Kitchen Sink Food Disposal Not Working

A working garbage disposal is a great convenience, but when it's not working, it can be a major headache. If your kitchen sink food disposal is not working, there are a few things you can check to try to fix the problem yourself before calling a plumber.

First, check to see if the disposal is getting power. If the power cord is not plugged in, plug it in and try again. If the power cord is plugged in, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure that the circuit that powers the disposal is not tripped or blown.

If the disposal is getting power, the next step is to check for clogs. Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, such as food scraps, grease, or soap scum. To check for a clog, run some water into the sink and then turn on the disposal. If the water drains slowly or not at all, there is probably a clog.

To remove a clog, you can try using a drain snake or a wet/dry vacuum. If you are using a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to auger out the clog. If you are using a wet/dry vacuum, attach the hose to the vacuum and insert the other end into the drain. Turn on the vacuum and let it suck out the clog.

If you are unable to remove the clog yourself, you will need to call a plumber. The plumber will be able to use a professional-grade drain snake or hydro-jet to clear the clog.

In addition to clogs, there are a few other things that can cause a garbage disposal to stop working. These include:

Worn-out motor: The motor is the heart of the garbage disposal, and it can wear out over time. If the motor is worn out, the disposal will not be able to grind food scraps.
Damaged blades: The blades of the garbage disposal can become damaged if they come into contact with hard objects, such as bones or silverware. If the blades are damaged, the disposal will not be able to grind food scraps effectively.
Leaking seals: The seals around the disposal can leak over time, which can cause water to leak out of the disposal. If the seals are leaking, the disposal will not be able to operate properly.

If you have checked for clogs and the disposal is still not working, it is likely that one of these other problems is the cause. You will need to call a plumber to repair or replace the disposal.