Garbage disposals are a kitchen convenience we often take for granted—until something goes wrong. If your disposal starts acting up, it can quickly become a frustrating and expensive issue. Fortunately, many common problems are easily fixable with the right knowledge and tools.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we’ve put together a guide to help you troubleshoot some of the most common garbage disposal problems and find simple solutions.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
A jammed disposal is one of the most common issues homeowners face. This often happens when hard or fibrous materials like bones or potato peels get stuck in the disposal’s blades. If the disposal is running but not grinding, or if you hear a humming noise but no grinding, it’s likely jammed.
Before doing anything, always turn off the power to your garbage disposal. Use an Allen wrench (usually provided with the disposal) to rotate the blades manually and free up the obstruction. If you can’t reach the blockage or the disposal continues to hum, call a professional plumber to inspect it.
Leaks
Leaks around your garbage disposal can be caused by worn-out seals or loose connections. This often leads to water pooling under the sink or a drip from the disposal unit itself.
Check the mounting bolts and seals for any visible signs of wear or loosening. Tightening the bolts may resolve minor leaks, but if you notice a persistent leak or damaged seals, it’s best to have your disposal professionally repaired or replaced by an expert to prevent water damage.
Unusual Noises
When your garbage disposal starts playing unusual sounds, like grinding or rattling noises, consider it as its call for help. Rattling often means foreign objects (like utensils or small items) are stuck in the disposal, while screeching or grinding may point to worn-out bearings or damage to the motor.
Turn off the disposal and inspect for foreign objects. If there’s no obvious obstruction, and the noise persists, you may need to replace damaged components, like the motor or bearings. Don’t hesitate calling for expert help if the problem is beyond your power to do DIY plumbing repairs
Electrical Problems
If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on at all, it could be an electrical issue. Problems with the power switch, circuit breaker, or the unit’s wiring could be preventing your disposal from working.
Start by checking the power switch and the circuit breaker to ensure the disposal is getting electricity. If those are fine and the disposal still isn’t working, it might be an issue with the wiring or internal components. In such cases, it’s best to call an experienced plumber to handle the garbage disposal repair safely.
Slow Draining
A garbage disposal that’s draining slowly is a common problem that can be caused by food buildup or grease clogs in the drainpipes. Over time, bits of food can accumulate in the trap, creating a slow drain.
To clear the clog, try running a baking soda and vinegar solution down the drain followed by hot water. This natural solution can help break up grease and food particles. If the drain continues to drain slowly, you may need to have a professional plumber perform a deeper cleaning or drain inspection.
Bad Smell
A lingering foul odor coming from your garbage disposal is never pleasant. Often, this smell is caused by decomposing food waste stuck in the disposal or drain pipe.
The quickest way to eliminate odors is to grind citrus peels (like lemon or orange) in your disposal. You can also use ice cubes and a small amount of salt to help clean the blades. For a deeper clean, pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture into the disposal, let it simmer for 15 minutes, then rinse with a hot pot of water. If the smell persists, professional cleaning may be needed.
Get Affordable, Fast Garbage Disposal Repair Only From Cornwell Plumbing
When your garbage disposal isn’t working properly, it can disrupt your entire kitchen routine. From jams to leaks, these common problems can often evolve to bigger and more permanent garbage disposal damage if sidelined. Luckily, you don’t have to tackle these problems alone.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we specialize in fast, reliable, and affordable garbage disposal repair services. Whether it’s a simple jam or a more complicated electrical issue, our team is ready to fix your disposal and restore your kitchen to its full potential.
Don’t wait for the problem to worsen—call us now for a quick, expert repair!
Andrew and Austin Cornwell stepped into leadership, bringing with them not just their plumbing licenses and two decades of experience each, but a vision for even better customer service.
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