Sinks, Drains & Plumbing

I’m looking for something else.

.

let’s get your Disposal working again!

Problem 1: My disposal won’t turn on at all!

Problem 2: My disposal sounds like it turns on but it doesn’t do anything!

Problem 3: My disposal turns on but it sounds terrible!

I don’t know where to begin, show me the full video!

important notes about disposals:
  • Never put anything down the disposal larger than the size of a penny. Larger food items can damage the disposal or clog the plumbing. Always put foods scraps in the trash or compost bin.
  • Citrus peels (orange, lemon, lime, etc) should never be put down the disposal and they might cause a jam or a plumbing blockage (for which you may be responsible for the cost to repair). Instead, put a few ice cubes in the disposal and let it run for 15-20 seconds.
  • Do not use chemical drain cleaners as they will not resolve issues with the disposal and they can damage the unit.

.

Problem 1:

my disposal won’t turn on at all!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

Step 1: Make sure the disposal hasn’t come unplugged

Let’s do a quick check to make sure the disposal is still plugged in. Open the cupboard under the sink and find the disposal. Check to make sure the cord coming out of it is still plugged into the outlet. If it’s unplugged, simply plug it back in.

Step 2: press the reset button on the disposal

  1. On the underside of the disposal you should find a small, red button. Using a small mirror to look under the disposal can make finding it easier. This is a reset button and sometimes pushing it and resetting the disposal will get it working again.

Step 3: Check for a tripped Breaker

  1. Open your electrical panel or fuse box and look for breakers that are in the “off” position or in a position between “on” and “off.” In some cases, the switch might be in the middle or slightly pushed to one side.
  2. Firmly push the tripped breaker to the “off” position first and then to the “on” position. You should feel some resistance when moving the breaker to the “off” position.
  3. If the breaker won’t reset or if it immediately trips again, there may be an issue with the electrical circuit and you should contact your Property Manager.
  4. Check the disposal and see if electricity has been restored.

Important Notes:

  • If a breaker continues to trip frequently, it may indicate an underlying electrical issue, and you should notify your Property Manager.
  • Never force a breaker into the “on” position if it resists or if there is an unusual smell or signs of burning. This could be a sign of a serious problem that must be referred to your Property Manager.

Step 4: Check for a tripped GFCI Outlet

A GFCI outlet is a special type of electrical outlet that’s often used in places that are near water sources such as kitchens and bathrooms. They’re easily identified by having two buttons on the face of the outlet that read “Test” and “Reset”. These outlets help protect appliances and users from electrical shock, but sometimes they get tripped and simply need to be reset.

  1. Find the GFCI outlet: Look under the sink and see if the disposal is plugged into a GFCI outlet. If it’s just a regular outlet it’s possible the GFCI outlet is located in a different location such as above the countertop or elsewhere in the kitchen.
  2. Check to see if the GFCI outlet’s “Test” button appears to be popped out. If the “Test” button is popped out, it indicates that the GFCI has tripped.
  3. To reset the GFCI, firmly press the “Reset” button. You should feel some resistance when pushing it. You should hear a “click” when it successfully resets.
  4. If doesn’t reset or if it pops out again immediately, there may be an electrical issue with the wiring or the disposal and you should notify your Property Manager.
  5. Plug the disposal back in and see if it’s working.

.

Problem 2:

my disposal sounds like it tries to turn on but it doesn’t do anything!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

Step 1: Manually free the disposal blades

  1. Turn off the power to the disposal by unplugging it or switching it off at the circuit breaker.
  2. Look for a hole located directly in the middle of the underside of the unit.
  3. Insert a 1/4″ Allen wrench or hex key into the hole and turn it clockwise and counterclockwise to manually rotate the disposal blades. Typically there is an Allen wrench attached to the side of the disposal specifically for this purpose.
  4. This helps to free up any obstructions that may be causing the motor to stall. If you feel or hear items being dislodged by turning the blades manually you will want to remove the debris before using the disposal. See the previous step for instructions on how to remove jammed objects.
  5. After removing the object, plug it back in or switch on the breaker and press the reset button on the underside of the disposal (see #2 in the previous section for instructions on the reset button).
  6. Turn on the disposal and see if it’s functioning properly.

.

Problem 3:

my disposal turns on but it sounds terrible!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

Step 1: Check for jammed objects

  1. Turn off the power to the disposal by unplugging it or switching it off at the circuit breaker.
  2. Use a flashlight to look into the disposal for any foreign objects such as utensils, bones, glass, or other debris.
  3. If you see anything jammed, use long-handled tongs or pliers to carefully remove the obstruction. Do not put your hand in the disposal!
  4. After removing the object, plug it back in or switch on the breaker and press the reset button on the underside of the disposal (see #2 in the previous section for instructions on the reset button).
  5. Turn on the disposal and see if it’s functioning properly.