Garbage Disposals 

1. Garbage Disposal Not Turning On:

   • First, check if the power cord is plugged in. Sometimes items under the sink can accidentally unplug the disposal.

   • If it’s plugged in and still not working, the built-in circuit breaker may have tripped. You can reset the garbage disposal by following these steps:

     1. Unplug the garbage disposal.

     2. Reset the disposal (usually there’s a reset button on the bottom).

     3. Test it by turning it on.

     4. Also, check the circuit breaker to ensure it’s not tripped1.

2. Clearing a Clogged Garbage Disposal:

   • If your disposal isn’t working properly, you might have a clogged drain. Here’s how to clear it:

     1. Turn off the garbage disposal and unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker).

     2. Determine the obstacle causing the clog.

     3. Remove debris from the disposal.

     4. Flush the disposal with cold water:

3. Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Grinding:

   • If you hear a humming sound but the disposal isn’t grinding, there might be food or debris jammed between the drain hole and the impeller.

   • Follow these steps to fix a jammed garbage disposal:

     1. Disconnect the disposal (unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker).

     2. Clear the jammed impeller or flywheel.

     3. You can also try using a wooden-handle alternative to dislodge the jam.

     4. Test the disposal after clearing the jam1.

4. Leaking Garbage Disposal:

   • If your disposal is leaking, determine the source:

     • Leaking from the bottom: This could be due to cracks or a broken seal inside the disposal. In this case, it’s best to get a new garbage disposal.

     • Leaking from the top: Check the seal between the sink’s drain and the disposal (the flange). Tighten loose bolts or reseal if needed1.

Remember these best practices for using a garbage disposal:

• Run it regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

• Use cold water to flush food scraps.

• Keep it clean with dish soap.

• Don’t overload it.

• Grind ice occasionally to sharpen the blades2.

As for repair costs, most garbage disposals cost around $250 to fix, including labor. Individual parts are usually less expensive than total replacement, which can cost around $150 for materials alone3. If you’re unable to repair it yourself, consider hiring Drain Pain Plumbing to assist you. 🛠️