KitchenAid Garbage Disposal Not Working (What To Do)

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Kitchenaid garbage disposal is built to be very strong, reliable, and durable; but this does not stop it from developing issues now and then.

These issues can be very destabilizing, and so, we have come up with this article that enumerates a lot of them and tells you what to do when they do happen.

KitchenAid garbage disposal not working is a problem many people are facing, and we’ll show you 5 practical things to do if you’re also having this problem.

Let’s get started!

KitchenAid Garbage Disposal Not Working: Possible Causes & Fixes

Below are some possible reasons why your KitchenAid garbage disposal is not working:

1. Poor Grinding

Your KitchenAid garbage disposal does not just suddenly decide to grind poorly, there must always be a tangible reason behind it. 

The reason for this is mainly a lack of water in the machine or faulty blades. 

You can get it fixed by ensuring that there is sufficient water when running the unit. 

Now, the unit can work, however, the waste is not grinding at all. That is a clear indication of faulty blades which might need to be either repaired or replaced by experts.

See Also: Garbage Disposal Problems And Solutions

2. KitchenAid Garbage Jam 

Garbage jam can present itself in so many ways. 

The machine might make some strange noise as it works, other times when switched on, the motor might work, indicating that the machine itself is functioning but, it would not do the job it’s meant to – grind food waste. 

In some cases, the machine would suddenly stop working. 

All these issues point toward the possibility of a jam. 

A KitchenAid disposal jam is most times caused by hard objects settled in between the impeller and drain hole. 

To fix this issue, first of all, unplug the device. Then, with the help of a tong, remove the obstructions in the impellers and drain holes. 

Whatever happens, do not use your hand to do this, as it’s extremely dangerous.

3. Leakage 

When you experience leakages with your disposal machine, it’s one of two things – either a loose connection or a faulty drain gasket. 

Therefore, check all the connections to be sure they are tight and in place. If the leaking still does not stop, check out your drain gasket, hose, and screws to see if anyone of them is damaged and needs to be replaced. 

For you to be able to identify the problem, you will have to unmount the KitchenAid garbage disposal. 

Once done, check for loose bolts and have them tightly screwed again. 

As you place back the garbage disposal, ensure that it is well clamped in the place that it should be and that there are no spaces in between as that could also be a possible cause of the leak.

4. Clog

A clog within your KitchenAid is more than enough reason for it to malfunction. When there’s a clog, the device finds it difficult to drain fast. 

What then causes a clog you may ask? 

Several things. Firstly, the wrong mode of disposing of garbage might see it to go through the wrong channel and cause a clog. 

Then there is also the case of insufficient water in the garbage disposal unit. 

To get clogging issues fixed in your KitchenAid garbage disposal, you have to be extremely patient. 

Run the device to see if it will be able to process the garbage. If the clog fails to clear, move on to the drain line and carefully observe if there are any blockages. 

As we earlier said, you need to exercise patience as clogs may take several steps to clear up. 

At this stage, if you are still unable to get the clog cleared, take out all the bolts on the discharge pipe and have them removed. 

Remove also, the drain trap. The drain trap as the name implies traps all the debris or most of them. 

The wise thing to do once you have removed them will be to rid them of all the debris trapped within them. A sink auger would work perfectly for this.

5. Strange Noise

The KitchenAid garbage disposal would naturally make a somewhat humming sound when in use, but if you notice a strange noise, one that is louder and uncoordinated than normal as it works, there is a high chance that something is in the way of its smooth operation. 

Your first point of call to check for the obstruction should be the shredder ring and impeller. 

It is also impossible for the flywheel to freely turn if it has something in its way. Get the obstruction out in three simple steps. 

Attach the offset wrench to the flywheel and try to turn it fully at the bottom. In a clockwise direction only, turn until the wheel is clear. 

You will know it is clear when it begins to turn freely. If all that does not work, stick a broom handle through the drain. 

The flywheel would begin to work perfectly once the obstruction is out.

6. Kitchenaid Garbage Disposal Refuses To Come On

When you switch on your device and it does not come on, you will naturally want to confirm that it is well plugged in. Your instinct is very well in order if it prompts you to do so. 

Next, you might want to go down into the control room and check out the circuit breaker for any damage. If there is none and your power connection is perfect, try resetting the device. 

It is possible that it has overworked itself and might need some resetting to get it in shape again. The reset button can be found just underneath the device.

How To Clean Kitchenaid Garbage Disposal

One effective way of cleaning your KitchenAid device is to grind ice cubes and salt for some seconds. This act has been tested and proven to get in squeaky clean in just a few seconds.

Final Note

Keep your KitchenAid garbage disposal in top shape by seeing to its daily maintenance.

Some care practices include not overworking the device, using cold water for the grinding of waste, avoiding the use of chemicals on it, and so on.

As always we have got you covered on simple but effective ways in which you can fix common issues encountered by KitchenAid garbage disposal devices.

Remember to contact an expert if you have any problem with the implementation of the solutions above.

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