Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Not Working: Reasons & Solutions
You run cold water and flip the disposal switch to the On position. But your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal is not working.
Generally, the disposal unit doesn’t work due to a power supply issue, jammed disposal, or tripped reset button.
Now, you can ask- how can I determine what’s the exact reason that’s responsible for a malfunctioning unit?
It’s pretty straightforward.
Flip the disposal switch to On. If your disposal unit remains completely silent, there is an issue with the electric supply.
On the other hand, understand there is a restriction in the grinding chamber if your food waste disposal only hums.
Throughout this guideline, I will take you through a step-by-step troubleshooting procedure to revive the disposal unit.
So, let’s dive in.
In This Article:
Why Is My Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Not Working?
Your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal won’t work or turn on due to a problem with the power supply, tripped reset button, restricted turntable, and internal failure.
Issue With The Power Supply
The problem with the power supply is the number 1 culprit I blame the most for garbage disposal that’s not working.
Here issue with the power supply means:
- Unplugged garbage disposal
- Tripped circuit breaker or fuse
- Shorted or broken wire connected to the disposal
- Defective switch
- Faulty electric outlet
Now, a question that may come into your mind is- how can I tell if my garbage disposal doesn’t work due to power supply problems?
Simple.
Plug your garbage disposal and flip it on. The garbage disposal will make no sound or leave you in puzzling silence.
How To Fix:
First, check that you plug the disposal into the outlet. Yes, we often overlook the basics. And the same thing may happen to you.
If you plug the garbage disposal into the outlet, glance at the circuit breaker next. Maybe the circuit breaker for the disposal gets tripped.
Fortunately, it’s a piece of cake that requires only a flip-back of the circuit breaker to the On position to revive your garbage disposal.
Next, check the wire connection connected to the garbage disposal once you verify that the circuit breaker is not the issue. Fix the wiring problem attached to the disposal.
Lastly, inspect the outlet you used to power your garbage disposal. Unplug the garbage disposal and plug another appliance into the same outlet.
If the appliance doesn’t come on, understand the outlet is the caveat. I recommend you hire a certified electrician to change the outlet.
Nonetheless, tell the electrician to check the wall switch as a faulty switch can also stop the disposal unit from working.
Disposal Reset Button Gets Tripped
A popped-out reset button is another caveat responsible for malfunctioning garbage disposal if the power supply seems fine.
Every garbage disposal has a safety feature called an overload protector or reset button. And your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal is not an exception to that.
The reset button works like a circuit breaker, preventing the disposal unit from overheating and damage.
Read Further: Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Reset Button
If the reset button gets tripped, understand the unit senses an issue and go to the shut-off mode to protect itself.
How To Fix:
Resetting your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal will be a simple fix to this issue. To reset Frigidaire Garbage Disposal, follow these instructions:
- Ensure you unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Locate the reset button, which is on the opposite of the discharge elbow.
- Press the reset button until you hear a click and it remains depressed.
- Restore the electric power to the disposal unit.
- Run cold water and turn on your garbage disposal. Your disposal should work now.
Restricted Turntable
A restricted turntable or clogged garbage disposal is another culprit that can throw a wrench into work and stop the disposal from working.
You can effortlessly identify if the turntable of your garbage disposal gets jammed. The disposal unit only makes a hum but doesn’t work if the turntable gets restricted.
Generally, putting unprohibited food waste like pasta, celery, or foreign objects can clog the garbage disposal and prevent the turntable from rotating freely.
Read Further: What Not To Put In A Garbage Disposal
Similarly, overloading the garbage disposal can hinder the turntable from spinning freely.
When your garbage disposal gets clogged, the turntable wants to move but fails. It strains the motor, causes overheating, and trips the reset button to prevent damage.
Read More: Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Jammed
How To Fix:
To move the turntable freely, you should rotate the turntable manually. Regarding this, follow the below steps:
- Unplug the power cord or turn the wall switch or circuit breaker to the Off position based on the wiring configuration.
- Remove the splash guard from the top of the garbage disposal.
- Insert a wooden broom handle and rotate the turntable until the restriction breaks free.
- Remove the blockage using long-handled tongs.
- Replace the splash guard and restore the power to the unit.
- Run cold water and turn on the unit to check operation.
Unit May Have Internal Problems
You check everything like the power cord, electric circuit breaker, electric outlet, and what’s not. Also, you check the grinding chamber, and there is no restriction.
But the garbage disposal still doesn’t work.
In this case, I bet there may be internal problems. To resolve this issue, I highly recommend you hire a certified technician or replace the disposal with a new one.
FAQs
Why is my Frigidaire garbage disposal humming but not working?
A humming noise indicates a jam. To unjam your garbage disposal, first turn off the unit. Then, remove the splash guard. Take a wooden broom, flip it upside down, and insert the handle into the grinding chamber. Rotate the turntable to break the obstruction. Finally, remove the blockage using long-handled pliers.
What should I do if my Frigidaire garbage disposal is leaking?
Inspect the connection and seals between the disposal and the sink drain, dishwasher, and drainpipe. If required, tighten any connection and replace the gaskets.
What should I do if my Frigidaire garbage disposal is making unusual noises?
Turn off the unit first. Remove the splash guard and check the grinding chamber for foreign objects. Clear the restriction. Nonetheless, ensure every connection is tight & secure.
Why is water backing up into my sink when I use my Frigidaire garbage disposal?
Due to a clog in the grinding chamber or drainpipe, the water can back up when you use your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal. Remove the restriction from the disposal unit. Then, check the P-trap and the drain pipe.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners in my Frigidaire garbage disposal?
No, you can’t use chemical drain cleaners to clean your garbage disposal. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar to clean the disposal unit.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a Frigidaire Garbage Disposal that’s not working is simple.
First, check the disposal for power. Ensure you plug the power cord. Next, inspect the circuit breaker and reset it if required.
Once you verify that there is no issue with the power supply, locate the reset button and ensure it doesn’t get tripped.
Second, use the flashlight and look inside the grinding chamber to check for restrictions. Rotate the turntable manually to break the blockage and remove the buildup.
If all else fails, I recommend you call a professional as there may be a complex issue like an internal problem with the disposal.
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Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
