DIY Garbage Disposal Repair Steps

Knowing how to fix your garbage disposal depends on what’s wrong with it. The most common garbage disposal problems are clogs and leaks.

If you have a clog, the most important thing to do is to unplug it and protect your hands as you try to determine what might be stuck inside. As you investigate be sure to go slow and be gentle with the blades inside so that you do not get injured or break them. While it seems counterintuitive to say that a tool that grinds up food is delicate, it’s easy to break the components inside if you start sticking tools down there and banging around without caution. Unclogging your garbage disposal may require pulling a stuck item out or it may require getting hot water or soap down inside to break up food and grease buildup. Once you get a glimpse down in with a flashlight and feel around with gloves on, you will get a better sense of what you’re dealing with and how to handle it. After unclogging the unit, you may need to reset the switch on it (depending on the model) if the clog cause the flywheel to bind up and the unit to shut itself off to prevent motor damage. It is also possible that the garbage disposal itself is not the part that’s clogged – it could be the drain line. This is a common problem when pouring grease down the disposal because it can get down into the tubing and pipe and harden into a troublesome sludge when it cools, causing a blockage.

 If your garbage disposal is leaking, you may find water dripping or pooling under your sink, or smell a foul odor, especially when the disposal is in use. Knowing how to fix a leaky garbage disposal will require figuring out where the water is coming from – the top, middle, or bottom of the unit. Crawl under your sink with a flashlight to get a better look. A leak from the top is likely due to flange seal that is failing. A leak from the middle is likely from the water inlet pipe or the drain line, and a leak from the bottom is likely the unit itself. If you can’t figure out what is leaking or you can figure out where the water is coming from but don’t know how to fix it, call a local plumber. A licensed plumber will have the tools and experience needed to fix it right the first time. And, if your garbage disposal needs to be replaced, they will be able to get a new one installed right away so you don’t have to wait.

For garbage disposal repair nearby, call us at 1 (800) 674-9130. We’re waiting for your call!

Additional resources:
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Broken?
Fixing a Garbage Disposal That's Clogged
Are There Off Limit Items for Garbage Disposals?
Leaky Garbage Disposal Repair
How Tricky is Faucet Installation?
Homeowner Plumbing DIY
Kitchen Sink Installation Options
Tips For Beginners on Replacing a Sink
Average Garbage Disposal Installation Costs
Does Installing a Kitchen Sink Require a Plumber?
Do I Need a New Kitchen Sink?
Installation Costs for Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposal Repair Services Near Me
Instructions for Garbage Disposal Repair