A smelly clogged drain could indicate a problem with your garbage disposal. When you think you’ve tried everything to eliminate a clogged sink, have you been brave enough to investigate the garbage disposal? 

Your disposal can collect food debris that builds up and causes it to make scary noises. In the worst cases, it stops working at all. 

Here’s how to determine five reasons your sink disposal isn’t working and what to do about it. 

1. It Doesn’t Grind Food

One of the biggest causes of a smelly disposal is food that sits in it without passing through. When the blades fail to grind, food can’t process through the disposal and out of the drain. 

If this is the case, many garbage disposals need a simple “reset” using the reset button underneath the appliance. Make sure your disposal has power. Push and hold the reset button for a few seconds, then try the disposal again. 

2. The Sink Disposal Smells

As with any appliance that processes waste, sometimes your garbage disposal can have a lingering smell. There’s no need to replace it, but be careful how you clean it.

Use a homemade garbage disposal cleaner of baking soda and vinegar to remove debris stuck to the blades of your disposal. Run plenty of water through the unit afterward. 

To freshen the smell of your disposal, pour lemon juice into it or grind lemon or orange peels. Again, be sure to run plenty of water through when grinding anything in your disposal. 

3. It Takes Awhile to Grind Food

The blades in your garbage disposal can become dull. However, there’s no need to take it apart to try and sharpen the blades. 

Using ice cubes in your disposal can sharpen blades and help remove a buildup of grease or other grime. Once or twice a month, toss a few cubes into the disposal, then run it. 

4. It Makes a Funny Sound

Sometimes the wrong things fall into the garbage disposal. As a rule, never put anything other than small amounts of soft, biodegradable food items through your garbage disposal. 

Bones, stringy vegetables, and the occasional piece of silverware can cause your disposal to make loud, strange sounds. It’s not meant to grind these things.

Never reach into your disposal without making sure the switch is in the “off” position and unplugging it from the wall. Then, use tongs or something similar to retrieve an object that shouldn’t be in your disposal. 

5. It Just Doesn’t Work

If you’ve tried these tips and nothing seems to help your disposal, it’s time to call a professional. Your local plumber can find the problem and repair or replace your disposal safely and with minimal hassle. 

Stay Safe With Your Sink Disposal 

When used correctly, your sink disposal is a helpful tool in your kitchen. Stay safe when cleaning or removing objects with your garbage disposal. 

If the idea of working on your disposal is too scary, contact us! We’ll get it up and running fast!