Garbage Disposal Not Working? Here’s What to Check

Garbage disposals are a great invention, saving time and keeping our kitchens clean. They will dispose of just about any kind of food waste we put down them. However, they can sometimes break down. Here are some things to check when your under sink disposal is not working correctly.

First, for your safety never place your hand inside the disposal!

It may seem obvious, but first check that the disposal is plugged in. If the disposal is plugged in, check the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal if the button has popped out, push it back in. If these steps do not work, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the disposal still won’t turn on and it is not making a humming sound, then there is an electrical problem with the unit.

Slow Disposal Drain

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by a number of problems. Assuming you’ve given the disposal enough time to run and clear the garbage, you probably have a clogged drain line.

We recommend against using chemical drain cleaners in a garbage disposal. You can damage the disposal and aside from being ineffective, most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation and damage to plastic and metal surfaces.

Preventing Disposal Problems

Avoid grinding coffee grounds, potato peels and eggshells. They stick to any waste in the pipe and are likely to create a clog. You can keep your disposal working by occasionally grinding up pieces of lemon peel and ice cubes.

Have questions about your garbage disposal or other plumbing systems in your home? Call ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning anytime. We’re here to help.