When your garbage disposal is not working, the kitchen can get messy fast. The sink won’t drain right, food smells start to build up, and cleaning dishes becomes harder than it should be. Many homeowners try to fix it themselves, but one wrong move can make things worse. That’s where professional help makes all the difference.
Our repair team handles these problems every day. We know the small signs that show when a disposal is about to stop working and how to fix it before it damages your sink or plumbing.
Why a Working Garbage Disposal Matters
A garbage disposal does more than just grind food. It keeps your sink clear and stops waste from clogging your drain. When it stops, bits of food collect inside and cause bad smells or even leaks. It can also affect your dishwasher since both often share the same drain.
If your disposal isn’t turning on, making noise, or draining slowly, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a warning that something deeper is wrong. Fixing it early saves you money and prevents plumbing problems later.
Common Reasons a Garbage Disposal Stops Working
Every disposal has moving parts, wiring, and seals that wear out over time. Here are the most common problems our technicians find:
- No power reaching the unit: Sometimes it’s just unplugged, or the circuit breaker has tripped.
- Blades jammed with food or utensils: Hard items like bones, fruit pits, or silverware can stop the blades from turning.
- Overheated motor: When you overload it or run it too long, the motor shuts off to protect itself.
- Leaking from underneath: The gasket, drain, or body may be cracked or loose.
- Strange noise or humming sound: This usually means the motor is running, but the blades can’t move freely.
When your garbage disposal is not working, one of these problems is usually to blame—and a trained technician can find it fast.
When You Should Call a Professional
Some people press the reset button and hope for the best. But when that doesn’t work, forcing it can be dangerous. Garbage disposals run on electricity and connect to your plumbing—two things you don’t want to mix up.
Here’s when you should call a professional repair service:
- The disposal won’t start even after checking the power.
- It keeps tripping the circuit breaker.
- There’s a burning smell or smoke when you turn it on.
- You hear grinding, banging, or metal scraping noises.
- Water leaks from the bottom or sides of the unit.
Why Professional Garbage Disposal Repair Is Better
Trying to fix a disposal without training can cause bigger problems—like electrical shorts, leaks, or broken blades. Calling a professional not only saves time but also gives you peace of mind.
Here’s what professional service offers:
- Safe electrical work: We check connections and switches correctly.
- Right parts and tools: No guesswork or mismatched fittings.
- Long-term fix: Repairs that actually last instead of quick patches.
- Clean work area: We make sure there’s no mess left behind.
What Happens During a Professional Repair
When you call for help because your garbage disposal is not working, our process is simple and clear.
Technicians first check the power supply, motor, and blades. Then they test the switch and look inside for anything stuck. If parts like the seal, gasket, or motor are bad, they replace them on the spot. After repair, the disposal is flushed with clean water and tested for smooth running.
You’ll know exactly what was wrong and how we fixed it before we leave. No surprises—just an honest service that works.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
Sometimes a garbage disposal stops working again and again, even after several repairs. When that happens, it often means the unit has reached the end of its life. If it’s older than eight years or keeps causing problems, replacing it is usually the smarter choice. A new unit runs more quietly, works faster, and helps prevent future plumbing issues.
If your disposal hums but doesn’t grind, leaks keep coming back, or the power cuts out during use, it’s time to think about getting a new one. A professional technician can check the condition and tell you if repair is still worth it or if replacement will save you more money in the long run.
How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Good Shape
Simple care can keep your disposal working for years. Follow these easy steps to avoid most problems:
- Always run cold water before and after you use it.
- Don’t grind bones, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods like celery.
- Drop a few ice cubes once a week to sharpen the blades.
- Pour a bit of baking soda and vinegar monthly to clean it naturally.
Why Homeowners Choose Our Repair Team
When your garbage disposal is not working, you want someone who can fix it quickly and correctly. Our appliance repair professionals handle all kinds of disposal problems—from simple jams to full motor replacements.
We don’t just patch up issues; we make sure your whole sink system runs smoothly again. Customers choose us because we’re fast, honest, and keep our prices fair. Every job is done with care, and we explain each step so you know what you’re paying for.
Conclusion
If your garbage disposal is not working, don’t keep using it or try to fix it yourself. Small issues can turn into big electrical or plumbing problems. Let our appliance repair professionals handle it safely and correctly. With expert care, your garbage disposal will run smoothly again, keeping your kitchen clean and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
My garbage disposal hums but doesn’t grind—what does that mean?
It means the blades are jammed or the motor is stuck. Avoid sticking your hand in it—call a technician to fix it safely.
Can I use hot water in the garbage disposal?
Cold water is better. Hot water can melt grease, which later hardens in your pipes and causes clogs.
Why does my garbage disposal leak?
Leaks often come from worn-out seals, cracks, or loose fittings. A repair technician can find the exact source and stop it.
How long should my garbage disposal last?
With proper care, most last between 8 to 10 years. Regular maintenance helps it last even longer.
