NOW SERVING SAN DIEGO & SURROUNDING AREAS
Quick Recap
- Garbage disposal jams are often caused by food scraps that don’t belong in the system, mechanical or electrical issues, or clogs in drains and pipes.
- Strange noises, slow drainage, foul smells, or constant clogs are the top signs that your disposal requires professional attention.
- Hiring a professional plumber for repair helps prevent worsening issues and keeps your disposal grinding smoothly for years to come.
Why Your Garbage Disposal Keeps Jamming
Whether you’re cooking dinner, washing dishes, or cleaning up from the night before, garbage disposals offer a convenient way to dispose of food scraps and keep your kitchen clean. However, if you add a few scraps and hear your unit humming without actually grinding, there may be a jam or mechanical issue preventing it from doing its job.
Discover the most common culprits behind garbage disposal problems and learn the signs that it’s time to call in the pros at Comfort Bros for professional repair.
Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Jams
When something gets in the way of your garbage disposal blades or stops the system from operating correctly, you’ll often notice jams, slow drainage, and unpleasant smells. From hard foods to worn-out components, learn the most common culprits to help you identify the source of the jam.
Food scraps that don’t belong in a disposal
While your garbage disposal is designed to break down everyday waste, some items should never enter your drain. Hard, stringy, or expanding foods can lodge themselves in the grinding chamber, wrap around the blades, or create a paste that clogs the system. Some of the top items to avoid include celery stalks, bones, fruit pits, corn husks, pasta, rice, and coffee grounds.
Mechanical or electrical issues
Electrical problems, such as a tripped circuit breaker or faulty wiring, can prevent the disposal from grinding, resulting in jams and slow drainage. Mechanical issues, such as worn-out parts, broken blades, and loose seals, can also prevent the unit from running properly and cause food to become stuck inside the disposal.
Clogged drain or pipes
Over time, grease, food waste, and soap residue can accumulate in your pipes, creating a blockage that prevents proper drainage and clogs your disposal. You’ll often notice slow-moving drains, foul smells, and water backing up into the sink, as food struggles to pass through the clogged garbage disposal.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
There are a few telltale signs to watch out for that signal a problem with your garbage disposal. The most common indicators of a developing jam include:
- Strange noises: Clanking, humming, or banging noises coming from your disposal are often a sign of a stuck object or failing component.
- Foul smells: If you notice a persistent or worsening smell coming from your unit, even after cleaning, there are likely food particles stuck in your garbage disposal and slowly decomposing.
- Constant jams: While the odd jam isn’t cause for serious concern, recurring garbage disposal problems are often a sign of a bigger issue and may warrant a complete replacement.
- Slow drainage: Clogs or blockages in your disposal, pipes, or drain can reduce water flow, leading to backups and standing water in your sink.
DIY Fixes You Can Try Safely
Not all garbage disposal jams require professional attention. Before calling the pros, try the following DIY garbage disposal repair tips to clear the jam and get your disposal running again:
- Turn off the power and reset the disposal by pressing the red button on the bottom or backside of the unit.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove visible blockages or obstructions.
- If your disposal has a hex hole underneath, use an Allen wrench to free the blades and unclog the disposal.
- Flush the system with cold water to clear minor clogs or stubborn debris.
When To Call a Professional Plumber
If DIY attempts don’t get your garbage disposal back up and running, call the trusted plumbing experts at Comfort Bros. Stubborn or recurring jams are often a sign of serious problems, like mechanical failure, electrical issues, or pipe blockages, which require the skills and expertise of an experienced plumber. They’ll carefully assess your system, identify the underlying cause, and provide lasting solutions that get your garbage disposal grinding freely.
Benefits of Professional Garbage Disposal Service
While simple troubleshooting steps can help clear minor clogs, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber when dealing with garbage disposal troubles. DIY fixes can lead to worsening plumbing problems or complete system failure if done incorrectly.
Professional plumbers have the skills, tools, and experience to safely fix your disposal without making the problem worse. They can quickly diagnose the underlying issues, perform necessary repairs, and offer tips on how to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.
Service Areas We Cover
Comfort Bros proudly provides plumbing services throughout Encinitas, El Cajon, and nearby communities, including the following areas:
- El Cajon — 92019, 92020, 92021, 92022
- La Mesa — 91941, 91942
- Santee — 92071
- Lakeside — 92040
- Spring Valley — 91977, 91978
Why Choose Comfort Bros for Garbage Disposal Repair in El Cajon?
We provide professional garbage disposal repairs throughout El Cajon that quickly stop the problem, restore your system, and keep it running smoothly for years to come. With our team by your side, you’ll never have to worry about garbage disposal problems jamming up your daily routine.
We also offer flexible financing options and exclusive offers to help you save on plumbing services.
Contact Us Today for Garbage Disposal Repair
If you’re dealing with stubborn jams, constant leaks, or foul smells coming from your garbage disposal, Comfort Bros is here to help. Call us or book online to schedule garbage disposal repair in Southern California today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes food to get stuck in the garbage disposal?
Food often gets stuck in a garbage disposal when it’s too hard, fibrous, or starchy for the blades to grind. These scraps often wrap around the blades or get stuck in between, leading to jams and clogs that require professional repair.
Is it safe to use a wrench to unjam a garbage disposal?
No. Using a wrench to unjam your garbage disposal can lead to safety hazards and cause further damage to the system. For your safety, it’s best to contact our team for repair.
Can ice cubes sharpen garbage disposal blades?
While grinding ice cubes can help dislodge food particles, it isn’t an effective way to sharpen worn or dull blades. If your unit is due for new blades, call our experts for replacement.
How do I know if my garbage disposal motor is burned out?
If your garbage disposal is producing a strong burning smell, making a humming sound but not working, or won’t turn on at all, the motor may have burned out. Our team will assess your unit to determine if the motor requires repair or replacement.
What’s the difference between a clogged and a jammed garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal jam occurs when an object becomes trapped, preventing the blades from spinning. A clog happens when food debris and waste accumulate in the drain or pipes and block the flow of water.
