Garbage Disposal Services Sand Springs

Common Garbage Disposal Problems We Fix

Jammed or Stuck Disposal

A jammed disposal that won’t turn is one of the most common problems. Disposals jam when hard items (bones, fruit pits, utensils), fibrous materials (celery, corn husks), or excessive amounts of food overwhelm the grinding mechanism. Most jams can be cleared by manually turning the flywheel using an Allen wrench in the disposal’s bottom, but persistent jams or those accompanied by burning smells may indicate more serious problems.

Our plumbers safely clear jammed disposals, identify what caused the jam, and ensure the motor and grinding components aren’t damaged.

Disposal Won’t Turn On

If your disposal doesn’t respond when you flip the switch, several issues might be responsible including tripped reset button on the disposal bottom, tripped circuit breaker, faulty wall switch, loose electrical connections, or burned-out motor.

We systematically troubleshoot to identify why your disposal won’t start and make appropriate repairs or recommend replacement if the motor has failed.

Disposal Leaks

Water leaking from your disposal damages cabinets and can create mold problems. Disposal leaks occur at several points including the sink flange connection at the top, the dishwasher inlet connection, drain pipe connections at the bottom, or cracks in the disposal body itself.

We locate leak sources and make proper repairs. If the disposal body is cracked, replacement is necessary as the unit cannot be repaired.

Unusual Noises

While disposals are never completely silent, unusual sounds indicate problems. Loud grinding or rattling suggests a foreign object (silverware, bottle cap, etc.) in the disposal, metal-on-metal scraping indicates worn grinding components, and humming without grinding means the motor runs but the flywheel doesn’t turn (often from a jam or seized bearing).

We identify noise sources, remove foreign objects, and repair or replace worn components.

Disposal Runs But Won’t Grind

If the motor runs but nothing grinds, the flywheel or impellers may be broken or the disposal might be jammed. This sometimes happens when disposals are overloaded or when very hard items damage grinding components.

Slow Draining

If your disposal drains slowly, clogs might be in the disposal itself, in the drain pipe connected to the disposal, or in the main drain line. We clear clogs and ensure proper drainage.

Bad Odors

Foul smells from disposals result from food residue trapped in the grinding chamber or drain areas. While regular cleaning helps, persistent odors might indicate inadequate grinding or drainage problems allowing food to accumulate.

Frequent Tripping of Reset Button

The reset button on your disposal’s bottom trips when the motor overheats. Occasional tripping after clearing a jam is normal, but frequent tripping indicates the motor is working too hard, possibly from dull blades, restricted drainage, or a failing motor.