November 9th, 2017
A household garbage disposal, when properly installed and used, should last ten years or more. But when your garbage disposal doesn’t work, try these steps before calling in the plumber.
- Locate the reset button. Likely it will be on the bottom of your garbage disposal. Try pressing it and then attempting to operate the disposal again. Your problem may be solved.
- A disposal will jam sometimes. If that is the problem, locate the hex socket found at the bottom of the disposal. Using the right size hex wrench, turn it back and forth. That can free a jam.
- Make sure there is power to the disposal. Locate that switch and see that it is on. Check the breaker to see if it is tripped. Or perhaps there is a blown fuse. Often the disposal is plugged into a socket located under your sink. In that case, you can try a small electrical appliance in that socket to verify power is present.
- If there is leakage, the problem may be your disposal or the plumbing. In the case of a plumbing problem, fix it yourself or call in the plumber if you need to. If it is the disposal itself that is leaking, you may have a problem inside the unit. It is most likely a case for replacement.
- Broken blades may cause the unit to run alright, but not grind anything up. If that is the problem, it’s probably time to replace that disposal.
Many times these simple checks and fixes will solve the problem. But if not, your plumber will be able to repair or replace that garbage disposal and get you going again.
