Why Is My Garbage Disposal Spinning But Not Draining?

Garbage disposal spinning but not draining what to do. Having a clogged sink is frustrating if your garbage disposal is spinning fine but not draining.

Although it may be tempting to do so right away, there are some steps you can take to address the problem on your own. In this guide, we are going to see how to fix the garbage disposal not draining issue.

Why Is Garbage Disposal Spinning But Not Draining?

Why Is Garbage Disposal Spinning But Not Draining?

Garbage disposal spinning but not draining issues could have a number of causes, so finding the root of the issue is crucial to fixing it.

A clog in the drainpipe is the most frequent reason for garbage disposal spinning but not draining. Food scraps, grease, or other debris that has accumulated in the drainpipe may be the cause of this. The disposal may spin faster if the obstruction is not cleared, but the water may not be drained.

A broken or worn-out impeller is another cause of spinning garbage disposal. The impeller is the component of the disposal that aids in the grinding of food waste and its passage through the drainpipe.

If the impeller is broken or worn out, the disposal will not be able to effectively grind up the food waste and will instead spin without draining.

A faulty disposal switch can cause the garbage disposal to spin but not drain. If the switch isn’t working properly, the disposal won’t be able to turn on and off properly, causing it to spin without draining.

You can fix a garbage disposal that is spinning but not draining by following a few easy steps. Checking for clogs in the drainpipe is the first step. If you do, you must get rid of it so that the disposal can drain properly.

Once the obstruction has been cleared, you should make sure the switch and impeller are operating properly. Before the disposal will start draining properly, you must replace either of these parts if they are damaged or worn out.

How Do You Unclog a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Drain?

It can be very annoying to have a clogged garbage disposal, especially if it won’t drain. Various things, such as food scraps, grime, or a foreign object that has accidentally fallen into the disposal, may be the root of the issue. Fortunately, you can unclog your garbage disposal and get it draining once more by following a few simple steps.

  • Make sure the disposal’s power is first turned off. This entails turning off the switch inside the cabinet underneath the sink if you have an older model. Modern models might require you to unplug the power cord from the outlet behind the appliance.
  • Once the power has been turned off, search for the reset button or a hole in the disposal’s base. If you do, insert it and hold it there for ten seconds. The garbage disposal should be reset as a result, starting to drain once more.
  • In order to get a better look at the issue, you will need to remove the disposal if you can’t find a reset button. To accomplish this, remove the mounting screws on the disposal’s side with a wrench and slide them off.
  • Check to see if there is something in the hopper after you have the disposal removed. Remove it if there is. If the object is too big to remove, try grabbing it with a pair of pliers and pulling it out.
  • Additionally, make sure to check the disposal blades for any particles that might be lodged there. If any, remove the debris with a set of needle-nose pliers.
  • You’ll need to put the disposal back together once the hopper and blades are clean. Reinstall it, being careful to perfectly line up the mounting screws. Run cold water down the sink to see if the garbage disposal is working properly after tightening the screws and turning on the unit’s power.
  • If the garbage disposal is still not draining, there may be a more serious problem at hand, like a damaged motor or a clogged drain.

What To Do When Garbage Disposal Stops Working?

If your garbage disposal has stopped working, here are a few steps you can try to fix it:

  1. Ensure the switch is turned on and the device is plugged in.
  2. Make sure the circuit for the garbage disposal hasn’t tripped a breaker or blown a fuse by checking the circuit breaker or fuse box.
  3. Make sure the switch for the garbage disposal is operating properly by checking it.
  4. Turn off the power and use a wooden spoon or other similar tools to gently loosen the obstruction if the disposal is stuck.
  5. You might need to reset the disposal if it’s still not operating properly. To accomplish this, turn off the device’s power before pressing the reset button (usually located on the bottom of the disposal).

How Do I Stop My Garbage Disposal From Backing Up Into My Sink?

Understanding the cause of your garbage disposal backing up into your sink is crucial. In most cases, clogs in your plumbing system are to blame. Food, dirt, or other materials that have been dumped down your drain can cause these clogs. These objects may result in a backup if they get jammed in the garbage disposal.

How can you stop this from happening, then?

Cleaning and inspecting your garbage disposal on a regular basis is the best way to prevent it from backing up into your sink. By doing this, you can keep your disposal in good working order and avoid clogs.

You must check your disposal for any accumulation of food or other debris when inspecting it. Ensure that you get rid of it if you see any. A garbage disposal cleaner can also be used to aid in clearing any buildup.

Additionally, you ought to refrain from dumping heavy objects down your drain. This includes substances that can quickly clog your disposal, such as bones and fruit pits.

After each time you use the disposal, be sure to run cold water for at least 15 seconds. This aids in flushing out any possible leftover debris.

Final Words

It can be annoying and inconvenient to deal with a garbage disposal that is spinning but not draining. You might be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, though, by following the instructions in this post.

Make sure to inspect the motor, clear any stuck objects lodged in the garbage disposal, and look for clogged drains. Avoid flushing certain items down the drain, use cold water while using the disposal, and use a disposal cleaner frequently to avoid future problems with your garbage disposal.

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