What to Do When Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working Correctly

When you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, you may use this household appliance quite a bit. After all, it’s quite easy to flip the switch and have your food waste be a thing of the past. However, what if your garbage disposal stops working? What do you do in this case? Here are a few instances where your garbage disposal may not be working correctly and how to resolve these issues. 

What Causes Your Garbage Disposal to Not Work Correctly?

There are a few reasons why your garbage disposal may not be running smoothly or at all. Here are some potential causes for a malfunctioning garbage disposal:

Not Plugged In or Improper Hardwiring

Your garbage disposal may not be working if it isn’t plugged in or if it’s hardwired incorrectly. If it’s a plug issue, all you need to do is plug it in. If it’s incorrect hardwiring, this often takes the requisite skill and knowledge to do it correctly. Since you’re working with electricity, which can be dangerous, it’s important to let the professionals handle this job if you aren’t well-versed in this area.

Breaker is Tripped

If your garbage disposal isn’t working at all, it may be due to a tripped breaker. You can remedy this situation by going to the breaker box and seeing if your garbage disposal switch is tripped. If so, turn the switch on and your garbage disposal should be up and running again. 

Items Stuck in the Disposal

Sometimes a food waste item will get stuck in the garbage disposal and prevent the system from working properly. A call to your local plumber can help resolve the issue quickly and allow you to use your garbage disposal once again. 

Dull Garbage Disposal Blades

When your garbage disposal runs but doesn’t grind up the food waste as it should, it may be due to dull blades in the garbage disposal. You can get these garbage disposal blades sharpened by a professional or you may need to get a completely new garbage disposal. 

Clogged Drain Lines

Your garbage disposal may experience issues if you have clogged drain lines that run to the system. If this is the case, you’ll need a professional to unclog the drain lines and help get your garbage disposal running again.

Garbage Disposal Unit Leaks

Should your garbage disposal unit leak, this can cause your system to malfunction or not work as well as it should. Leaks may be caused by problems with various parts of the garbage disposal, so you should have a plumbing professional look at the garbage disposal unit and see if it can be fixed or if a new unit is recommended. 

Old Garbage Disposal

Sometimes garbage disposals start acting up or stop working altogether simply because they are old and it’s time for a replacement. If you’ve had your garbage disposal for 10-15 years, it may be time for a new unit for your kitchen sink.

NuBlue Offers Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement Services

If your garbage disposal isn’t working as efficiently as it used to or it’s not working at all, NuBlue of North Carolina can help! Providing plumbing services in the Greenville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Lake Norman areas, our team will come out to your home, evaluate your garbage disposal issues, and offer repair or replacement services in a fast, efficient manner. 

Contact our professional team today to resolve your garbage disposal issues ASAP!