Introduction:

Garbage disposals are true heroes in the kitchen, until garbage disposal not working properly. If yours has suddenly gone quiet or is making odd sounds, don’t freak out. Before you reach for the phone to call in a pro (and spend some cash you might not need to), give these easy and safe DIY fixes a shot. You might just be able to fix it yourself!

Why DIY Before Calling a Professional?

1. Save Money:

Service calls can set you back anywhere from $75 to $150 or even more. If you can tackle the problem in just 5 minutes, why not give it a try?

2. Quick Resolution:

A lot of common issues, like a tripped breaker or a jammed blade, have straightforward fixes that you can handle right away; no need to wait for a technician.

3. Avoid Emergency Fees:

If you call for repairs on weekends or holidays, you might face extra charges. Taking a DIY approach can help you hold off until regular business hours.

4. Empower Yourself:

By picking up a few basic skills, you can troubleshoot with confidence in the future, keeping unnecessary stress at bay.

Safety First: What to Do Before You Start

Power Off the Garbage Disposal:

Before you dive into your garbage disposal, make sure to turn off the power first. You can either unplug it from beneath the sink or switch it off at the breaker box. This step is super important to avoid any accidents.

What You’ll Need

Flashlight
Hex key/Allen wrench
Long tongs or pliers
Baking soda and vinegar (optional for cleaning)
Rubber gloves

Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working

Jammed Blades

Food scraps, silverware, or bone fragments can get stuck in the blades and jam the disposal.

Overloaded Motor

If the unit tries to grind too much at once, the motor might overheat and trip the reset button.

Electrical Issues

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a loose power connection or tripped circuit breaker.

Clogs in the Drain

If water backs up in the sink, it might be a clogged pipe rather than the disposal itself.

DIY Fixes You Can Try at Home

1. Press the Reset Button

First things first, find that little red reset button tucked away under your disposal. If it’s popped out, just press it back in and give the unit a test run.

2. Unjam the Blades Manually

Grab a hex key and stick it into the hole at the bottom of the unit. Give it a good twist back and forth to free up any stuck blades. If there’s no hole, don’t worry! You can use a wooden spoon handle inside the sink opening (just remember, never use your hand!) to nudge those blades.

3. Clear the Drainpipe

If you’re dealing with a blockage, reach for a plunger or a plumber snake to clear out any gunk in the pipe that connects to the disposal.

4. Check for Power Supply Issues

Double-check that the unit is plugged in. You might want to try plugging in another device to the same outlet to see if it’s working.
What Not to Do (Avoid These Mistakes!)

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Using strong drain cleaners can harm the parts of your disposal and your plumbing.
Keep Your Hands Out:
Even if the power is off, it’s safer to use tongs or pliers.

6. Pay Attention to Odd Noises:

If you hear grinding or rattling, it could mean serious issues that might worsen over time.

When NOT to DIY:

There is leaking from the garbage disposal
The motor hums but doesn’t turn
You smell burning, or the unit shuts off repeatedly
You have tried all the steps above with no success.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re still facing issues with your appliance not turning on or functioning correctly after trying all the suggested steps, it might be time to dig a little deeper. Watch out for leaks or unpleasant odors; if you’re noticing water or food seeping out and persistent bad smells, that could indicate some internal damage. And if you’ve tried resetting it but there’s still no power, it might be best to call in an electrician or a professional appliance repair technician.

Preventive Tips for the Future

What to Avoid Putting in Your Disposal

Bones
Grease or oil
Coffee grounds
Fibrous veggies like celery or corn husks
Routine Cleaning Tips
Pour vinegar and baking soda into the disposal monthly
Flush with cold water after each use
Use ice cubes and lemon peels to freshen and sharpen blades
Smart Usage Habits
Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal
Feed waste gradually; don’t overload the unit.

Conclusion:

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, you might not need to shell out for a repair bill right away. With just a few tools and some careful steps, you can often figure out what’s wrong and even fix it yourself. But if you’re unsure or the problem keeps coming back, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed professional. A little bit of prevention and quick action can really help keep your kitchen running like a dream!

Call an Expert in Virginia and Maryland:

Having trouble despite trying all the tips above? At Home Appliance Care, we’re here to help with next-day garbage disposal repair services in Virginia and Maryland.

Our skilled technicians can tackle:

Garbage disposal motor issues
Complete replacements and installations
Leaking pipes or connections
Blade or impeller jams and more

You can contact us through:

Call us:  (571) 200-1953
Email us: support@homeappliancecare.us
Visit us:  homeappliancecare.us
Schedule Service Form: https://homeappliancecare.us/schedule-service/

Appliance Repair Service Timing of Home Appliance Care:

Opening hours on Monday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
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