6 Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Is Not Working

Few things in life are as frustrating as finding out, after hours of labouring in the kitchen and getting your hands all filthy with food bits, that the garbage disposal, that very indispensable of kitchen tools, is not working. You flick the disposal switch every few seconds or so, but nothing happens.

A garbage disposal, like all household tools, can go on the fritz too, sometimes a little more frequently than the others. The following are some of the more common reasons your garbage disposal is not working.

Check your Garbage Disposal for the Following:

1. A Stuck Flywheel

A stuck flywheel, which is one of the little blades that chops the food bits, is the likely culprit when you turn the disposal switch on and all that happens is a gentle whirring. Something may have lodged itself there, and it’s stopping the flywheel from doing its job. You can dislodge the flywheel using a broom, or you can go after it from underneath the sink using a wrench. However, before you ever do anything like his, make sure the disposal is turned off. Most importantly, never reach down and attempt to dislodge the object with a bare hand.

2. The Problem Could be Electrical

It’s possible that there’s a tripped circuit, which is why the garbage disposal is not working as it should be. Then again, it could just be a case of the garbage disposal being unplugged, or needing a push of the reset button usually located at the base of the equipment.

3. Overheated Garbage Disposal Motor

A garbage disposal has a motor, and that motor could overheat. You can confirm this by shutting off the electricity to the garbage disposal and reaching down into the hole. If it feels a little hotter than usual, then it might have overheated. All it needs is some time to cool down. When it does, just hit the reset button at the bottom of the machine and the garbage disposal will probably work just fine.

4. Filthy Impeller Blades

Impeller blades are prone to rust or sediment buildup. To clean these blades, you can try to pour hot, white vinegar down that hole, or you can choose to mix the white vinegar with baking soda.

5. It has Sprung a Leak

Leaks are a common complaint about garbage disposals. To pinpoint the leak, place a hand at different points around the disposal and check the bolts as well. Once you’ve pinpointed the leak, use plumber’s putty to seal the leak.

6. Your Garbage Disposal has Given up the Ghost

Everything we own has a shelf life, and your garbage disposal may have already reached the end of its own. In most cases, relatively new garbage disposals become busted when its owners jam all kinds of foodstuff down it. Always remember that a garbage disposal is only meant to break down small pieces of food, not large slabs of steak or worse, steak bones.

It could get real expensive to replace your garbage disposal, which is why we should take good care of our garbage disposal. Remind everyone in your household to never jam large pieces of food or other objects down there. That way, you might just extend the life of your garbage disposal.

Should you have no choice but to replace your garbage disposal, know that we at Beez Neez Plumbing can help you shop for and install a new one. Give us a call, and we’ll give you a fair quote for helping your replace your garbage disposal.