Maintaining a problem-free garbage disposal

Part 3: What To Do if Your Garbage Disposal is Not Grinding:

You’ve been maintaining your garbage disposal, keeping it clean and not putting the wrong things into it, and yet today you turn it on and you hear a sound you’ve never heard before, which of course causes concern. A sign that your disposal may be jammed or clogged is a humming sound when you turn on the unit, indicating no grinding is taking place. You may be able to fix this problem yourself. Here are a few things you can try yourself before calling for help:

1. Ninety percent of garbage disposals that appear not to be working just need to be reset. There is usually a red or black reset button on the garbage disposal motor underneath your sink. Just push to reset.
2. If the garbage disposal is plugged into a wall outlet, ensure the outlet has power.
3. Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
4. Give it a push-start. Most garbage disposals have a hole underneath that allows you to hand-crank it free once it’s been jammed. To crank it, use either an allen wrench or a garbage disposal tool that you can pick up at most hardware stores. This should free up most non-serious jams.

These are general tips and simple remedies for minor problems. If you try these solutions and they don’t work or if your problem seems to be getting worse, contact West Coast Plumbing and Water Treatment immediately. We have the tools and know-how to address almost every garbage disposal emergency.