Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide
The garbage disposal is a modern kitchen essential, helping to grind up food scraps and prevent clogged drains. But when it malfunctions—making strange noises, clogging, or refusing to turn on—it can disrupt your entire kitchen routine. Fortunately, many garbage disposal problems can be diagnosed and fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
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 article will cover the most common garbage disposal issues, how to troubleshoot them, and when to call a professional.
1. How Garbage Disposals Work
Knowing how the unit operates helps you pinpoint the problem.
- Motor and flywheel: Powers the grinding plate.
- Impellers: Push food against the shredder ring to break it down.
- Grind chamber: Holds food while it’s pulverized.
- Discharge pipe: Sends waste into the drain system.
Unlike knives or blades, disposals use force and friction rather than sharp cutting edges.
2. Common Garbage Disposal Problems
1. Disposal won’t turn on
- Possible causes: Tripped reset button, unplugged unit, blown fuse, or a burnt-out motor.
2. Disposal hums but doesn’t grind
- Possible causes: Jammed flywheel or obstructed impellers.
3. Slow draining or standing water
- Possible causes: Food buildup, grease clogs, or blocked drain lines.
4. Leaks
- Possible causes: Loose sink flange, cracked unit housing, or worn discharge connections.
5. Bad odors
- Possible causes: Trapped food scraps, bacterial growth, or grease buildup inside the chamber.
3. Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Issues
Problem 1: Disposal Won’t Turn On
- Confirm the unit is plugged in.
- Press the reset button at the bottom.
- Check your home’s breaker box for a tripped circuit.
- If the unit still won’t turn on, the motor may be burned out and require replacement.
Problem 2: Humming but Not Grinding
- Turn off power to the disposal.
- Insert an Allen wrench into the hex socket at the bottom.
- Rotate back and forth to free a jammed flywheel.
- Press the reset button and test the unit again.
- If it continues humming, professional repair may be needed.
Problem 3: Slow Draining or Clogs
- Run cold water and the disposal to clear minor debris.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they corrode pipes and damage disposals.
- Use a sink plunger to remove clogs in the line.
- If water still drains slowly, schedule professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting.
Problem 4: Leaks
- Tighten mounting bolts at the sink flange.
- Inspect the discharge pipe and tighten the slip nut.
- Replace worn gaskets if necessary.
- If the unit housing is cracked, replacement is the only fix.
Problem 5: Bad Odors
- Grind ice cubes to dislodge stuck food.
- Run citrus peels for a fresh scent.
- Flush with baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
- Avoid bleach—it damages seals and rubber parts.
4. What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal
Prevention is better than repair. Avoid putting these items into your unit:
- Fats, oils, and grease
- Fibrous foods (celery, onion skins, corn husks)
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells with membranes
- Pasta and rice (expand with water)
- Bones or fruit pits
These cause jams, clogs, or damage to the disposal’s components.
5. Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
- Always run cold water before, during, and after use.
- Grind small amounts of food at a time—never overload.
- Clean weekly with baking soda and vinegar.
- Sharpen impellers by grinding ice cubes occasionally.
- Replace worn splash guards to keep odors under control.
6. When to Call a Professional
Some issues require expert attention. Contact a plumber if:
- The unit won’t turn on after resetting.
- You hear metal grinding inside.
- Leaks come from the body of the unit.
- Multiple drains clog along with the disposal.
- Your disposal is more than 10 years old and malfunctions often.
Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros offers garbage disposal repair and replacement, along with complete drain and sewer services.
7. Commercial Garbage Disposal Issues
Restaurants and commercial kitchens rely heavily on disposals. Problems often include:
- Grease buildup leading to constant clogs.
- Overloaded disposals during peak hours.
- Odors affecting kitchen sanitation.
Regular maintenance and hydro jetting services prevent downtime in commercial settings.
Final Thoughts
Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup easier, but like any appliance, they can develop problems. From humming motors and clogs to leaks and odors, most issues have simple troubleshooting steps. More serious problems, however, require professional help.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we proudly serve Orange County and Los Angeles County with expert residential and commercial plumbing services, specializing in drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, leak detection, and garbage disposal services. Whether you need a quick repair or a full replacement, our experienced team is ready to keep your kitchen running smoothly.