Garbage disposals are one of the most useful kitchen appliances. They handle food waste quickly, keeping your sink cleaner and reducing odors. But like any appliance, they eventually develop problems. The good news is that most common garbage disposal issues have a simple fix if you know what to look for.
This guide explains the most common garbage disposal problems, why they occur, and how to troubleshoot them before calling a professional plumber.
1. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
One of the most common issues is when the unit doesn’t power on at all. You press the switch, but nothing happens—not even a humming sound.
Possible causes:
- The disposal is unplugged
- A tripped circuit breaker
- A pressed reset button that hasn’t reset properly
- Loose wiring inside the connection
How to fix it:
- Check the power outlet and connection.
- Reset the breaker in your home’s panel if it tripped.
- Press the red reset button at the bottom of the disposal. Wait a few seconds, then try again.
- If it still won’t start, the motor may have burnt out, meaning a replacement unit is needed.
2. Humming Noise but No Grinding
A humming sound without grinding usually means a jammed garbage disposal. You may hear the motor trying to work, but the blades or shredder ring are stuck.
Common causes:
- Hard items like fruit pits, bones, or utensils dropped in
- Fibrous foods like pasta, celery, or corn husks
- Too much food waste fed at once
How to fix it safely:
- Disconnect power at the breaker or unplug the unit. Never put your hand inside.
- Insert an Allen wrench into the hex hole at the bottom of the disposal. Turn it back and forth to dislodge debris.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any obstructions from inside.
- Press the reset button and test with water running.
If you still hear a loud humming noise, the motor may be failing.
3. Slow Draining or Clogs
Does your sink drain slowly after running the disposal? This is one of the most common garbage disposal problems and is usually due to buildup in the discharge drainpipe.
Causes:
- Fats, oils, and grease that solidify
- Pasta or starchy food expanding inside the pipe
- Food debris washed down without enough water
Simple fix steps:
- Run cold water for 30–60 seconds after each use to flush waste.
- Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher if it’s clogged and clean it.
- If the drain is blocked deeper, remove the trap pipe and clear it manually.
- Avoid chemical cleaners that may break the seals or damage plumbing.
4. Garbage Disposal Leaks
Another frequent problem is a leak. Water may drip from the sink flange, side hose, or bottom of the unit.
Causes:
- Loose mounting at the flange
- Worn plumber’s putty or deteriorated seals
- A crack in the disposal housing
- Loose or corroded pipe connections
How to identify & fix:
- Run water and look closely at where the leakage occurs.
- If the sink flange is loose, reseal it with fresh plumber’s putty.
- Tighten screws and clamps at the discharge drainpipe.
- If the housing itself is cracked, you’ll need to replace the disposal.
5. Strange or Loud Grinding Noises
If you hear rattling, scraping, or grinding, it usually means something doesn’t belong inside.
Typical obstructions:
- A spoon, bottle cap, or piece of glass
- Loose screws around the shredder ring
- Worn or damaged blades
What to do:
- Turn off power immediately to prevent further damage.
- Use pliers or tongs to inspect and remove any foreign object.
- Tighten anything that’s loose inside the unit.
If the grinding noise persists even after clearing debris, the disposal may need replacement.
6. Foul Odors Coming from the Disposal
Persistent odors are usually caused by food residue stuck inside the system. Grease, fats, and fibers get trapped around the ring and inside the pipe, leading to smells.
Solutions to freshen the unit:
- Grind ice cubes and rock salt to scrub the blades.
- Wash with baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water.
- Run citrus peels for a natural deodorizer.
If smells return quickly, check for hidden debris stuck around the shredder ring or deep in the drain.
7. Overheating or Frequent Shut-Off
Sometimes the disposal suddenly shuts down while grinding. This happens when the motor overheats.
Why it occurs:
- Feeding too much food waste at once
- Running without enough water
- Age and wear on the appliance
Fix:
- Press the reset button and wait 10 minutes before trying again.
- Always run water when using the disposal.
- If the motor overheats often, it may be time to replace the unit.
Prevention Tips
Avoiding common issues saves money and frustration. Keep these habits:
- Never grind bones, fruit pits, or fibrous food.
- Don’t pour oils or liquids that solidify into the sink drain.
- Always run cold water during and after disposal use.
- Inspect the unit monthly for leaks, odors, and loose parts.
- Use ice with salt occasionally to clean and sharpen blades.
Wrapping Things Up
Most common garbage disposal issues have a simple fix. With the right steps, you can identify the problem, dislodge obstructions, or tighten a loose seal without calling a plumber.
Still, if your disposal won’t reset, leaks from the bottom, or keeps tripping the breaker, it’s safer to call a professional. A failing motor or cracked housing usually means it’s time for a new unit.
Treat your disposal well, and it will handle daily food waste reliably for years.
What You Should Do Next
If your garbage disposal is still jammed, leaking, or won’t reset, it’s time to call the experts. Chambliss Plumbing Company can quickly inspect, repair, or replace your unit so your kitchen runs smoothly again. Don’t wait for small issues to become costly problems, contact us today for fast, professional service you can trust.
FAQs
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not work?
It usually means a jammed disposal. Turn off power, use an Allen wrench to free the jam, then press reset.
How do I know if my disposal motor burned out?
If you press the switch, hear nothing, and the reset button doesn’t help, the motor may have failed.
Can I put pasta in the garbage disposal?
No. Pasta expands with water and causes clogs in the drain.
Why does my disposal leak under the sink?
Leaks often come from a loose sink flange, bad plumber’s putty, or a cracked unit.
Should I run hot or cold water with a garbage disposal?
Always run cold water. Hot water melts fats and oils, which later solidify and clog the pipe.
