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Chances are, your garbage disposal has become an indispensable piece of equipment in your kitchen. From vegetable scraps to fruit pits, this handy device can grind down and dispose of leftover food via your sink drain. But when something goes wrong, various issues can occur like unpleasant odors, a clogged sink, or expensive pipe damage. These are the five most common garbage disposal problems homeowners face and how to fix them. 

How to Fix Garbage Disposal Problems

Before fixing your garbage disposal, it’s vital to turn off all the power at your electrical box. While clogs and jams are typically easy fixes, leaks, frequent clogs, excessive noise, and slower-than-normal operation often require a professional plumber to fix. 

Jammed Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal is humming after you flipped the switch on, it’s probably jammed. Most garbage disposals come with an offset wrench that you can use to rotate the motor manually when a jam occurs. A jam is an easy fix; ensure the power is off before inserting anything into the unit.

Leaking Garbage Disposal 

A leaking garbage disposal can cause significant water damage to kitchen floors and cabinets and welcome mold growth, pests, and foul odors. A garbage disposal can leak from various places, such as the top, side, or bottom, and into the dishwasher or the drainpipe. Most commonly, the leak is associated with the plumbing connections or seals. To fix this issue, you can replace the O-ring and tighten any connections. A leak coming from the body of the unit is a bad sign, and you should hire a professional to replace or repair your garbage disposal immediately. 

A Clogged Garbage Disposal

If you notice food or water backing up in your sink, there may be a clog. Certain food items like grease, raw meat, rice, pasta, and bones should never go into your garbage disposal. They can easily be ground up, but once they react to water (or lack of), they can cause a clog in the P-trap. Clogs can develop slowly as your pipes become coated with old food, grease, and grime. If you suspect a clog in the trap, you can remove it manually and eliminate the clog. If you don’t find the clog, chances are it’s probably further down the pipe and may require a professional.    

Garbage Disposal Not Turning On

You flip the switch, and nothing happens. The silence could indicate a couple of things. A plug could be loose, the electrical switch might need replacing, or maybe the circuit breaker has overloaded. You could even find yourself with a dead motor. If you suspect it’s an electrical issue, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can diagnose the problem. 

At Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc., we are committed to keeping your home up and running with our superior plumbing services. Whether you’re wondering how to fix a garbage disposal or need a routine drain cleaning service, we are here to help. Stop searching for a garbage disposal service near me, and call the experts at Fosh today!