How To Fix Sink Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a nearly foolproof method of dealing with the food that is produced during a home-cooked meal. They've come a long way since their humble beginnings over a century ago. We're lucky to have them due to how easy and safe they make it to get rid of food scraps.

While garbage disposals are lifesavers, they are far from perfect. Any machine or appliance can break down, no matter how well it is made. When a sink garbage disposal stops working, it can be quite the headache. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. In this article, we'll discuss some ways to fix a broken garbage disposal.

Check for power

This is the first thing you should do when your garbage disposal stops working. Make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into an outlet. If it is, then check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure that the power is not turned off. If the power is on but the garbage disposal is still not working, then the problem may be something else.

Reset the garbage disposal

Most garbage disposals have a reset button. On most models, it is a red or black button on the bottom of the unit. If you press this button, it will reset the garbage disposal and it may start working again. If the reset button does not work, then the problem may be something more serious.

Clear the garbage disposal

If the garbage disposal is jammed, it will not be able to work properly. To clear the garbage disposal, first, try to remove any food scraps that are stuck in the blades. You can do this by using a flashlight to look inside the disposal and then using a pair of tongs to remove any debris. If you cannot see any food scraps, then you can try to clear the disposal by running some ice cubes through it. The ice will help to break up any clogs that may be causing the problem.

Check the flywheel

The flywheel is the part of the garbage disposal that spins the blades. If the flywheel is broken, then the garbage disposal will not be able to work properly. To check the flywheel, first remove the splash guard from the top of the garbage disposal. Then, look for the flywheel and try to spin it by hand. If the flywheel does not spin freely, then it may be broken and will need to be replaced.

Check the motor

The motor is the heart of the garbage disposal. If the motor is burned out, then the garbage disposal will not be able to work properly. To check the motor, first, unplug the garbage disposal from the outlet. Then, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the motor. If the motor is burned out, then it will need to be replaced.

Call a plumber

If you have tried all of the above steps and your garbage disposal is still not working, then you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.