5 Causes & DIY Tips
Garbage disposals provide an easy way to get rid of food waste without the mess and odors of throwing those scraps into the garbage. However, certain foods can cause problems for even the toughest garbage disposals, leading to clogs, jams, leaks, or other issues.
If you have a jammed or clogged garbage disposal, you may be able to try a DIY fix before calling in the professionals. This guide provides simple solutions to some of the most common problems.
The Most Common Culprits
Most people know not to put chicken bones, nut shells, eggshells, or other hard items into the garbage disposal or starchy foods that can clump together, like rice and pasta. But, there is a wide range of food you should avoid to prevent problems. Some of the more unusual items that can clog up the works include:
- Coffee grounds: Grounds don’t grid up well and can accumulate in the drain, clogging the disposal.
- Meat: While small scraps of meat will likely be okay, larger portions can be tough and stringy, tangling the impeller.
- Eggshells: They may seem fragile and easy to grind, but the thin membrane on the inside of the shell can get wound up in the impeller and stop the motor from spinning.
- Starchy foods: Foods with lots of starch, like potato peels, can become almost like glue when ground, leading to clogs or jammed garbage disposals.
- Seeds: Most people avoid putting large fruit pits in the disposal, but even smaller seeds can have tough shells that jam the system or clog the drain.
How To Fix a Jammed Disposal Yourself
A blocked garbage disposal can be inconvenient, and while some DIY fixes are available, it’s best to call a professional plumbing company for help in most cases. They can get the job done right while doing it faster than the typical homeowner, plus there are dangers involved with repairing a garbage disposal.
But if you’re handy and have the right tools, here’s how to fix a garbage disposal yourself and save a bit of time and money.
Check Electrical & Reset It
Electrical issues are one of the most common things that can stop a garbage disposal from working. The culprit is usually a tripped breaker or a tripped reset switch on the disposal itself, and it’s easy to check if this is the issue. Open the cabinet and press the reset button back in, or reset the breaker at the main electrical panel.
Rotate the Impeller Plate & Blades
If the garbage disposal is completely jammed, you may be able to manually free it. Turn off the garbage disposal’s power, then find the wrench that came with the unit. Connect it to the bottom of the disposal and turn it clockwise to free the impeller.
Remove Large or Excess Debris
If the garbage disposal is struggling or will not turn because it was overloaded, you may be able to remove some excess food to get it working again. Shut off the power, then use a utensil like a wooden spoon handle to extract some of the debris and give it room to work.
Get Professional Disposal Repairs in Kirtland!
If your garbage disposal still won’t work or started leaking, it may be time to call in a professional. Even a small leak can cause costly water damage in your home, so it’s best to call a qualified plumber right away.
At Kobella Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we can help with any garbage disposal problem you may encounter, and we have licensed, professional plumbers with full background checks, best-in-class service, quality you can count on, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Contact our team today to request garbage disposal repairs anywhere in Kirtland, Chesterland, or nearby areas in Northeast Ohio.
