Garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance that helps you cleaner up quickly, throw away food waste and prevents unpleasant odors from spreading in your home. However, if it suddenly stops working, it causes a lot of inconvenience and stress. Let’s explore some of the common reasons why garbage disposal stops working and ways through which you can get it back up and running.
Why Your Garbage Disposal Might Not Be Working
If your disposal isn’t turning on, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. Many times, your garbage disposal just needs a simple reset or quick fix. Here are some common reasons why it stops working:
1. Power Connection Problems
When the disposal doesn’t get a power supply, it doesn’t turn on. To fix this, you must carefully check whether the unit is properly plugged into the outlet under your sink. If it’s plugged in but still not working, you should go to the electrical panel and check if the breaker is tripped.
2. Overload Shut-Off Activated
Garbage disposals have a built-in saferty feature called the overload protector. If the motor gets too hot, it automatically shuts itself off to prevent damage. In such a situation, you should press the reset button, which is typically under the disposal or on its back side. Remember to wait for a few minutes till the motor cools down and then press the reset button.
3. Jammed Blades
Many times garbage disposal stops working because of a jammed blade. Bones and fibrous food often get stuck inside, causing the blades to stop spinning. To check if this is the reason why your disposal isn’t working, first turn off the power to the unit and then check. Never put your hand inside, as this can be dangerous. You can use the small hex wrench that comes with disposals and insert it into the bottom of the unit to manually rotate the blades and remove any debris that is stuck.
4. Faulty Switch or Wiring
Even after doing all this, if your disposal doesn’t work, the reason might be an electrical issue like a damaged wall switch, burnt wire, or loose connection. Checking the electrical aspect of a disposal can be dangerous, so you must contact a licensed professional for help in such a situation.
5. Motor Wear and Tear
Every appliance has a lifespan. As your garbage disposal gets older, its efficiency decreases. If yours is older and troubleshooting tips and repairs aren’t helping much, the motor may have worn out. In such cases, replacing your existing disposal with a new one is often more cost-effective than repair. A professional plumber can give you recommendations and install a model that fits your household’s needs.
Contact CGC Home Services
Get in touch with CGC Home Services today for the repair and installation of a garbage disposal. Our skilled technicians can help you diagnose the problem, recommend the best solution and get your kitchen running smoothly again. Visit our site to learn more about our other offerings, such as water filtration in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Duval County and across Florida.
