Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation – Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly!

Common Garbage Disposal Problems & How to Fix Them

🚰 Is your garbage disposal jammed, making strange noises, or refusing to turn on? A malfunctioning disposal can disrupt your kitchen routine, cause unpleasant odors, and even lead to clogged drains.

At Repipe Champions, we provide expert garbage disposal repair and installation services to help homeowners fix jams, clear blockages, and upgrade to efficient disposal units.

📞 Need fast garbage disposal repair? Call +1(888) 423-5215 today for professional service!

🔧 1. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On – No Power?

If your disposal isn’t responding when you flip the switch, it could be an electrical issue or an internal motor failure.

✔ Common Causes:

❌ Tripped circuit breaker – The disposal may have overloaded the circuit.

❌ Overheated motor – Some units shut off automatically to prevent damage.

❌ Loose wiring or faulty switch – Power may not be reaching the unit.

✔ How to Fix It:

🔹 Check your home’s circuit breaker and reset if necessary.

🔹 Press the reset button (usually located at the bottom of the disposal).

🔹 Ensure the disposal is plugged in securely under the sink.

🚨 If your disposal still won’t turn on, a professional may need to replace the motor or inspect the wiring.

🛑 2. Garbage Disposal Is Jammed – Why Won’t It Grind?

If your disposal makes a humming sound but won’t grind food, it’s likely jammed with debris.

✔ Common Causes:

❌ Hard objects like bones, silverware, or fruit pits stuck in the blades.

❌ Fibrous foods like celery or banana peels wrapping around the grinding mechanism.

❌ Grease buildup preventing the blades from spinning.

✔ How to Fix It:

🔹 Turn off the disposal and unplug it for safety.

🔹 Use a hex key (Allen wrench) to manually turn the blades from the bottom of the unit.

🔹 Remove visible debris using tongs or pliers—never use your hands!

🚨 If the unit is still jammed, call a plumber to avoid damaging the motor.

💦 3. Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly or Is Clogged

A slow-draining or clogged disposal can cause standing water in your sink and make dishwashing difficult.

✔ Common Causes:

❌ Food particles stuck in the drainpipe.

❌ Grease or fat solidifying inside the disposal.

❌ Improper disposal of starchy foods (like rice or pasta) that expand with water.

✔ How to Fix It:

🔹 Flush with hot water and dish soap to break down grease.

🔹 Use a plunger or sink auger to clear the clog.

🔹 Try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve organic buildup.

🚨 If the clog persists, it may be in your main drain line—call a plumber for professional drain cleaning!

🛠️ 4. Garbage Disposal Is Leaking – Where’s the Water Coming From?

Leaks from the disposal can cause water damage under your sink and encourage mold growth.

✔ Common Causes:

❌ Loose sink flange – The seal between the sink and disposal may have worn out.

❌ Cracked disposal unit – If the body of the disposal is damaged, it may need replacement.

❌ Leaking drain connections – Improperly sealed pipes can cause slow drips.

✔ How to Fix It:

🔹 Tighten the mounting bolts under the sink.

🔹 Replace worn-out gaskets or plumber’s putty to reseal connections.

🔹 If the disposal body is cracked, replace the entire unit.

🚨 A leaking disposal should be fixed ASAP to prevent cabinet damage and mold growth!

🚫 5. Garbage Disposal Smells Bad – How to Get Rid of Odors

A foul-smelling garbage disposal is often caused by food residue, grease buildup, or mold.

✔ Common Causes:

❌ Rotting food particles trapped under the blades.

❌ Grease and oil coating the grinding chamber.

❌ Mold growth in moist areas of the disposal.

✔ How to Fix It:

🔹 Run ice cubes and rock salt through the disposal to clean the blades.

🔹 Flush with baking soda and vinegar to neutralize odors.

🔹 Grind citrus peels (like lemon or orange) for a fresh scent.

🚨 Persistent odors may indicate buildup in your pipes—schedule a professional drain cleaning if needed!

🛠️ When Should You Call a Professional for Garbage Disposal Repair?

✅ The unit won’t turn on, even after resetting it.

✅ You hear loud grinding or metal-on-metal noises.

✅ Water is leaking from the bottom of the disposal.

✅ The disposal is clogged beyond DIY methods.

✅ The motor is burned out or the blades are dull.

🚨 If your disposal has major issues, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency unit may be the best solution!

📞 Call Repipe Champions for Expert Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation!

🚧 Don’t let a broken garbage disposal slow down your kitchen. Whether you need repairs, a new installation, or expert troubleshooting, Repipe Champions is here to help!

​