How to Repair a Broken Garbage Disposal

Youmna Rehman

We've all been there: you're cleaning up after dinner, and suddenly, your garbage disposal stops working. It's frustrating, messy, and can disrupt your whole evening. But don't worry—whether your disposal is humming but not grinding, leaking, or just won't turn on, you can often fix these issues yourself. In this guide, we'll walk you through diagnosing and repairing your garbage disposal, saving you the cost and hassle of calling in the pros. However, if you find the task too daunting or the issue persists, remember that All City Plumbers are just a call away, ready to tackle even the toughest disposal dilemmas. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get your kitchen back in working order!

Read here about How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal!

Safety Precautions

Disconnect Power: Always unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the circuit breaker before starting any repairs.
Use Tools, Not Hands: Never reach into the disposal with your hands. Use tongs, pliers, or an offset wrench to remove obstructions.
Check for Power: Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off before beginning work.
Avoid Water Contact: Ensure the area is dry to prevent any risk of electrical shock.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the specific safety instructions provided by your garbage disposal's manufacturer.

Diagnosing the Problem:

To effectively repair a broken garbage disposal, you first need to identify the issue. Here are common problems and their signs:

Disposal Not Turning On: If you flip the switch and hear nothing, the issue could be an electrical problem or a tripped reset button.
Humming Noise Without Grinding: A humming noise often indicates that the motor is running, but the impeller or flywheel is jammed.
Water Leaking: Leaks can occur from the sink flange, dishwasher hose, or discharge drainpipe.
Slow Draining: Slow drainage is typically due to a clog in the drain pipes or disposal itself

Common Causes:

Understanding the common causes behind garbage disposal issues can help you diagnose and fix the problem more efficiently. Here are the typical culprits:

Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse can prevent the disposal from turning on.
Jammed Impeller or Flywheel: Food scraps or foreign objects can jam the impeller or flywheel, causing the disposal to hum but not grind.
Clogged Drain Pipes: Grease, food particles, and debris can build up in the drain pipes, leading to slow drainage.
Faulty Seals or Connections: Over time, the seals and connections at the sink flange, dishwasher hose, or discharge drainpipe can wear out and cause leaks.
Overloaded Disposal: Putting too much food waste at once can overwhelm the disposal, leading to jams or slow draining.
Worn-Out Components: The disposal’s motor, blades, or internal mechanisms may wear out with age and use, leading to malfunction.

Step-by-Step Repair Guide:

Garbage Disposal Not Turning On:

Push the Reset Button:
Locate the reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit.
Press the reset button to restore power.
Test the disposal by turning it on.

Check the Outlet:
Ensure the disposal is properly plugged into the outlet.
Test the outlet with another device to confirm it’s working.

Check for Power:
Inspect the circuit breaker and reset if tripped.
Use a voltage tester to check if power is reaching the outlet.
If no power, inspect the wiring and secure any loose connections.

Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Grinding:

Turn off Power:
Disconnect the disposal from the power source.

Fix Flywheel and Impeller Jams:
Insert an offset wrench or hex key into the flywheel hole at the bottom.
Turn the wrench clockwise to dislodge any obstructions.
If the obstruction is higher, use pliers or tongs to remove it.

Restore Power:
Reconnect the power and press the reset button.
Run water and test the disposal with quick on/off bursts.

Garbage Disposal Leaking:

Leak at the Sink Flange:
Disconnect power and remove the disposal by turning it counterclockwise.
Apply plumber’s putty between the sink flange and sink.
Tighten the mounting bolts and reinstall the disposal.

Leak at the Dishwasher Connection:
Tighten the hose clamp on the dishwasher hose.
Replace the hose if leaking continues.

Leak at the Discharge Drainpipe:
Tighten the bolts securing the discharge pipe.
If leaking persists, replace the gasket seal.

Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly:

Clear the Drain Trap:
Disconnect the discharge pipe and drain trap.
Check for and remove any clogs or obstructions.
If the clog is further down, use a sink auger to clear the branch drain line.
Reassemble the drain trap and discharge pipe.

Conclusion

Repairing a broken garbage disposal can be manageable with the right tools and knowledge. By following the step-by-step guide provided, you can address common issues such as electrical malfunctions, jammed impellers, leaks, and slow drainage effectively.

Remember, safety should always come first when working with electrical appliances. Always disconnect power before attempting any repairs and use appropriate tools to avoid injury.

If you encounter persistent problems or feel uncomfortable with the repair process, it's wise to seek professional assistance. All City Plumbers are available to provide expert help, ensuring your garbage disposal operates smoothly and efficiently.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Choosing Plumbing Materials: Copper, PEX, PVC, & Other Options

by Hadi Masood • 12 December 2025

Guide to choosing plumbing materials: copper, PEX, PVC pros/cons, tankless water heater compatibility, and drain clearing tips from All City Plumbers.

When to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

by Hadi Masood • 11 December 2025

Deciding when to repair or replace your water heater is a vital consideration that impacts home comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Water heaters are essential household appliances that provide hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning, and their performance can significantly influence utility costs and quality of life. Understanding the signs that indicate repair or replacement needs, as well as evaluating the conditions favoring each option, enables homeowners to make informed decisions. This comprehensive article covers these aspects in detail, incorporating valuable information from professionals such as All City Plumbers, insights from tankless water heaters, and the importance of emergency services for critical situations. Recognizing Signs That Repair is Needed Water heaters, like any mechanical system, may experience malfunctions or inefficiencies over time. Early identification of repair needs can extend the life of the unit and prevent costly replacements. Common signs requiring repair include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises such as rumbling or popping caused by sediment buildup, water leaks near the tank or connections, and longer than usual recovery times for heating. Ignoring these symptoms can exacerbate damage, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs. Homeowners should prioritize regular maintenance inspections, ideally conducted by trusted professionals such as All City Plumbers, who can diagnose issues comprehensively and recommend effective repair strategies. In some cases, simple fixes like replacing thermostats or flushing mineral deposits restore functionality efficiently without necessitating full replacement. When Replacement Becomes the Best Option Despite repairs, there comes a time when replacing a water heater is more cost-effective and safer than patching existing problems. Factors influencing the decision to replace include the age of the unit—typically over 10 to 15 years for traditional tanks—repeated and escalating repair costs, inconsistent water quality, and significant leaks that compromise structural integrity. Additionally, adopting new technologies can justify replacement. Tankless water heaters insights reveal their advantages in energy efficiency, longer service life, and space-saving designs compared to conventional models. Upgrading to a tankless system presents opportunities for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption and enjoy continuous hot water. Professional plumbers, including All City Plumbers, can provide expert evaluations to identify ideal replacement systems tailored to household needs and budgets. Safety Concerns and Emergency Services A malfunctioning water heater can pose safety hazards such as leaks that damage property or, in the case of gas-powered units, risks of carbon monoxide leaks or explosions. Recognizing emergency signs—unusual smells, visible corrosion, or sudden loss of hot water—requires immediate attention. In these instances, accessing emergency services is crucial to prevent injuries or extensive damage. Emergency response teams dispatched by experienced plumbing services expedite diagnosis and mitigate risks, often providing temporary solutions such as shutoff assistance or temporary heating options while permanent repairs or replacements are scheduled. Homeowners are encouraged to establish relationships with reputable providers like All City Plumbers to ensure prioritized emergency support when critical. Maintenance and Longevity Considerations Regular maintenance positively influences whether a water heater can be repaired or requires replacement. Tasks like flushing the tank, inspecting anode rods, and checking for leaks enhance efficiency and delay deterioration. Maintenance regimens tailored to specific systems, including tankless water heaters, further optimize performance and longevity. Professional plumbing companies emphasize preventive care that minimizes unscheduled downtime and maximizes appliance lifespan. Integrating maintenance with proactive monitoring helps identify gradual decline early, allowing timely interventions and cost-effective upkeep. Environmental and Economic Impacts of Repair vs. Replacement Homeowners also weigh environmental and financial factors when deciding between repair and replacement. Newer water heaters, especially tankless models, conform to stringent energy standards reducing carbon footprints and lowering monthly bills. Repairing outdated or inefficient units might temporarily save money but could result in higher operational costs and environmental impacts. Energy rebates, incentives, and financing options offered for upgrades enhance affordability, and professional consultations with experts like All City Plumbers help balance upfront investments with long-term savings. Such holistic considerations ensure that each household’s decision supports sustainability goals alongside comfort and budget priorities. Conclusion Determining when to repair or replace a water heater involves evaluating performance issues, safety concerns, age, and economic factors, supported by expert advice from seasoned plumbers and modern technological insights. Proactive maintenance can defer replacement, but timely transitions to advanced systems, including tankless water heaters, often bring superior efficiency and reliability. Equally, preparedness for emergencies through access to prompt services mitigates risks. Trustworthy services like All City Plumbers provide comprehensive, tailored solutions ensuring homeowners enjoy safe, consistent hot water with optimal investment returns.