Experiencing a garbage disposal malfunction is never fun, whether you’re dealing with a unit that's “not working,” “needs repair,” “won’t turn on,” or is “leaking from the bottom.” I recently faced this very issue on an early Saturday morning, while attempting to clean out my refrigerator.
Picture this: a sink full of moldy tomato sauce, wilted vegetables, fruit rinds, and possibly a three-week-old dinner of pasta and meatballs (don’t judge me—I travel a lot, and food tends to linger in my fridge). Thankfully, I hadn’t yet poured out the sour milk.
When I flipped the garbage disposal switch, expecting to hear the familiar sound of grinding, all I got was a disturbing humming noise. The food and water just sat there, unmoving. That’s when I knew I had a problem.
If this happens to you, don’t panic. Before calling in a professional or rushing out to buy a replacement, try these troubleshooting steps to get your garbage disposal working again:
1. Turn Off the Power
Before doing anything else, switch off the power to your garbage disposal. Unplug the unit to ensure your safety while troubleshooting.
2. Clear Out the Sink Basin
3. Inspect the Drain
4. Check the Blades
5. Reset the Garbage Disposal
6. Manually Crank the Blades
7. Clear the Trap
If you hear that wonderful crunching and munching sound, congratulations—your garbage disposal is back in business!
Remember, regular maintenance and careful usage can prevent many common garbage disposal problems. Avoid overloading the unit, and always run water while using the disposal to keep it functioning smoothly. With these tips, you can keep your garbage disposal in top shape and avoid the dreaded Saturday morning surprise.
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