Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

This guide on Frigid Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting will break down four common problems, including:

• Disposal makes loud noises
• The turntable doesn’t rotate freely
• The disposal unit doesn’t come on
• Disposal unit leaks from the top or the bottom

Without further ado, let’s dive in. 

In This Article:

• Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions
  • Loud Noises
  • Turntable Doesn’t Rotate Freely
  • Disposal Unit Doesn’t Start 
  • Leaks 
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions

Here are common garbage disposal problems and their solutions: 

Loud Noises

Generally, a garbage disposal makes a noise when grinding food waste. 

But if you hear unusual or rattling noise from the disposal unit, it’s a matter of thinking. 

Accidental entry of spoons, bottle caps, or other foreign objects can cause your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal to make loud or rattling noises. 

How To Fix: 

To stop the unusual noises, turn off the electric switch and water. 

Once you turn off the garbage disposal, remove the splash guard from the opening of the disposal unit. Use a flashlight to identify the foreign objects in the grinding chamber. 

Remove the object using long-handled tongs. Then, replace the splash guard. 

Turntable Doesn’t Rotate Freely

The turntable of your garbage disposal won’t rotate freely due to a restriction or clog.

If you put prohibited food waste like celery, rice, pasta, or hard items the unit can’t handle, they could cause a clog and restrict the turntable.

Read Further: What Not To Put In A Garbage Disposal

Similarly, the accidental fall of foreign objects like spoons or screws can lodge between the turntable and the grind ring.

In this scenario, your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal only hums but doesn’t work.

How To Fix:

To unjam your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal, go along with these troubleshooting steps:

• Turn off the electric supply to the disposal unit by unplugging the power cord.
• Remove the splash guard from the top of the disposal unit.
• Insert a wooden broom handle from the top and use force to rotate the turntable until the restriction breaks free.
• Remove the object with long-handled tongs.
• Replace the splash guard.
• Restore the electric supply to the disposal unit.
• Run cold water and turn on the unit.

Note: There may be internal problems if you find no foreign object in the grinding chamber. In this case, you should contact a certified plumber to resolve the issue. 

Disposal Unit Doesn’t Start

Common problems that prevent your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal from turning on are:

• Unplugged power cord (we often overlook this basic reason)
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Shorted or broken wire connected to the disposal
• Tripped reset button
• The disposal unit gets jammed

How To Fix:

Follow these troubleshooting steps to revive your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal:

• Verify that you plug the power cord into the outlet.
• Check the circuit breaker and reset it if required.
• Inspect the wire connection to the disposal and replace the wiring if it gets damaged.
• Check the reset button on the garbage disposal. You can locate it opposite the discharge elbow, near the bottom. Then, press the reset button gently.
• Unjam the garbage disposal with a wooden broom handle and remove the object with long-handled tongs. 

Read Further: Frigidaire Garbage Disposal Not Working

Leaks

Typically, garbage disposal, whether from Frigidaire or other brands, leaks from the top or the bottom.

The garbage disposal leaks from the top due to one of the following reasons, including:

• Improper seating of sink flange (gasket centering, putty, or tightening).
• The support ring is not tightened properly
• Defective or improperly installed cushion mount

On the other hand, if you notice the disposal unit leaks from the bottom, understand it’s due to improper tightening of elbow flange screws.

How To Fix:

To fix a garbage disposal that leaks from the top, try these steps:

• Verify that the sink flange seats properly and the plumber’s putty that seals the sink flange doesn’t get damaged.
• Inspect the support ring and ensure you tighten it up properly.
• Ensure you install the cushion mount correctly.

On the contrary, tighten up the elbow flange screws properly if the Frigidaire Garbage Disposal leaks from the bottom. 

FAQs

How do I reset my Frigidaire garbage disposal?

Locate the reset button opposite the discharge elbow, near the bottom. Then, press the button until it clicks and remain depressed. The disposal should come on.

What do I do if my garbage disposal is leaking?

Check the common leaking points like the sink flange, dishwasher connection, and the discharge drainpipe. Tighten the loose connections or replace gaskets if required.

How do I unclog my Frigidaire garbage disposal?

To unclog your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal, turn off the unit and remove the visible obstructions with long-handled pliers or tongs. You can use a plumbing snake or a plunger to clear deeper clogs.

How do I clean my Frigidaire garbage disposal?

Fill the sink halfway. Pour baking soda and vinegar and mix them with water. Remove the stopper from the sink opening and turn on the garbage disposal. This will help clean the disposal unit and neutralize the odor.

How can I prevent my garbage disposal from jamming?

Run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal. Never overload the garbage disposal with too much food waste. Don’t put unprohibited food waste in the disposal.

How do I replace the splash guard on my Frigidaire garbage disposal?

It’s simple. Turn off the garbage disposal. Then, remove the old splash guard from the top of the disposal and install the new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What maintenance does my Frigidaire garbage disposal need?

• Use the garbage disposal two to three times a week.
• Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to flush out the debris smoothly.
• Clean the disposal unit once a week with baking soda and vinegar.
• Grind ice cubes to dislodge food buildup.
• Put citrus peels like lemon to eliminate bad odor and freshen the disposal unit. 

Conclusion

Troubleshooting your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal involves several simple steps to detect and resolve the problems. 

First, inspect the garbage disposal for foreign objects that dislodge between the turntable and the grinding ring. Due to a jam disposal, the unit makes a humming noise. 

Second, rotate the turntable manually by inserting a wooden broom handle to break the restriction. Then, remove the object with long-handled pliers. 

Third, I recommend you check the power supply, the circuit breaker, and the reset button if the disposal unit doesn’t come on. 

Finally, check the sink flange, dishwasher line, and discharge drainpipe. Then, tighten any loose connections to resolve the leaking issue. 

If you still experience problems with your Frigidaire Garbage Disposal, call 800-944-9044 or leave a comment below.