In this article:
• Garbage Disposal Jammed (Hums)
• Garbage Disposal Does Not Grind or Drain
• Garbage Disposal Grinds Poorly, Leaks or Is Noisy
• Garbage Disposal Care
Indispensable in the modern kitchen, a garbage disposal helps make food preparation and cleanup easy and fast. Attached to the underside of a kitchen sink’s drain, it works by chewing up food scraps fed down the drain with a heavy flow of water. A shredder breaks the food down in the grinding chamber, and then an impeller arm and plate force the liquid and particles down the drain. Dishwasher drain water also runs through the garbage disposal so that any large particles are chewed up and drained away.
A good garbage disposal can last a decade or more with proper care and usage. Simple problems are easy to fix; with a serious problem, you’re usually better off replacing the entire unit.
Garbage Disposal Jammed (Hums)
You’ll know your disposal is jammed or clogged when the motor hums but the disposal doesn’t grind, is overly noisy, or runs and then stops before you turn it off.
The problem is often a piece of bone, a fruit pit, or the like stuck between an impeller blade and the drain hole. Don’t continue to run the disposal when it’s jammed as this can burn out the motor.
HomeTips Safety Tip: Be sure to turn off the electrical circuit that powers the garbage disposal before making any repairs.
To clear a jammed disposal:
1) Unplug the unit and check the instructions in your owner’s manual.
2) Under the sink, look at the bottom of the disposal for a hex-shaped hole. If you see one, look for a hex wrench that fits the hole (it’s often attached to the disposal). Fit the hex wrench into the hole, and force it back and forth in both directions to free the impellers. (Note: Some models have a reversing switch that accomplishes the same action.)
3) If your disposal doesn’t have a hex hole or you can’t find a hex wrench, put a short broom stick into the disposal (with the switch turned off!), force it down against one of the blades, and try to rotate the impeller.
4) If something has been put in the disposal that shouldn’t have—such as metal, rubber, glass, or fibrous food waste such as artichoke leaves or banana peels—use tongs or pliers to pull the material out. Never use your hand.
5) If this fails, call a repairperson.
Garbage Disposal Does Not Grind or Drain
If you can hear the garbage disposal running but it is not grinding, the blades may be broken. It’s usually easier and cheaper to just replace the entire unit.
When water stands in the sink, it means the drain is clogged either in the disposal or further down the drain line. This isn’t a garbage disposal problem but rather a plumbing problem. See How to Plunge a Drain Clog.
Garbage Disposal Grinds Poorly, Leaks or Is Noisy
If your disposal grinds poorly, make sure that you are running enough water while operating the unit and that you are not grinding matter that you shouldn’t.
If you notice leaks below the disposal, pinpoint the source of the leak, and tighten the offending connection. If necessary, replace the drain gasket or the unit’s mounting screws.
If the unit is unreasonably noisy, check that something hasn’t entered the unit that shouldn’t have. If all is clear, you may need to replace the blade, impeller, or motor; this should be done by a pro.
Because these types of repairs can be costly, it’s often cheaper, faster, and wiser to replace the entire unit.
Garbage Disposal Care
Garbage disposals work best if you:
- Use cold water when grinding food (hot water can melt fats and clog the mechanism and the pipes)
- Do not pour bleach, drain cleaners, or other chemicals into the unit
- Do not grind overly fibrous materials, bones, or coffee grounds (check the owner’s manual) or such materials as glass, metal, or rubber
- Run water before and after you use the disposal
If something has been put in the disposal that should not have been, use tongs or pliers to pull the material out. Never use your hand.
To clean a garbage disposal of built-up sludge and debris, fill it with ice cubes and a cup of rock salt and then run it for about five seconds. If your garbage disposal smells bad, you can deodorize it by running warm water down it while you grind a lemon.
