Garbage Disposal Not Working? Fix it Before the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner. You’re probably dreaming of succulent turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and your aunt’s legendary green bean casserole. 

What you’re likely not picturing is a sink full of murky, smelly water because your garbage disposal decided to take an unscheduled vacation. 

A garbage disposal that’s not working is probably the last thing on your mind, but unfortunately, it’s incredibly common during the holidays. And when you’ve got a house full of guests and a mountain of dishes, this kind of breakdown is the last thing you need.

We often take our garbage disposals for granted. They hum along, grinding up our scraps, until one day they just… stop. The silence is jarring, soon followed by the unpleasant aroma of last night’s dinner refusing to go down the drain. 

Let’s walk through some common reasons your disposal might be on the fritz and what you can do about it. Get it sorted out now, and you can focus on what truly matters during the holidays: family, friends, and that extra slice (or two) of pumpkin pie.

Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Fixes First

When you discover your garbage disposal not working, your first instinct might be to call for help. And when that’s the case, our team at Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC is always happy to help.

Sometimes, though, the solution is simpler than you think. Try these things before you give us a call: 

1. Check the Power

It sounds almost too simple, but you’d be surprised how often this is the culprit. First, make sure the disposal is plugged in securely. The plug is usually located under the sink and can sometimes be knocked loose by a misplaced cleaning bottle.

If it’s plugged in tight, look for a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal unit itself. This is the reset button. It can pop out if the motor overheats or gets jammed. 

With the disposal switch turned off, press this button firmly. If it clicks back into place, you may have just solved your problem. Turn on the cold water and try the switch again. If it hums back to life, you’re back in business.

2. Look for Jams

If you flip the switch and hear a low humming or buzzing sound, but the blades aren’t turning, you likely have a jam. Something is physically blocking the blades from spinning. 

The most important thing here is safety. Never, ever, ever put your hand down the garbage disposal. It’s a recipe for a very bad day, a mistake that accounts for numerous ER visits each holiday season.

Instead, turn off the power to the disposal at your circuit breaker. This is a crucial step for safety. Once you’re absolutely certain the power is off, you can grab a flashlight and peek down the drain. You might spot the offender right away: a rogue bottle cap, a stubborn piece of bone, or that wine cork that slipped away. Use a pair of pliers or tongs to carefully fish out the object.

If you can’t see anything obvious, your disposal likely came with a special tool called a jam-buster wrench, which looks like a small Allen wrench. 

You can insert this tool into a slot on the very bottom of the unit and turn it back and forth. This manually moves the blades, which can dislodge whatever is stuck. Once you feel the blades moving freely, remove the wrench, restore power at the breaker, and try running it again with cold water.

When to Call in the Pros

While these DIY fixes can handle minor issues, some problems are best left to the experts. If your garbage disposal not working is a recurring theme, or if you’re dealing with a more serious issue, it’s time to call for backup.

Persistent Clogs and Leaks

Are you constantly battling clogs even when you’re careful about what you put down the drain? This could signal a deeper problem within your plumbing or the disposal unit itself. A professional can diagnose whether it’s a simple blockage or a sign that your disposal’s motor is losing its power.

Leaks are another clear sign you need help. A leak from the sink flange (where the disposal meets the sink) or the dishwasher connection might be a simple fix for a technician. However, a leak from the body of the disposal unit itself often means the internal seals have failed. In these cases, the unit usually needs to be replaced. Patching it up is a temporary fix at best and can lead to water damage and mold growth under your sink.

Electrical Issues or Complete Silence

If you’ve tried the reset button and checked your circuit breaker, but the disposal is still completely silent when you flip the switch, you could have an electrical problem. The issue might be with the switch, the wiring, or the motor itself. For your safety, this is a job for a qualified appliance repair technician. 

Scary Noises

Your garbage disposal should make a consistent grinding or whirring sound. If you start hearing loud, unusual noises like clanking, grinding metal, or screeching, turn it off immediately. 

These sounds often indicate that internal parts, like the bearings or blades, are broken or have come loose, and continuing to run the disposal can cause more extensive damage. A technician can open up the unit and determine if it’s repairable or if a replacement is the more cost effective option. In general, garbage disposals need to be replaced every five to ten years.

Fix it Before the Holiday Frenzy

Imagine it’s Thanksgiving morning. The turkey is in the oven, guests are arriving soon, and you’re peeling a mountain of potatoes. You rinse the peels down the drain, flip the switch, and… nothing. Now you have a clogged sink full of potato peel sludge, and your holiday cheer is rapidly draining away. 

Getting your disposal checked out and repaired before the holiday rush is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure a smooth, stress free celebration.

Don’t let a broken appliance ruin your festive plans. If you’re in the Edmond area and your garbage disposal not working is causing you headaches, it’s time to call in the experts. 

At Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC, we can quickly diagnose the problem and get your kitchen back in fighting shape for the holidays. Whether it’s a simple fix or a full replacement, we’ll make sure your sink is ready for whatever your holiday feasts throw at it.

Contact us today to schedule a service call and cross one more thing off your holiday to-do list.