5 surprising reasons your garbage disposal is giving you a headache

Garbage disposals are a convenient way to dispose of food waste, but they can sometimes malfunction, leaving you with a clogged sink and a foul odor. If your garbage disposal isn’t working, don’t panic! There are a few common problems that can be easily fixed.

Common Reasons Why Garbage Disposal Doesn’t Work

1. Clogged Drain

The most common reason why a garbage disposal doesn‘t work is because the drain is clogged. Food particles, grease, and other debris can build up over time, eventually blocking the drain and preventing the disposal from operating properly.

2. Tripped Circuit Breaker

If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, it may be because the circuit breaker has tripped. This can happen if the disposal is overloaded or if there is a short circuit.

3. Jammed Impeller

The impeller is the part of the garbage disposal that rotates and grinds up food waste. If the impeller becomes jammed, it can prevent the disposal from working properly.

4. Faulty Motor

The motor is the heart of the garbage disposal, and if it fails, the disposal will not work. Motor failure can be caused by a number of factors, including overheating, overloading, or a damaged electrical connection.

5. Worn-Out Gaskets

The gaskets in a garbage disposal help to prevent leaks. If the gaskets become worn or damaged, it can cause the disposal to leak water or make a loud noise.

6. Air Lock

An air lock occurs when air gets trapped in the garbage disposal, preventing water from flowing through properly. This can cause the disposal to make a gurgling noise or stop working altogether.

7. Foreign Objects

Foreign objects, such as silverware, bones, or plastic, can get into the garbage disposal and cause it to jam or break.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your garbage disposal isn‘t working, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

• Check the drain for clogs. Remove any visible debris from the drain and run hot water to flush out any remaining clogs.
• Reset the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it and try to turn on the disposal again.
• Clear the impeller. If the impeller is jammed, use a pair of pliers to carefully remove the object that is blocking it.
• Replace the motor. If the motor has failed, you will need to replace it. This is a job that is best left to a qualified electrician.
• Replace the gaskets. If the gaskets are worn or damaged, you can replace them yourself.
• Clear an air lock. To clear an air lock, run hot water into the disposal while simultaneously turning it on.
• Remove foreign objects. If you have accidentally put a foreign object into the disposal, try to remove it with a pair of pliers. If you are unable to remove the object, you will need to call a plumber.

Prevention Tips

There are a few things you can do to prevent your garbage disposal from malfunctioning:

• Don’t put grease or fat down the drain. Grease and fat can build up in the drain and cause clogs.
• Don’t overload the disposal. Overloading the disposal can cause the motor to overheat and burn out.
• Run the disposal with cold water. Cold water helps to keep the grease and fat from solidifying.
• Use a garbage disposal cleaner monthly. Garbage disposal cleaners help to break down food particles and keep the drain clear.

Final Thoughts

If you follow these tips, you can help to keep your garbage disposal working properly for years to come. However, if you do experience problems, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber for assistance.

Popular Questions

Q: Why is my garbage disposal making a loud noise?
A: A loud noise could be caused by a clogged drain, a jammed impeller, or worn-out gaskets.

Q: Why is my garbage disposal leaking water?
A: A leak could be caused by worn-out gaskets or a damaged drainpipe.

Q: Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?
A: A bad smell could be caused by food particles that are rotting in the drain or disposal.