Garbage Disposal Problems and Solutions 

Like any other plumbing appliance, a garbage disposal will run into various problems over time. And when that happens, this kitchen appliance may stop working, forcing you to look for other ways to dispose of leftover food waste in your home. Alternatively, you can determine the cause of the problem and fix it yourself to keep your unit running again. 

To make things even easier for you, this article will look at 4 common garbage disposal problems you’re likely to encounter and how to fix them! 

4 Common garbage disposal problems and solutions 

• My garbage disposal stopped working 

One of the most common problems homeowners have with their garbage disposals is that the unit simply stops working. As a result, the garbage disposal stops spinning or grinding food waste when you turn it on. 

Before you pick a phone to contact a plumber, there are 2 things you can do to fix a garbage disposal that has stopped working. One, flip off the garbage disposal, check if it is properly plugged in, and ensure that the fuse/breaker is on. Secondly, push the reset button and turn the unit back on to see if it works. 

However, if the garbage still doesn’t work, you can now contact a professional to help you resolve the issue. 

• Jammed garbage disposal 

If your garbage disposer is making a humming noise or won’t grind food waste when activated, there is a good chance its inner flywheel is jammed, preventing the blades from rotating. As a result, the liquid and food waste will either drain slowly or back up to the kitchen sink.

 Some of the food items that can cause this garbage disposal problem include; eggshells, large bones, fats & oils, fruit pits, and starchy/ stringy vegetables. Therefore, the best way to prevent your unit from getting jammed is to avoid putting these food items in the disposal in the first place. 

However, if the unit is already jammed, there are various ways to unclog the garbage disposal. For instance, you can simply turn off the unit, wear some gloves, open the devices with an Allen wrench, and free the blades of the clog. 

• Foul odors 

Over time, food waste can accumulate in the garbage disposal, causing it to produce a pungent, unpleasant smell. Luckily, these foul odors do not mean that the garbage disposal has a problem. Instead, it shows that your unit needs a good cleaning, something that’s relatively easy to do. 

Even better, there are various products you can use to clean a smelly garbage disposal. The most popular ones are; 

Dishwashing soap.

Put the kitchen sink stopper in place, add a little dish soap, and fill the sink about halfway with cold water. After creating the soapy mixture, remove the sink stopper and let the solution flush through your garbage disposal. Run plenty of cold water along with the soapy mixture to eliminate the odors and clear out any trapped food residue in the drain pipe. 

Vinegar & baking soap. 

A mixture of distilled white vinegar and baking soda is another safe and simple way to eliminate odors in your garbage disposal. Better yet, you only need to pour the solution into your garbage disposal, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then run the disposal with plenty of cold water. The baking soda and white vinegar mixture will help deodorize the unit without using harsh or expensive chemicals. 

Commercial garbage disposal cleaning products. 

If the home remedies I’ve mentioned above do not work, there are various garbage disposal cleaning products out there you can try. As the name implies, these cleaners are specifically designed for use in garbage disposal units and have various ingredients to eliminate odors. 

• My Garbage disposal is leaking 

Sometimes, a garbage disposal can leak from the bottom, side, or top of the unit. Also, the disposal can leak into the dishwasher, drain pipe, and the rest of the plumbing system. Whichever the case, this garbage disposal problem is relatively easy to fix. 

Typically, a leaking garbage disposal shows that some parts need tightening or the O-ring needs replacing depending on where the leak is coming from. The most common causes of a leaking disposal are; a worn-out gasket, flange, or O-ring, improper connection with the drain pipe/ dishwasher, and lost putty sealing around the garburator.  

If the leak is coming from the sink flange, you undertake a costly and complicated leak repair. Alternatively, you can just replace the entire unit, especially if the garbage disposal is near the end of its lifespan, which is around 10 – 15 years. 

Conclusion 

A garbage disposal is a useful kitchen appliance that helps you get rid of food waste and eliminate kitchen odors. However, if your unit is leaking, humming, jammed, draining slowly, or humming, you need to address these issues. After all, those are the most common garbage disposal problems you’re likely to encounter and they’re relatively easy to fix!