Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient and useful appliances that are commonly used in modern homes’ kitchens. These appliances are fitted under the sink between the drain and the trap and are used to chop food waste into small particles that can be washed down the drain while eliminating the need to fill trash cans with stinking food waste.

Fortunately, there are so many garbage disposal repairs that any homeowner who considers himself or herself handy can carry out on his or her own. This extensive do it yourself manual will help homeowners to learn some useful tips on how to handle most of the garbage disposal problems and make simple repairs that can save a lot of time, money and frustration.

How Garbage Disposals Work?

To troubleshoot and fix issues with your garbage disposal, it helps to understand exactly how these appliances operate. Here is an overview of the inner workings of a garbage disposal unit:

Garbage disposals consist of a powerful electric motor, which is usually a 1/2 or 3/4 horsepower motor for home models. This motor spins a rotating grinding disk (also called a turntable) at very high speeds, typically between 1700-2000 RPM.

Attached to this rapidly spinning disk are two swiveling impellers (or lugs) made of a heavy material like iron or stainless steel. As the disk spins at high speeds, these impellers swing outward forcefully due to centrifugal force.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

There are several common problems that can affect the performance of a garbage disposal unit:

Clogs

Clogs are one of the most frequent problems encountered with garbage disposals. Dense or fibrous foods like bones, celery, corn husks, egg shells, coffee grounds, potato peels, fruit pits, and grease can get lodged in the grinding disk or shredder ring openings. Forcing the disposal to run when clogged can burn out the motor.

Leaks

Leaks usually occur due to cracked seals or damaged pipes. The constant grinding of food particles can slowly erode the seals around the top mounting assembly or bottom grinding disk over many years of use. Leaks can also happen if the disposal was improperly installed.

Humming Noise

A loud humming noise coming from the garbage disposal usually indicates the grinding disk is unable to spin and is stuck. This is commonly caused by some foreign object like a utensil, bottle cap, or small towel that has become lodged inside the disk preventing it from turning. Jamming of the swiveling impellers can also cause humming.

Not Turning On

If the garbage disposal will not start at all when flipped on, it could be due to several reasons. There may be a tripped circuit breaker, a defective wall switch, damaged wiring, or a problem with the disposal’s motor.

Step-by-Step DIY Garbage Disposal Repairs

Now let’s go over some of the common garbage disposal repairs that homeowners can perform themselves:

Clearing Clogs:

Clogs are one of the easiest garbage disposal issues to fix. Here are the steps:

1. Unplug the power cord to turn the disposal completely off. Never stick hands into a connected disposal!
2. Check inside the disposal drain hole for any visible obstructions. Use tongs, pliers, or needle-nose pliers to carefully grasp and remove any foreign objects you can see lodged in the grinding disk or shredder ring.
3. Insert an Allen wrench into the small red hex socket on the bottom center of the disposal unit. Rotate it back and forth several times to force out debris lodged in the grinding mechanism.
4. Check again with tools to remove any loosened objects. Getting objects out is crucial before turning disposal back on.
5. Plug the disposal back in and turn on the cold water. Turn on the disposal to check if the clog has been cleared. The added water flow will help flush out smaller particles.

Fixing Leaks:

Fixing a leaky garbage disposal involves locating the source and resealing. Here is the process:

1. Start by unplugging power to the disposal. This prevents accidental activation while repairing.
2. Plug the sink drain opening and fill sink halfway with water. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water to make leaks easier to spot.
3. Check along the top rim where the disposal mounts to the sink. Look for colored water dripping from this area. Leaks here mean the original plumber’s putty seal has failed. Carefully detach the disposal unit and reseal the flange with new plumber’s putty. Tighten the mounting ring securely before reattaching disposal.
4. Check the bottom of the unit on sides and bottom for any colored dripping. Slow leaks here usually mean seals inside the unit have cracked from wear and tear. Try using plumber’s putty to patch small leaks at the bottom. Larger leaks likely require replacing the disposal.

Fixing Humming Noise:

A humming noise usually means something is stuck in the grind mechanism. Here are tips for fixing it:

1. First unplug power to the disposal.
2. Check for any foreign objects lodged inside the grind ring impeding movement. Remove any found with pliers.
3. Rotate the bottom grinding plate back and forth with an Allen wrench to dislodge stuck debris.
4. Press the small red reset button on the bottom of the unit to reset the motor.
5. Plug disposal back in and turn it on with cold water running. The humming should be gone if the obstruction was cleared. If not, the grinding mechanism may need professional repair.

Getting Disposal Working Again:

If your disposal won’t start, try these steps:

1. Check your circuit breaker or wall switch box for any tripped breakers or loose switch connections and remedy these issues first.
2. Unplug disposal and inspect power cord connections under the sink for any loose wiring connections and tighten as needed.
3. Press the bottom reset button if the unit was overloaded.
4. Plug disposal back in and test with the switch. If no start, the motor may need replacement.

Conclusion

Garbage disposals are typical solid appliances that are expected to deal with scraps for several years; nevertheless, some problems such as clogs, leaks, noises, and failure to start can occur at some point. Fortunately, most of the repairs can be completed without a professional’s assistance if the homeowners are willing to do simple electrical and plumbing work.

Many of the repairs can be done in an hour or less simply by carefully inspecting the unit and using such tools as Allen wrenches, pliers and putty. However, any damages that involve the complicated disconnection of parts or checking the electrical system may warrant the services of a professional plumber to avoid major accidents or poor workmanship.