Sink Waste Disposal Not Working? 4 Ways to Fix It
It’s a classic kitchen nightmare: you’ve finished a big meal, flip the switch to clear the scraps, and… nothing. Or worse, a low, ominous hum that sounds like a tiny engine struggling for its life.
When your sink waste disposal not working, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a recipe for a smelly kitchen and a backed-up sink. At Benner Plumbing & Heating Ltd, we’ve seen every possible garbage disposal glitch Calgary has to offer. Before you assume it’s time for a total replacement, there are a few “DIY-friendly” checks you can perform to see if you can coax it back to life.
1. The “Magic” Reset Button
If your sink waste disposal not working and it’s completely silent (no humming, no clicking), it has likely “tripped” its internal circuit breaker. This usually happens if the motor gets too hot or encounters a particularly tough scrap of food.
- The Fix: Peek under your sink at the bottom of the disposal unit. You should see a small, usually red, button. If it has popped out, push it back in. This resets the internal breaker. Now, try the switch again.
2. Check the Power Source
It sounds obvious, but sometimes the vibration of the unit can actually loosen the plug under the sink.
- The Fix: Ensure the unit is firmly plugged into the outlet. If it is, check your home’s main electrical panel to see if a circuit breaker has flipped. If the disposal keeps tripping the breaker, you likely have a “short” in the wiring that requires a professional look.
3. The Dreaded “Humming” (A Jammed Unit)
If you flip the switch and hear a low humming sound but the blades aren’t spinning, the motor is trying to turn but is physically stuck. Do not leave the switch on if it’s humming; this can burn out the motor in seconds.
- The Fix: Most units come with a small, hex-shaped Allen wrench. Underneath the unit, in the center of the bottom, there is a small hole. Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth. This manually rotates the internal flywheel to break up whatever is jamming it (usually a stray bone, a fruit pit, or a rogue teaspoon). Once it spins freely, try the reset button and then the switch.
4. The Unit is Clogged, Not Broken
Sometimes the motor is fine, but the water won’t go down. This means the sink waste disposal not working is actually a drainage issue.
- The Fix: This often happens when starchy foods (like potato peels or pasta) create a thick paste that blocks the “P-trap” or the discharge pipe. You may need to disassemble the PVC piping under the sink to clear the sludge. Note: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in a disposal, as they can damage the rubber seals.
What NOT to Put in a Sink Waste Disposal
Many issues occur because of improper use. To prevent your sink waste disposal not working again, avoid placing:
- Grease or cooking oil
- Bones
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks)
- Pasta or rice (they expand in water)
Running cold water during operation also helps move waste through the pipes effectively.
When is it Time to Call Benner Plumbing?
If your sink waste disposal not working, you’ve tried the reset button and the hex wrench, but the unit is still dead—or if it’s leaking water from the bottom of the motor housing—it’s likely reached the end of its lifespan.
At Benner Plumbing, we specialize in the “rough-in” and final “trim” for all kitchen appliances and professional plumbing services. Replacing a sink waste disposal involves high-voltage electricity and watertight plumbing seals, making it a job best left to the pros. We can help you select a modern, high-torque model that runs quieter and handles Calgary’s hard water better than older units.
Our licensed plumbers can:
- Diagnose electrical and mechanical issues
- Clear stubborn clogs safely
- Repair leaks and connections
- Install new, efficient disposal units
Get Your Kitchen Back in Sync
Don’t let a broken disposer ruin your evening. Whether you need a quick unjamming or a brand-new installation, our licensed Calgary plumbers are just a phone call away.
Visit Benner Plumbing & Heating Ltd to see our kitchen services or contact us today to book a repair!