Before attempting to fix your garbage disposal, you should first understand what the most common causes of garbage disposal issues are. If you think it could be the utensil that’s causing the problem, here are some steps you can take to determine why. To begin, shine a flashlight through the drain opening of your garbage disposal. Then, feel around inside the disposal for any foreign objects. If there are no foreign objects, unplug the unit and turn off the power.
Common causes of garbage disposal problems
If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on, it might be due to a blown circuit. If you’re experiencing unexplained power outages, you’ll want to have your electrical system checked as soon as possible. Another common cause of garbage disposal problems is a jammed flywheel. To fix this, follow the owner’s manual for tips. You can also use a wrench to unjam the inner flywheel. Once the flywheel is free of any obstructions, the blades should start turning smoothly. If the problem persists, you may have to reset your garbage disposal.
If you hear a metal-sounding noise coming from your garbage disposal, check the plug for any loose connections. If it is, the problem is likely to be a misaligned component. Quickly adjusting the parts can usually solve the problem. If the noise continues after the plug is removed, it may be due to an obstruction blocking the motor. Then, check the disposal’s reset button, which extends outwards when it trips.
When your garbage disposal starts to make a grinding noise, it may be a sign that something has become stuck inside it. Besides the noise, you should call a plumber right away to get the problem fixed. If the noise continues, it may be due to a jammed grinding chamber, a broken flywheel, or a malfunctioning motor assembly. You should also consult a plumber to check your disposal for any broken parts.
Repairing a garbage disposal
Whether your garbage disposal is clogged or leaking, it may be time to repair it. First, turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker or fuse panel. Check for foreign objects in the disposal drain pipe. If these are not the problem, you can replace the drain gasket and unit mounting screws. If a clog persists, you may need to replace the drain hose. Then, test the disposal with a flashlight to see if any more materials are blocking it.
Turn off the power before you begin to work on the garbage disposal. This will prevent any electrical shock from the blades or power cord. If you can’t find the power cord, disconnect all drainpipes to the unit. If you still have trouble, you can also try unplugging the unit. If all of these steps fail, it’s time to call a plumber. The next step is to check the garbage disposal’s fuses. You may find that one is tripped.
When the whirring and humming sounds continue, turn off the unit. The electrical circuit that serves the disposal may be off or the unit may be jammed. If the unit hums or grinds but not fully, the problem may be with the blades. To diagnose clogged garbage disposal, follow these steps. The errant spoon is often to blame. A good way to check whether your disposal is jammed is to unplug it from the wall. If this does not solve the problem, you can inspect the drain for clogging or a stoppage. Also, a pungent odor may be caused by poor chopping or drainage.
Resetting an overheated garbage disposal motor
If you’ve had problems with your garbage disposal, you’ve probably tried the “reset” button a few times without success. It’s most likely that your disposal has overheated, possibly from overfilling, or it has been tripped off by overheating and tripped the circuit breaker. To reset the motor of your disposal, locate the red “reset” button on your disposal. This button is usually located under the unit and can be found on its circuit box. If you can’t find it, consult the manufacturer’s website or user manual for instructions.
Check the switch at your disposal. It will be in the opposite direction from all of the other switches on the wall. If the switch shoots out and goes back in, the problem is with the power supply. If so, make sure to check your power outlet and correct any wiring issues before attempting the reset again. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to replace the disposal. If this fails to resolve the issue, you may need to call a repairman.
Locate the reset button on your garbage disposal. Usually, you’ll find it on the bottom of the disposal unit. It should be a red or black button. Press this button and the disposal should run smoothly. However, if you can’t locate it, you should consult the manual to determine what is wrong with your machine. If your disposal still does not work after the reset process, you should contact the manufacturer or plumber for help.
