What To Do If Your Garbage Disposal Stops Working
Your garbage disposal is a major convenience, but not so much when it suddenly stops working. In some cases, depending on the cause of your problem, the sink will back up, and the disposal will emit bad smells. Before you give up on your machine, there are things you may be able to do to get it working again. Here are a couple of simple things you can do yourself, and other things a professional should do for you.
Things to Check First
Check to make sure the unit is plugged in and the other appliances and nearby outlets also have power. If other appliances are also not working, then chances are you have a blown circuit. If only the garbage disposal is out, then you may be able to use the reset button on the bottom to restart it. If you reset the circuit breaker and it quickly trips again, then you may have a more serious problem that needs professional attention.
You can also check to make sure the blades aren't stuck. However, don't do this by placing your bare hands in the machine. Instead, unplug the disposal and use tongs or another tool to search for stuck items. You can also try turning the blades manually with a hex key at the outside bottom of the unit. Have a professional show you how to do this if you haven't done it before.
Things a Repair Person Should Handle
Leave more in-depth repairs to a professional. Here are some examples of problems you should have a specialist handle.
Loose or Broken Components
If the unit is running, but you don't hear grinding, then you could have loose or broken blades or other components. The repair person may need to remove and break down the disposal if the assessment cannot be done while installed.
Leaks
Leaks often happen at worn joints and fixtures. In some cases, the repair is a simple tightening of clamps and bolts. However, in other cases, it may require removing and replacing hoses, pipes, and clamps.
Poor Drainage
If your garbage disposal won't drain at all, then call a professional to assess the situation and clear the blockage. The disposal may be the cause of the blockage, or the problem is further down the drain.
Don't attempt to take on repairs you don't have experience with or you could cause further damage to the unit or your plumbing. Instead, call a garbage disposal or appliance repair person for help. They will advise you on whether they can repair your unit or it needs a complete replacement. Contact a garbage disposal repair service for more information.