Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working in Solon, Ohio
Solon homeowners often ask us, “Why is my garbage disposal not working?” Whether it’s completely silent, humming but not spinning, or backing up into the sink, this problem disrupts your kitchen and leads to unpleasant odors and even plumbing damage.
Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. is the local leader in expert plumbing repair services in Solon, Ohio, and we troubleshoot and repair garbage disposals every day. Let’s explore the most frequent reasons why your disposal might be acting up and what you can do about it.
1. Jammed Blades Can Stop Everything
This is probably the most common issue we see in Solon garbage disposal units. Although people often refer to them as blades, the correct term is “impellers.” These parts grind up food waste, but they can get stuck if you send things like bones, fruit pits, or fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks down the drain.
Signs of jammed blades include:
- A humming sound, but no grinding
- The unit suddenly stops mid-use
- A stuck reset button
To fix this, always turn off the power first, then use an Allen wrench to manually turn the disposal’s motor from the bottom center hex socket. This might help loosen the jam. Never reach inside the disposal with your hands. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris if your garbage disposal is not working.
2. A Clogged Drain Can Back Up Your Sink
If your disposal seems to run but water isn’t draining properly, the problem may lie just beyond the unit in a clogged drain.
In Solon kitchens, we frequently see clogs caused by grease, potato peels, pasta, or food waste that wasn’t flushed through with enough water. These blockages form in the P-trap or drainpipe and stop water from flowing freely.
Symptoms of a clogged drain include:
- Standing or slow-draining water
- Gurgling sounds when the disposal runs
- Foul odors from the sink
You can try using a sink plunger to clear the clog. If the problem is deeper in the line, it might be time to call a plumber with the right tools.
3. The Reset Button Might Need Your Attention
Modern garbage disposals include overload protections to prevent the motor from burning out. If you’ve been running the disposal too long, overloaded it, or jammed it, the unit may trip its internal circuit. It will stop, and the reset button should pop out.
To reset your disposal:
- Look for the red button on the bottom of the unit.
- Let the motor cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Press the button until it clicks.
If it continues to trip repeatedly, the underlying reason the garbage disposal is not working might be more serious, like a deeper jam or even motor failure.
4. Power Supply Issues Are Easy To Overlook in Solon
So, why is my garbage disposal not working? If your garbage disposal stops working and you don’t hear any noise at all, check the power supply first.
Common causes of power interruptions include:
- A tripped circuit breaker
- A loose plug
- A faulty wall switch
Try plugging a small appliance, like a lamp, into the same outlet that serves the disposal to check whether it works. If not, reset the breaker at your panel. If everything seems fine and your disposal still won’t start, you could have a wiring issue that requires professional attention.

5. The Motor May Have Failed
Disposals don’t last forever. Most garbage disposals have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. If yours is older, or if it recently struggled with repeated jams or overloading, the motor may have given up.
Signs of motor failure include:
- No sound or movement, even after resetting
- The reset button won't stay in
- A burning smell before it shut off
In this situation, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair. Our plumbing team in Solon can recommend a disposal that fits your kitchen’s needs and take care of the installation safely and correctly.
When To Call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. in Solon, Ohio
If you’ve tried these steps and still have to ask, "Why is my garbage disposal not working?" contact your local professional plumber.
Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. has been helping Solon residents with cleaning and maintaining garbage disposals and complete plumbing services since 2004. We know the homes, the common plumbing layouts, and the materials used in local construction, and that makes our troubleshooting fast and accurate.
Contact us today to schedule service, and we’ll diagnose the issue, repair or replace your disposal if needed, and give you tips on how to prevent future problems.
