- Any time you need to do work on your garbage disposal, ALWAYS double check to make sure the switch that controls the disposal is in the OFF position.
- Clear out any obstructions from within the garbage disposal using tongs.
- After you are done clearing debris, flip the switch to the on position, then off again.
- If there is no humming sound when you flip the switch on, then find the reset button that is located on the side or bottom of the disposal and press it to reset the disposal. Test your disposal again by turning on the switch.
- If there is still no humming when you turn the disposal on, then you may need to reset the breaker that controls the circuit that your disposal is on. For more information, click here to learn how to reset circuit breakers.
- If this does not fix the problem, then you will need to call us for help.
- If flipping the switch does result in a humming sound, you know that your disposal is receiving power. It most likely has something stuck in it, or it is broken.
To try and fix the problem, place a 1/4 “allen wrench into the hole underneath the garbage disposal. Move this back and forth until it moves easily. You can now use your tongs to remove anything that is obstructing the disposal’s mechanisms.
After you do this, you can see if flipping the switch to your disposal works again. If it does not, give us a call for some expert advice.
If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your garbage disposal, place some sliced lemons and ice into your disposal. Then turn the disposal on for 30 seconds and then rinse with water for 20 seconds.
- Do not overload your garbage disposal
- Make sure that you use lots of water when running the disposal
- Do not use caustic drain openers in your disposal
- Ensure that your dishwasher is not draining into your garbage disposal
- Do not use your disposal for hard or stringy food items such as fruit pits, asparagus, corn husks or bones.