5 – Most Common Mistakes to Avoid That Clogs Garbage Disposal Drains

Common Mistakes to Avoid That Clog Your Garbage Disposals & When to Call Arco Plumbing for Top-Rated Plumbing Services in Northeastern Illinois

When your garbage disposal is not working, it doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. 

Usually, they’re caused by common, fixable mistakes homeowners make without realizing it. Knowing what those mistakes are can help you decide what you can safely fix yourself, and when it makes sense to call a professional. 

Below are the five most common garbage disposal mistakes we’ve rounded up through experience here at Arco Plumbing, along with practical guidance for handling each one.

Mistakes That Clog Your Garbage Disposal

Mistake #1: Plugging Into the Wrong Outlet (Or a Tripped Circuit)

“It worked for a second, then shut off again.”

Sometimes, and the good news is, it’s a simple mistake of plugging the unit into a faulty outlet (like when dad or mom accidentally plug it into an old, malfunctioned outlet). 

Other times, it could be your outlet lost power or you’re dealing with a tripped circuit. 

What does that usually mean?

If your garbage disposal runs for a second then shuts off, it’s most likely a power malfunction. So the issue isn’t with the unit itself, but the power supply. 

Why does the problem keep coming back?

Without enough power supply, your garbage disposal lacks the voltage to run properly…just like all other appliances. 

What you can safely try

Plug another appliance into the same outlet to test for any signs of faultiness. If you’re dealing with a tripped circuit, reset your circuit breaker since it may have been tripped. 

Using a GFCI outlet? You can tell when it’s tripped if you see a red light or red reset button popping out. From here, the solution is simple: push the reset button back in to reset the outlet. 

Mistake #2: Letting Hard or Stringy Items Fall In “Just This Once”

“It was just one small piece.”
“I didn’t think that would cause a problem.”

How many times did we “accidentally” throw scraps we shouldn’t have into our garbage disposal? 

Guilty as charged. Because even we make that mistake at times. 

Garbage disposals are designed for soft food scraps, not hard or fibrous materials. So if you’re throwing fruit pits, bones, corn husks, celery, utensils, or bottle caps, they can lodge themselves inside the grinding chamber, clogging your drain. 

And then… *humming noises* and the garbage disposal suddenly stops working. 

What does that usually mean?

A hard or stringy object is stuck between the internal components, preventing your garbage disposal from spinning freely. Each attempt to run or force the disposal to run tightens the jam.

What you can safely try

Turn the power off and look inside using a flashlight. For extra safety, turn the breaker off. If the object is clearly visible and reachable with a tool, removing it should resolve the issue. 

An Allen wrench should be effective for dislodging any hard or stringy objects. 

Warning: Never put your hand inside the disposal, even if the power is off.

When to stop

If the object isn’t visible or feels firmly lodged, forcing the disposal can damage internal parts. At that point, it’s better to pause than risk a bigger repair. 

Mistake #3: Turning It On Again When It’s Humming but Not Spinning

“It just hums but doesn’t do anything.”
“It sounds like it wants to work, so I keep trying.”

A humming garbage disposal is one of the most common issues homeowners run into.

What does that usually mean?

The motor is receiving power, but something is preventing the grinding components from turning. The hum is the motor straining against resistance.

Issues like these mostly mean your garbage disposal needs a hard reset. 

Why does this make things worse?

Each time you flip the switch, the motor heats up. Repeated attempts can burn out the motor, turning a simple jam into a full replacement.

What you can safely try

Stop trying to turn it on. Power the unit off and allow it to cool, then…

1. Find the reset button (located at the bottom of the unit). 
2. Listen for a clicking sound to indicate a successful reset. If it doesn’t pop out, that means the reset was successful too. 
3. Turn on your garbage disposal and test the unit

If that still doesn’t work, it could be a power supply issue, which brings us to mistake #3. 

Mistake #4: Pouring Grease or “Soft” Food Because It Went Down Last Time

“It drained fine at first.”
“Now it smells, but it still kind of works.”

Grease, oil, rice, pasta, potato peels, and coffee grounds can create issues in your garbage disposal and sewer line. 

Even hair – after months or years of accumulation – can create a garbage disposal issue. 

What does that usually mean?

Grease, oil, rice, coffee grounds, and hair build up gradually. Grease coats internal parts and pipes, while starchy foods create a thick paste that slows drainage.

Other solids like hair obstruct the path, leading to stuckups.

What you can safely try

Try an enzyme cleaner (leave it on overnight) to soften any of the debris trapped and lodged in between the blades. 

Pro Tip: Always run cold water while using the disposal and for several seconds afterward. Additionally, use products that solidify grease and oil so you can toss them into compostable bags instead of pouring them down the drain.

Avoid sending grease or starchy foods down altogether. Once buildup forms, DIY options become limited.

For more information on household waste disposal, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provides some useful tips. 

When to stop

Persistent odors, slow drainage, or repeat jams usually indicate buildup beyond what flushing can fix.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Repeated Jams and Malfunctions

“It works sometimes.”
“I just reset it when it acts up.”

If you fix the issue and run into the same problem again weeks later, you could try all the solutions mentioned above, but another reason could be wear and tear. 

What does that usually mean?

Repeated jams often signal worn components, internal damage, or issues extending into the drain line. Continuing to use the disposal under these conditions can strain connected plumbing.

If you notice a leak, foul odor, or standing water (slow drains are a sign), that means the seals and internal components could be worn down. 

A drain snake or plunger might help, but if those don’t solve the issue, that means your unit is due for a checkup.

When DIY stops making sense

If the same issue keeps returning, repeated resets and restarts often cost more in the long run than a proper evaluation.

When Should I Call a Professional Plumber?

Some garbage disposal problems are best handled by a professional, especially when:

• The breaker trips repeatedly
• There’s a leak under the sink
• The unit is older and failing often 
• The disposal hums but won’t spin after basic troubleshooting

In areas like Westmont and across DuPage County, older plumbing layouts and aging systems can also contribute to disposal issues. 

A local plumber like ARCO Plumbing can help determine whether repair or replacement is the smarter option…before the problem spreads to other parts of your plumbing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposal Problems

Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?

This usually means the motor has power but can’t turn due to a jam. Continuing to flip the switch can overheat the motor, so it’s best to stop and address the blockage.

Is it safe to use a drain cleaner with a garbage disposal?

Many chemical drain cleaners can damage disposal components and pipes. They may also worsen buildup instead of removing it. The best alternative is an enzyme cleaner, which digests and breaks down organic waste. For the best results, leave it overnight.

How long do garbage disposals usually last?

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 12 years. Frequent jams, leaks, or electrical issues often signal the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. However, you can cut that lifespan by several years if you continue jamming hard objects or grease, oils, hair, and other debris down your garbage disposal. 

Can a jammed garbage disposal cause my sink to back up?

Yes, a jammed garbage disposal can cause your sink to back up. When debris can’t move through the disposal and drain, water has nowhere to go, leading to standing water or slow drainage.

When should a garbage disposal be repaired instead of replaced?

If your garbage disposal is relatively new (2 to 4 years) and the issue is mechanical or obstruction-related, repair may be possible. Older units with repeated problems often benefit more from replacement.

Repair or Replace Your Garbage Disposal With Arco Plumbing

Most garbage disposal problems start with small, common mistakes. Recognizing those patterns, and knowing when to stop DIY attempts can save time, frustration, and unnecessary repairs.

If your garbage disposal still isn’t working after basic troubleshooting, getting a professional opinion can save you the hassle, time, and costs. 

At ARCO Plumbing, we offer emergency plumbing services along with garbage disposal replacements and repairs. Contact us today at (630) 960-5950 or book an appointment directly through our website.