How to Repair a Broken Garbage Disposal

We've all been there: you're cleaning up after dinner, and suddenly, your garbage disposal stops working. It's frustrating, messy, and can disrupt your whole evening. But don't worry—whether your disposal is humming but not grinding, leaking, or just won't turn on, you can often fix these issues yourself. In this guide, we'll walk you through diagnosing and repairing your garbage disposal, saving you the cost and hassle of calling in the pros. However, if you find the task too daunting or the issue persists, remember that All City Plumbers are just a call away, ready to tackle even the toughest disposal dilemmas. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get your kitchen back in working order!

Read here about How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal!

Safety Precautions

• Disconnect Power: Always unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the circuit breaker before starting any repairs.
• Use Tools, Not Hands: Never reach into the disposal with your hands. Use tongs, pliers, or an offset wrench to remove obstructions.
• Check for Power: Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off before beginning work.
• Avoid Water Contact: Ensure the area is dry to prevent any risk of electrical shock.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the specific safety instructions provided by your garbage disposal's manufacturer.

Diagnosing the Problem:

To effectively repair a broken garbage disposal, you first need to identify the issue. Here are common problems and their signs:

• Disposal Not Turning On: If you flip the switch and hear nothing, the issue could be an electrical problem or a tripped reset button.
• Humming Noise Without Grinding: A humming noise often indicates that the motor is running, but the impeller or flywheel is jammed.
• Water Leaking: Leaks can occur from the sink flange, dishwasher hose, or discharge drainpipe.
• Slow Draining: Slow drainage is typically due to a clog in the drain pipes or disposal itself

Common Causes:

Understanding the common causes behind garbage disposal issues can help you diagnose and fix the problem more efficiently. Here are the typical culprits:

• Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse can prevent the disposal from turning on.
• Jammed Impeller or Flywheel: Food scraps or foreign objects can jam the impeller or flywheel, causing the disposal to hum but not grind.
• Clogged Drain Pipes: Grease, food particles, and debris can build up in the drain pipes, leading to slow drainage.
• Faulty Seals or Connections: Over time, the seals and connections at the sink flange, dishwasher hose, or discharge drainpipe can wear out and cause leaks.
• Overloaded Disposal: Putting too much food waste at once can overwhelm the disposal, leading to jams or slow draining.
• Worn-Out Components: The disposal’s motor, blades, or internal mechanisms may wear out with age and use, leading to malfunction.