How to Fix a Stuck or Blocked Garbage Disposal Unit

Home repair projects are often simple enough that you can do them on your own without resorting to a costly repair service or a plumber.  Even that pesky garbage disposal can be repaired on your own in many instances. 

If your garbage disposal is acting up, there are several things you can do.  The first item on the home repair agenda is to diagnose the problem.  Will your disposal not turn on?  If so, then check under the sink to make sure that it’s plugged in.  While this seems a bit silly, it’s the first step of the process. 

If it is plugged in, press the reset button on the unit and see if that fixes the problem.

If this doesn’t work, you need to check the kitchen breaker – if it’s tripped, reset it.  If that still does not fix your garbage disposal, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper.  Turn off the breaker for the unit and remove the switch.  Replace the switch with a new one and reset the breaker.  If this does not fix it, you need a new garbage disposal.

If your garbage disposal makes a humming noise but doesn’t turn, turn off the breaker to the unit.  Using the provided offset wrench, turn the flywheel clockwise to remove the blockage.  Once the blockage is removed, you’ll feel the flywheel turn freely.  Turn the power back on and make sure that your repair worked.