Common Garbage Disposal Problems

Jamming

• Your garbage disposal may get jammed if you place objects in it such as twist ties, glass shards, can tabs or coins. You can often unjam it by using an Allen wrench at the masher plate located on the inside of the disposal to wiggle the item free. If the masher plate can be rotated in both directions and there is no foreign object, you may need to consider expert assistance.

Humming

• If your garbage disposal hums, the disposer may be jammed. Immediately turn the disposal off and clear the jam before turning the disposal back on. If there is no jam but the motor continues to hum, it may have burnt up. Usually this requires replacing the entire disposal.

Leaking

• If you notice a leak at the drain pipe of the disposer, remove the pipe and change the rubber gasket inside the pipe. The entire disposer might need to be replaced if you notice a leak at the top seal of the disposer.

Won't Operate

• If you turn the garbage disposal on and nothing happens, the reset button may have been flipped. Check the button at the bottom of the disposal to ensure it hasn't been engaged. Press the red button to force a reset.

Poor Grinding

• If your garbage disposal seems to be doing a poor job at grinding up food, it may be worn out. When disposers age, they require replacement. There is nothing you can do if the disposal is rusted on the interior and needs to be replaced, except to purchase a new one.