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1. Why is the Garbage Disposal Not Turning On?
If you flip the switch on the garbage disposal and nothing happens, check to make sure the power cord is plugged in. Sometimes items under the sink shift, unplugging the disposal by accident. Plug it in and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, the built-in circuit breaker may have tripped.
How to Reset the Garbage Disposal
2. How to Clear a Clogged Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly, you may have a clogged drain. There are a couple of remedies for clearing a clogged drain.
Clearing the Clogged Garbage Disposal Drain
3. Garbage Disposal is Humming but Not Grinding
If you turn on the garbage disposal and the only thing you hear is a humming sound, the problem could be food or other debris lodged between the drain hole and the impeller, causing a jam. Turn the disposal off right away to avoid burning out and permanently damaging the motor.
How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal?
4. How to Repair a Garbage Disposal That’s Leaking from Bottom
A leak is never a welcome sight, but depending on where it is, it can be a simple fix. If you discover the garbage disposal is leaking, determine the origin of the leak as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
If the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, coming from the reset button, you may have cracks or a broken seal on the inside of the garbage disposal from normal wear and tear over time. If this is the case, it’s best to get a new garbage disposal.
When the seal between the sink’s drain and the disposal, the flange, fails, either from deteriorating sealant or loose bolts, it causes a leak at the top of the disposal. Follow the steps below when the disposal is leaking from the top.
Troubleshooting a Leaking Garbage Disposal
Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
- DON’T pour chemicals that aren’t designed for a garbage disposal down the drain to unclog a disposal. The chemicals can damage or erode the plastic parts of a disposal.
- DO run the garbage disposal with a lot of cold water and let the water run for 20 to 30 seconds after turning off the disposal. This allows the food to properly flush down the drain’s pipe.
- DON’T put grease or oily debris in the disposal. Certain foods aren’t suitable for the disposal since they can cause problems and clog the disposal, including bones, potato peels, corncobs, onion skin, celery, banana peels, eggshells, nuts and coffee grounds.
- DO inspect the disposal to address small cracks, leaks or damage early so that it can be repaired.
- DON’T put large pieces of food into the disposal. Break them up into small bits and put waste in the disposal a few pieces at a time to avoid clogging or jamming it.
- DO run the disposal with cold water on a regular basis, even if there’s nothing to grind. This helps to keep the blades from rusting.
- DO add a cup of ice and two tablespoons of kosher salt in the drain and let it sit for a minute, then turn on the disposal and flush it with water. Rough textures help break down food.
- DO grind lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange wedges after cleaning the garbage disposal to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh. Citric acid neutralizes bad odors.