Jammed, Leaking, or Broken: How to Troubleshoot Your Garbage Disposal

It’s a good idea to call a local plumber to help you diagnose and repair your faulty garbage disposal. An expert has the skills to establish the cause of the problem and resolve it correctly the first time. Whether you’re dealing with foreign objects lodged in the unit, loose seals, or a failing motor, a licensed plumber can help.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we pride ourselves on offering professional garbage disposal repair, and we’re here to share tips on how to troubleshoot your garbage disposal. Read on to learn more.

How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal

A jammed disposal is one of the most common issues homeowners face. If you hear a humming sound but the blades aren’t spinning, the unit is likely jammed. In some cases, you might hear loud clanking noises coming from the disposal. You need to take action to avoid burning the motor.

Steps to Troubleshoot a Jam:

• Turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker.
• Use a hex key (Allen wrench) to manually rotate the motor from the bottom of the unit.
• Remove any visible obstructions using tongs or pliers—never use your hands.
• Press the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal.

Once the obstruction is cleared, restore power and test the unit. If it runs smoothly, the issue is resolved. If the problem persists, you may need to call a trusted plumbing service to help you resolve the problem.

Dealing with a Leaking Garbage Disposal

Leaks can occur in several areas of your garbage disposal and should be addressed quickly to prevent water damage. Unresolved garbage disposal leaks can cause mold growth in your kitchen and other problems.

Common Leak Sources:

• Sink flange: The connection between the sink and disposal may have loosened.
• Dishwasher connection: A loose or damaged hose can cause leaks.
• Drain pipe: Worn-out gaskets or loose fittings may be the issue.
• Cracks in the unit: If the disposal body is cracked, professional garbage disposal repair or replacement is usually necessary.

Tightening connections or replacing worn seals can fix minor leaks. However, persistent leaks may require professional garbage disposal repair or replacement. Call a local plumber that specializes in garbage disposal services when you notice a leak. The earlier you seek help from an expert, the better your chances of averting a disaster.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Broken

Sometimes, a garbage disposal issue goes beyond a simple jam or leak. If your unit shows the following signs, it may be time to call a nearby plumbing service for a replacement:

• No power or response when turned on
• Frequent resets needed to keep it running
• Loud grinding or rattling noises
• Persistent odors that won’t go away
• Poor performance even after clearing jams

These symptoms indicate worn-out internal components or motor failure. You may notice these issues once the disposal reaches the end of its lifespan. The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 7 to 15 years. Reach out to a local plumbing service when you need an expert to replace an aging garbage disposal.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While some garbage disposal issues can be fixed with basic troubleshooting, others require expert attention. If you’re dealing with electrical problems, persistent leaks, or a completely non-functional unit, it’s best to call a licensed plumbing service.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the company to call when you need fast and reliable garbage disposal repair and replacement. Our plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to diagnose and fix all kinds of garbage disposal issues. Call us now to request service from our skilled plumbers!