Fixing and Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

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Is your garbage disposal giving you trouble? Before reaching for the phone to call a plumber, there are several proven fixes and maintenance tips that could save you time and money. Kitchen garbage disposals are fairly simple machines, and many common problems have straightforward solutions you can handle yourself.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Disposal Won’t Turn On

If your disposal isn’t making any noise when you flip the switch, try these steps in order:

  1. Check if it’s plugged in (sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised!)
  2. Look for a tripped circuit breaker in your electrical panel
  3. Find and press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal
  4. Test the switch – sometimes the switch fails before the disposal

Pro Tip: If none of these work, the motor may have failed. Units typically last 8-15 years, so consider the age of your disposal before investing in repairs.

2. Humming But Not Grinding

If you hear a humming sound but the blades aren’t spinning, STOP! This usually means something’s jamming the disposal. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Turn off power to the disposal at the breaker box
  2. Look inside with a flashlight to spot any obvious obstructions
  3. Remove any visible objects with pliers or tongs (never your hands!)
  4. Find the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal
  5. Insert the hex wrench (usually came with disposal) and turn back and forth until the jam clears
  6. Restore power and test the disposal

Pro Tip: Keep your hex wrench taped to the side of the cabinet under your sink for easy access.

3. Leaking Issues

Leaks can occur in three places, each with a different fix:

  • Top Leaks: Usually means the sink flange needs resealing. Remove old plumber’s putty and apply new putty around the flange.
  • Bottom Leaks: If water drips from the bottom, internal seals have failed. Time for a new unit.
  • Side Leaks: Check and tighten connections to drain lines. Replace rubber gaskets if tightening doesn’t help.

Monthly Maintenance Routine

Prevention is better than repair! Follow this monthly maintenance routine:

  1. Ice Cleaning Method:
    • Pour 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of rock salt
    • Run cold water
    • Turn on disposal until ice is gone
    • This helps clean and sharpen the blades
  2. Deodorize:
    • Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar
    • Let it fizz for 5 minutes
    • Flush with cold water for 30 seconds
  3. Fresh Scent:
    • Grind lemon or orange peels
    • Run cold water for 30 seconds
    • Bonus: citrus oils help clean the blades

Prevention Tips for Longer Disposal Life

Do’s:

  • Always run cold water before, during, and after use
  • Cut larger items into smaller pieces
  • Run disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion

Don’ts:

  • Never put these items in your disposal:
  • Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks)
  • Coffee grounds
  • Grease or oils
  • Bones
  • Pasta or rice
  • Potato peels
  • Eggshells
  • Non-food items

Final Thoughts

Most garbage disposal problems can be prevented with proper maintenance and careful use. When issues do arise, try these fixes first – you might save yourself a service call. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re uncomfortable with any repair steps or if the problem persists.

Remember: Safety first! Always disconnect power before working on your disposal, and never put your hands inside the unit.

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