A jammed or silent garbage disposal can bring your kitchen cleanup to a screeching halt. Before assuming the motor is dead and searching for a replacement, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can try yourself.
At A to Z Statewide Plumbing, we believe in helping our South Florida neighbors save both time and money. Here are 3 things you should try before picking up the phone to call a professional.
1. Hit the Reset Button
Just like your computer or a GFCI outlet, your garbage disposal has a built-in circuit breaker to prevent the motor from burning out if it gets overwhelmed.
The Method:
Look at the bottom of the disposal unit, under your sink. You should see a small red button. If the disposal has “tripped,” this button will be popped out. Push it back in.
The Result:
If it clicks and stays in, try turning the disposal back on. If it works, you’ve just saved yourself a service call!
2. The “Allen Wrench” Manual Turn
If you hear a low “humming” sound when you flip the switch but the blades aren’t spinning, the unit is likely jammed by a foreign object (like a fruit pit or small bone).
The Method:
Most disposals come with a small, L-shaped Allen wrench (hex key). Insert this wrench into the hole at the center of the bottom of the unit. Turn it back and forth to manually rotate the internal impellers and break the jam.
Safety Warning:
Never put your hands down the drain, even if the unit is turned off! Always use the wrench for safety.
3. Check the Power and GFCI Outlet
It sounds simple, but sometimes the vibration of the disposal can loosen the power plug or trip the kitchen’s GFCI outlet.
The Method:
Ensure the unit is firmly plugged into the wall. Then, check the Reset button on the GFCI outlet on your kitchen wall. If that outlet has tripped, the disposal won’t receive any power.
When These Steps Aren’t Enough
If you’ve tried the reset button, cleared the jam, and confirmed there is power—but the unit still won’t work—or if it’s leaking from the bottom, it’s time to call a professional.
Call A to Z Statewide Plumbing if:
- You smell smoke: This indicates the motor has burned out.
- It’s leaking: Leaks from the bottom of the unit usually mean the internal seals have failed.
- It keeps tripping: If you have to hit the reset button every single time you use it, the unit is failing.
Avoid Future Jams
To keep your disposal running smoothly in the South Florida heat, avoid putting these items down the drain:
- Fibrous vegetables (like celery)
- Coffee grounds
- Grease
These are the top causes of the clogs we see in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Still stuck with a broken disposal?
Contact A to Z Statewide Plumbing today. Whether it’s a quick repair or a new, high-horsepower installation, we’ll get your kitchen back in order in no time.
