Why is My Garbage Disposal Not Working?

If your current garbage disposal isn’t working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. That being said, there are numerous things you can do if you want to try to address the issue yourself before calling a professional.

In today’s blog post, we’ll go over the basics of how garbage disposals work and go over some common problems that may occur. We’ll also provide some insider tips that you can use to troubleshoot and fix these problems. Hopefully, this information will help you get your garbage disposal up and running again!

Continue reading to learn more.

Do you need help fixing your garbage disposal? You can rely on the team at Diamondback to get it working properly in no time.

Table of Contents

8 potential reasons your garbage disposal isn’t working properly
Who can you contact if your garbage disposal isn’t working properly?
Why is my garbage disposal not working? Conclusion

8 potential reasons your garbage disposal isn’t working properly

Is your garbage disposal on the fritz? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Feel free to use the following guide to troubleshoot your stubborn garbage disposal:

Reason #1. The blades have become too dull

A potential reason why your garbage disposal not working properly is because the blades have become dull. Over time, the blades will become dull from use and will no longer be able to effectively grind up food waste. If the garbage disposal blades are dull, they can usually be replaced relatively easily.

Reason #2. The disposal is jammed

Another common reason for a garbage disposal not working properly is that it is jammed. Debris can build up over time and cause the blades to become stuck. In some cases, you might be able to clear the jam yourself. However, in other cases, you may need to contact a plumbing technician to clear it for you.

Reason #3. There is something caught in the drain

If your garbage disposal is not draining correctly, it could be because there is something caught in the drain. This is usually caused by small pieces of build-up or grease that have accumulated over time and are now blocking the drain.

Reason #4. The motor is burned out

If your garbage disposal is making a strange noise or if it has stopped working altogether, it could be because the motor is burned out. This is usually caused by overuse or by attempting to grind up too much food at once. If the motor is burned out, it will need to be replaced by a professional.

Reason #5. There is a leak in the unit

If your garbage disposal is leaking water, it could be because there is a crack or hole in the unit itself. In some cases, this can be repaired with sealant or epoxy resin. However, in other cases, the unit will need to be replaced entirely.

Reason #6. The power is off

If the garbage disposal is not working, one of the first things you should check is whether or not the power is on. If the power switch has been turned off, the disposal will not work. Be sure to check both the switch on the wall and the switch on the unit itself to make sure that they are both in the “on” position.

Reason #7. The reset button has been tripped

If your garbage disposal stops working, one possible reason is that the reset button has been tripped. This button is located on the bottom of the unit and must be manually reset in order for the disposal to start working again. If you cannot find the reset button, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset it.

Reason #8. The power cord is disconnected

If your garbage disposal is not working, you should check whether or not the power cord is plugged in properly. If it is not, simply plug it in and see if that fixes the problem.

Who can you contact if your garbage disposal isn’t working properly?

If your garbage disposal is not working properly, contact a licensed plumber to help you diagnose the issue. The plumber can evaluate and assess the current situation in order to repair or replace the disposal unit as needed.

Depending on the complexity of the issue and if it requires any specialized tools or equipment, you may want to contact an experienced organization that has been providing such services for years.

This type of organization typically offers same-day service, extended hours, and a full selection of replacement parts in case they need to be installed. Additionally, make sure to compare estimates from multiple companies so you get the best price for your repairs.