There are a variety of problems that can occur when you have a garbage disposal. The most common include electrical problems to the garbage disposal, stuck flywheel in a disposal unit and a clogged drain. Here is a simple guide that will help you to try repairing these issues on your own. When working with any garbage disposal unit it is important to remember never stick your hand into the garbage disposal unit as this will cause very severe accidents should the power turn on. If you feel it is necessary to do something on the inside of a garbage disposal, then it definitely requires the assistance of a trained professional to help you with your garbage disposal unit repair.
Garbage Disposal Does Not Turn On and There Is No Noise
When you have a garbage disposal that does not turn on and there is no noise, such as humming sound, then this signals that there is an electrical problem.
- Make sure the garbage disposal is plugged in.
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal. When the garbage disposal has been reset the button will pop out.
- If resetting does not work check your ground fault outlet ( if you have one) which should be on the wall around your garbage disposal. Push the red button located in the center of the outlet and proceed in pushing the black button.
- If this does not work you will need to inspect the circuit breaker in your electrical box.
- Locate the circuit breaker that is wired to your garbage disposal unit.
- Turn this off if it is not tripped and then on to see if this helps your problem.
- If the circuit breaker has not been tripped and the reset button located on the garbage disposal unit is not pushed outward this signals that you may have a bad switch or faulty garbage disposal unit.
- To check the switch you will need to turn off the power to the switch at your electrical box.
- Replace the switch and restore the power supply at the electrical box.
- Turn the new switch on to see if this has helped your garbage disposal problem.
It this does not help your garbage disposal issue you will need to have your unit replaced.
Flywheel Stuck If Disposal Does Not Run(Makes Humming Noise
If your garbage disposal unit does not operate but makes a humming noise when you turn the switch on this could be signaling that the flywheel is stuck on the unit. In most cases our reset button on the unit or the circuit breaker in your electrical box will turn off indicating there is a problem. In many cases the flywheel gets stuck when something gets lodged in between the impellers and the shredder ring.
Before you begin trying to repair this issue it is very important that you turn the power to the garbage disposal off at the electrical box and unplug the unit from the outlet for extra insurance that you will not get injured when doing this repair. Never put your hand into the grinding chamber of the disposal.
Using the offset wrench that was provided with your garbage disposal unit, insert it into the turning hole for the flywheel that is located in the bottom of the disposal. If you don’t have the wrench you can purchase a replacement wrench at your local hardware store.
- When you have wrench inserted, turn it in a clockwise motion to dislodge the stuck flywheel. When it dislodges the flywheel will turn freely.
- You can also try using a wooden broom handle or other wooden object that is similar to free the stuck flywheel from the top of unit working through the drain.
- Place the handle against an impeller and try to rotate it to free the flywheel. *Again never put your hand down into the garbage disposal unit.
- If you are able to free the flywheel turn the power back on at the electrical box for your unit and plug it back into the outlet. However do not turn the garbage disposal on yet.
- Press the reset button on the disposal unit.
- Turn on the tap water and allow it to run through the disposal unit.
- While the water is running flip the switch on and off quickly in short bursts. This should help to remove the object that was lodged in the flywheel and wash it away.
Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly
When you have allowed a garbage disposal enough time to run and clear itself out of garbage but the drain is still slow, this may be signaling that you have a clogged drain line. It is important never to use chemicals in a garbage disposal unit as this will cause damage to the unit itself. You may also have to remove these toxic chemicals by hand if you have to bail the water from a clogged sink resulting in harmful conditions for you.
To begin unclogging a plugged drain you will need to remove the bolts that hold the garbage disposal’s discharge pipe.
Locate the drain trap and disconnect it. Remove the drain trap and discharge drain pipe.
Check the drain for any items that may be causing a clog or obstruction.
If you are unable to locate any clog here, the problem may be in the line that goes into the wall or within the vertical pip that goes into the wall.
Use a sink auger to try to remove any clogs that may be in these deeper pipes.
If this does not work, you will have to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
