Avoid grinding these items:

• Grease, fats, and oils (cause buildup)
• Fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins)
• Bones or fruit pits
• Coffee grounds (cause sludge in pipes)
• Eggshells (membranes stick to parts)
• Pasta and rice (expand in water and clog drains)

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5. Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Disposal

• Always run cold water before, during, and after use.
• Grind small amounts of waste at a time.
• Clean weekly with a baking soda and vinegar flush.
• Sharpen impellers by grinding ice cubes occasionally.
• Replace rubber splash guards when they wear out.

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6. When to Call a Professional

While many disposal issues are DIY-friendly, some require a plumber:

• Electrical problems or frequent tripping
• Persistent clogs that affect multiple drains
• Leaks from inside the disposal housing
• Sewer odors rising from the sink
• Units older than 10 years that fail repeatedly

At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we provide fast, reliable residential and commercial plumbing services, including garbage disposal repair and replacement, along with full drain and sewer solutions.

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7. Commercial Garbage Disposal Concerns

Businesses—especially restaurants—rely heavily on disposals. Common issues include:

• Grease clogs from heavy kitchen use
• Overloaded disposals during rush hours
• Persistent odors affecting kitchen sanitation

For commercial clients, regular hydro jetting and maintenance schedules prevent breakdowns and keep operations running smoothly.

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Final Thoughts

A garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easy, but like any appliance, it requires care. By learning how to troubleshoot common problems—such as units that won’t turn on, humming without grinding, clogs, leaks, and odors—you can often fix minor issues yourself. More serious problems, however, are best left to professionals.

At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we proudly serve Orange County and Los Angeles County with expert residential and commercial plumbing services, including drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, leak detection, and garbage disposal services. Whether you need a quick fix or a complete replacement, our team is ready to help.