Why Is My Garbage Disposal Not Working? Common Causes and Solutions
A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient appliances in your kitchen. It helps to break down food waste quickly so you do not have to worry about annoying odors or frequent trips to the trash can. However, most homeowners take their garbage disposal for granted until the moment it stops working. If you have ever turned on your disposal only to hear a low hum without the familiar grinding sound or you notice standing water in your sink, you are not alone in wondering, “why is my garbage disposal not working?” This is a common issue that leaves many residents frustrated and looking for a fast solution.
In this article, we will break down the most common reasons your garbage disposal has stopped working, offer troubleshooting tips, and explain when it is time to call in a professional for garbage disposal repair. We will also show you how you can keep your garbage disposal working properly for years to come.
Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Is Not Working
It is important to remember that although garbage disposals are designed to handle daily food waste, they are not indestructible. There are several common causes behind a garbage disposal not working.
Jammed Blades
One of the most frequent problems is jammed blades. This usually happens when someone puts hard or fibrous materials into the garbage disposal. Things like bones, fruit pits, celery, corn husks, and even eggshell membranes can cause the disposal blades to stop moving. When this happens, you might notice the garbage disposal humming but the blades will not turn. Over time, leaving the jam unresolved can overheat the disposal motor and potentially damage the device.
Electrical Issues
Another frequent culprit is an electrical issue. The garbage disposal is powered by electricity and if the circuit breaker has tripped or if the switch is faulty, the unit will not power on at all. Sometimes the issue is resolved simply by pressing the reset button located at the bottom or side of the garbage disposal under your sink. If you press the reset button and the disposal starts working again, that is great. However, if the reset button needs to be pressed repeatedly or the disposal keeps tripping your circuit breaker, there may be a deeper problem in the wiring or in the disposal motor itself.
Clogs and Slow Draining Sink
A clogged garbage disposal can also be the reason for your disposal not working correctly. Food build-up, grease, and debris can collect in the disposal unit and drain pipe, causing water to back up into your sink. In these cases, cleaning the unit and the pipes might provide a temporary fix. If the problem keeps happening, it means there is probably a large clog or even a fault in your plumbing system that needs professional garbage disposal service.
Worn-Out or Broken Disposal Motor
The disposal motor is the powerhouse of your unit. If you press the switch and nothing happens—not even a hum—your garbage disposal motor might be burned out or broken. In this situation, there is not much you can safely do on your own and it is best to call for garbage disposal repair or replacement.
Signs You Should Call for Professional Garbage Disposal Repair
It is important to know the difference between a minor issue you can handle on your own and one that needs a professional’s expertise. Here are a few telltale signs that mean you should stop troubleshooting and call a plumber for your garbage disposal service.
You hear a humming sound but the blades do not turn
The garbage disposal reset button has to be pressed multiple times before it will work
Water is not draining and your kitchen sink keeps filling up with standing water
The unit trips the circuit breaker over and over again
Foul odors linger around your sink even after cleaning the disposal
There are grinding or metal-on-metal noises coming from the garbage disposal
When your garbage disposal is not working and you see any combination of the above symptoms, a DIY fix probably will not solve the problem for good. These are signs there is a larger electrical, mechanical, or plumbing issue.
Why Call Drain Pro Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Service?
Garbage disposals play a huge role in keeping your kitchen clean and functional. At Drain Pro Plumbing, we understand how disruptive it is when your garbage disposal stops working. Our team is highly trained to diagnose issues quickly and provide reliable garbage disposal repair or full installation services right away.
We go beyond just flipping the switch or clearing out clogs. Our professionals will check your plumbing connections, inspect the electrical hook-up, and ensure your disposal unit is properly mounted under your sink. We also teach you best practices, like never putting fibrous foods, bones, or grease down the drain, so you can avoid clogs, jams, and future breakdowns.
Another advantage of working with a pro is our access to quality replacement parts and new units. If your garbage disposal motor is dead or the unit is beyond repair, we can replace it with an upgraded model that is safer, quieter, and more efficient. We handle everything, from disconnecting your old unit and checking your wiring, to installing the new disposal and testing it to make sure everything is working perfectly.
How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working Properly
Prevention is always better than repair. Here are some easy tips to keep your garbage disposal working smoothly:
Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. This helps your unit grind food efficiently and prevents grease from solidifying in the pipes.
Do not overload your garbage disposal with large amounts of food all at once. Feed in small amounts gradually.
Never put non-food items, plastic, glass, bones, or fibrous foods down the drain.
Clean your disposal regularly by running a mixture of ice cubes and a small amount of dish soap or citrus peels to freshen up your unit and sharpen the blades.
If you smell unpleasant odors, try flushing the disposal with baking soda and vinegar, followed by plenty of cold water.
Conclusion: Trust the Pros for Fast Garbage Disposal Repair
If you find yourself asking, “why is my garbage disposal not working,” rest assured you are not alone. Whether your disposal is humming but the blades will not turn, your sink is filling with water, or the reset button no longer helps, these issues are best handled by a professional. At Drain Pro Plumbing, we are always ready to help get your garbage disposal working perfectly and keep your kitchen running smoothly. Call us today for garbage disposal repair, installation, or advice on keeping your unit in top condition. Your kitchen will thank you.
