Expert Garbage Disposal Repair in Spokane, WA

Common Garbage Disposal Problems & DIY Troubleshooting Guide

Before you call a professional, many common garbage disposal issues can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, always prioritize safety first! Never attempt a repair without ensuring the power to the disposal is completely off. NEVER put your hand inside the disposal unit.

Here are the most frequent problems Spokane homeowners face and how you might be able to fix them:

1. Garbage Disposal Not Turning On (No Sound at All)

• Symptoms: You flip the switch, and absolutely nothing happens. No hum, no grinding, just silence.
• DIY Fixes:
  1. Check the Reset Button: Look for a small red button located on the bottom or side of the garbage disposal unit. If it has popped out, firmly press it back in. This often trips if the motor overheats or is overloaded. Wait a few minutes after resetting to allow the motor to cool before attempting to turn it back on.
  2. Check Your Circuit Breaker: Go to your home’s electrical panel. Locate the breaker labeled for your kitchen, disposal, or specific appliance. If it’s in the “tripped” position (usually halfway between “on” and “off”), flip it completely to “off” and then firmly back to “on.”
  3. Verify Power to the Outlet: If your disposal plugs into an outlet under the sink, check if the outlet itself has power by plugging in another small appliance (like a phone charger). If it’s a hardwired unit or you suspect a faulty switch or outlet, avoid further DIY electrical work.
• When to Call a Professional: If the reset button won’t stay in, the circuit breaker continues to trip, or if you suspect faulty wiring or a broken switch, it’s time to call a licensed plumber or electrician. Electrical work can be dangerous.

2. Humming But Not Grinding (Jammed Disposal)

• Symptoms: You turn on the disposal, hear a humming sound, but the grinding plates aren’t spinning, and nothing drains. This indicates something is stuck.
• DIY Fixes:
  1. Cut the Power! This is critical. Turn off the disposal at the wall switch, then go to your electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker for the disposal.
  2. Look for Obstructions: Using a flashlight, peer down into the drain opening. Look for any visible foreign objects such as silverware, bottle caps, fruit pits, or small bones. Use pliers or tongs to carefully remove them – NEVER your hand.
  3. Use an Allen Wrench (Hex Wrench): Most garbage disposals come with a specific hex (Allen) wrench. Look for a hex-shaped hole in the very center of the bottom of the disposal unit. Insert the wrench and rotate it back and forth (clockwise and counter-clockwise) several times. This action manually frees the grinding plate, dislodging the jam.
  4. Press the Reset Button: After clearing the jam, go back to the bottom of the disposal and press the red reset button.
  5. Test: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and wall switch. Run a medium stream of cold water and then turn on the disposal to ensure it’s grinding properly.
• When to Call a Professional: If you can’t locate or dislodge the obstruction, the Allen wrench doesn’t turn, or the disposal still won’t spin after following these steps, our Spokane technicians at Shaw Plumbing can help clear the stubborn jam safely.

3. Leaking Garbage Disposal

• Symptoms: Water is pooling under your sink or dripping from the disposal unit.
• Common Leak Sources & DIY Checks:
  1. Sink Flange (Top Leak): This is where the disposal connects to the sink drain. It might be loose or have old, cracked plumber’s putty. Try tightening the mounting bolts under the sink.
  2. Dishwasher Connection: The hose from your dishwasher typically connects to a small inlet on the side of the disposal. Ensure the hose clamp is tight and the connection isn’t cracked. For new installations, ensure the knockout plug inside the disposal was removed before connecting the dishwasher hose.
  3. Discharge Pipe Connections (Side Leak): This is the large drainpipe coming out the side of the disposal and connecting to your drain line. The bolts holding this pipe to the disposal may be loose, or the internal gasket might be worn. Try tightening the bolts.
  4. Cracked Housing (Bottom or Side Leak from Unit Body): If water is leaking directly from the body of the disposal unit itself, the housing is likely cracked due to age, impact, or internal stress.
• When to Call a Professional: While tightening connections can sometimes fix minor leaks, if the leak persists, is coming from a cracked housing (which means the unit is irreparable), or if you’re unsure of the source, call Shaw Plumbing. Leaks can cause significant water damage and mold growth under your sink.

4. Clogs or Slow Draining

• Symptoms: Water backs up in your sink after using the disposal, or drains very slowly.
• DIY Fixes:
  1. Plunge the Sink: With the disposal turned OFF, fill the sink with a few inches of water. Place a plunger firmly over the drain opening and plunge vigorously.
  2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: For minor clogs and odors, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
  3. Inspect the Drain Trap: If the clog is persistent, the issue might be in the P-trap directly below your disposal. You might need to remove and clean this trap, but ensure you have a bucket underneath to catch water.
• When to Call a Professional: If plunging doesn’t work, or if you suspect the clog is further down your main drain line (affecting multiple fixtures), our Spokane drain cleaning experts at Shaw Plumbing can use professional tools like augers or hydro-jetting to clear stubborn blockages.

5. Unpleasant Odors

• Symptoms: A foul smell emanates from your kitchen drain, even after running water.
• DIY Fixes:
  1. Ice and Citrus: Grind a tray of ice cubes along with a few lemon, lime, or orange peels. The ice helps dislodge food particles, and the citrus freshens the scent.
  2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda, wait 5-10 minutes, then pour a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
  3. Clean the Splash Guard/Baffle: Food particles can stick to the rubber splash guard at the top of the drain. Remove it (if possible) and scrub it clean.
• When to Call a Professional: If odors persist, especially if accompanied by slow draining, it might indicate a more significant buildup that requires professional cleaning or a deeper drain inspection.

6. Unusual Noises (Grinding, Screeching, Metal on Metal)

• Symptoms: The disposal makes sounds other than its normal hum and grind, such as high-pitched screeching, clanking, or excessive grinding.
• DIY Checks:
  1. Turn off Power!
  2. Look for Foreign Objects: As with a jam, use a flashlight and pliers/tongs to check for any foreign objects that might be caught in the grinding chamber.
• When to Call a Professional: If you’ve removed all visible objects and the noise persists, it could indicate worn grinding components, loose internal parts, or a failing motor. These issues often require professional repair or, more commonly, a replacement unit.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Garbage Disposal in Spokane

While our expert technicians at Shaw Plumbing can repair most garbage disposal issues, there comes a point where replacement is the more cost-effective and practical solution for your Spokane home.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Might Need Replacement:

• Frequent Jams or Clogs: If you’re constantly troubleshooting the same issues, the unit might be struggling to keep up.
• Persistent Leaks from the Unit Body: If the main housing of the disposal is cracked or rusted, it’s irreparable and must be replaced.
• Loud, Unusual Noises that Persist: Grinding, clanking, or screeching sounds that don’t go away after removing foreign objects often indicate severe internal motor or component wear.
• Reduced Performance: If it struggles to grind even small amounts of soft food, its grinding power might be diminished.
• Old Age: Most garbage disposals last 8-15 years. If your unit is approaching or exceeding this age and experiencing issues, replacement is often a better investment.
• Repair Cost vs. Replacement Cost: If the estimated repair cost is more than half the price of a new, efficient unit, it’s often more economical to replace it.

Our experienced Spokane plumbers will provide an honest assessment and help you determine whether a repair or a new garbage disposal installation is the best option for your needs and budget.

Our Expert Garbage Disposal Repair Services in Spokane

At Shaw Plumbing, we offer comprehensive garbage disposal repair solutions for all major brands and models. When you call us, you can expect:

• Thorough Diagnosis: Our licensed technicians will quickly identify the root cause of your disposal’s malfunction.
• Professional Jam Clearing: We safely and efficiently remove even the most stubborn foreign objects and clear severe clogs.
• Leak Detection & Repair: We’ll pinpoint the source of leaks, whether it’s a loose connection, worn gasket, or a compromised seal, and fix it properly.
• Motor & Component Repair/Replacement: For internal mechanical failures, we assess if a repair is feasible or if replacement is the better choice.