A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance that can make cleaning up after meals much easier. However, when it stops working, it can quickly become a frustrating and unpleasant problem. If you're a tenant and you're experiencing a garbage disposal that's not working, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue before calling in a professional. In this blog, we'll discuss what tenants can do to troubleshoot if the garbage disposal stops working.

The first step in troubleshooting a garbage disposal is to ensure that it's plugged in and turned on. This may seem obvious, but sometimes the problem can be as simple as a loose plug or a switch that's turned off. Tenants should check the power source and the switch to ensure that the disposal is receiving power.

Secondly, tenants should check for blockages. If the garbage disposal is jammed, it won't be able to grind up food waste, and it may make a humming noise or no noise at all. Tenants can use a flashlight to look down into the disposal and check for any visible blockages, such as food scraps or utensils. They should also turn off the power to the disposal and use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any visible blockages.

Thirdly, tenants should try resetting the disposal. Many disposals have a reset button that can be used to reset the appliance if it's become overloaded or jammed. Tenants should look for a red reset button located on the bottom of the disposal and press it to reset the appliance. They should then turn on the power to the disposal and try running it again.

Fourthly, tenants can try manually turning the disposal. If the disposal is still not working after checking for blockages and resetting it, tenants can try manually turning the blades with a hex wrench. Many disposals come with a hex wrench that can be inserted into the bottom of the appliance to manually turn the blades. Tenants should turn off the power to the disposal before attempting to do this.

Lastly, tenants can try cleaning the disposal. Over time, food waste can build up inside the disposal and cause it to become clogged or stop working. Tenants can clean the disposal by pouring a cup of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt into the disposal and turning it on. The ice and salt will help to dislodge any debris and clean the blades. Tenants can also pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the disposal and let it sit for a few minutes before running hot water down the drain to clean and deodorize the appliance.

In conclusion, there are several things tenants can do to troubleshoot if the garbage disposal stops working. Tenants should ensure that it's plugged in and turned on, check for blockages, try resetting the disposal, manually turn the disposal, and clean the disposal. By following these troubleshooting steps, tenants can potentially resolve the issue and avoid the need for professional repairs. If the issue persists, tenants should contact their landlord or property manager to report the issue and arrange for professional repairs.