Garbage disposals are like that one friend who eats everything but has a weak stomach. One day, they’re chewing through leftovers like a champ, and the next, they’re making weird noises and refusing to work. If your disposal has decided to go on strike, don’t worry, plumbers in Amarillo, Texas, know exactly how to get it back in shape.
Why Do Garbage Disposals Stop Working?
Garbage disposals may seem tough, but they have their limits. If you’ve been treating yours like a trash can, tossing in everything from eggshells to grease, it’s only a matter of time before it fights back. Here are the most common reasons they stop working:
- Jammed Blades – Too much food, especially fibrous or starchy stuff like celery, potato peels, or pasta, can jam the spinning blades. A sneaky utensil can also get caught in there, stopping everything cold.
- Overheated Motor – If the disposal gets overworked, it might overheat and shut off. This usually happens if you run it too long or try to grind up something it wasn’t meant to handle.
- Leaks – Water dripping under the sink? The disposal’s connections might be loose, or the seals inside could be worn out.
- Electrical Problems – If the disposal isn’t making any noise at all, it could be an electrical issue. Maybe the circuit breaker tripped, or the wiring is faulty.
The First Thing a Plumber Checks
When a plumber arrives to fix a garbage disposal, they don’t just start taking things apart. The first step is always diagnosing the problem. They check if the unit is getting power, listen for strange noises, and look under the sink for leaks.
If the disposal isn’t responding at all, the plumber checks the reset button first. Most disposals have a little red reset button on the bottom. Sometimes, all it takes is pressing that button to bring it back to life. If only all problems were that easy to fix!
More Reading:
Unjamming a Stuck Garbage Disposal
If the disposal is making a humming sound but not spinning, it’s probably jammed. Plumbers have a simple trick for this, they use an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades from the bottom of the unit. This helps loosen whatever is stuck inside.
Of course, the power stays off during this. No one wants a surprise when the blades start moving again! If something is stuck inside, they’ll use pliers or tongs to pull it out. (Never hands, because no one wants to explain to the ER how they got their fingers caught in a garbage disposal.)
Once the jam is cleared, the plumber tests the disposal again. If it spins freely, problem solved! If not, there’s a bigger issue.
When the Motor Stops Working
A garbage disposal’s motor isn’t invincible. If it overheats too often or just wears out over time, it might stop working completely. When that happens, there’s no repairing it, it’s time for a replacement.
Plumbers will check the wiring first to make sure the motor is really the issue. If everything looks fine but the disposal still won’t run, they’ll recommend installing a new unit.
Fixing Leaks in a Garbage Disposal
A leaky garbage disposal can be a real headache. If water is pooling under the sink, the plumber will check a few things:
- The sink flange – This is where the disposal connects to the sink. If the seal isn’t tight, water can drip down.
- The discharge pipe – If the pipe that carries food waste to the drain is loose or cracked, that’s another common source of leaks.
- The unit itself – Sometimes, the disposal itself cracks or wears out, especially if it’s old. In that case, a new unit is the only solution.
Most leaks can be fixed by tightening connections or replacing a worn-out gasket. But if the disposal itself is damaged, it’s usually best to replace it.
Electrical Problems and Power Issues
If a garbage disposal is completely silent—not even a hum—it’s likely an electrical issue. The plumber checks a few things:
- Power source – Sometimes, the disposal just got unplugged. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often this happens.
- Circuit breaker – If too much power was drawn, the breaker might have tripped. Resetting it can fix the problem.
- Wiring issues – If the power source and breaker are fine, but the disposal still won’t turn on, the wiring might be faulty. In that case, an electrician might need to take a look.
When is it Time to Replace a Garbage Disposal?
Sometimes, a disposal is just too old or too damaged to fix. If it’s leaking from the inside, making loud grinding noises, or constantly clogging, replacing it is usually the best move.
Most garbage disposals last about 10 years. If yours is older and causing trouble, a plumber will probably recommend a new one. The good news? Newer disposals are quieter, more powerful, and often come with better features.
Call a Plumber in Amarillo, Texas
If your garbage disposal is acting up, don’t wait until your kitchen smells like last week’s leftovers. A professional plumber can diagnose the issue, fix it fast, and save you from the frustration of dealing with a broken disposal. Whether it needs a simple reset, a good unclogging, or a full replacement, Amarillo plumbers have seen it all and know exactly what to do.
Give us a call, and we’ll have your disposal working again before you have to deal with that growing stack of dirty dishes.
Attribution: Cover Image by FreePik
More Reading:
- How Do Plumbers Estimate the Cost of a Plumbing Project?
- What’s the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?
