Badger Garbage Disposal Not Working – What To Do?

Badger garbage disposals are known to be high-quality and relatively dependable. But what do you do when your Badger garbage disposal stops working? Should you call a plumber or try to troubleshoot yourself? We have researched the most common reasons why the garbage disposals may stop working and what to do in this situation.

If your Badger garbage disposal stops working, the best thing to do is first to check the power source. Power issues, jammed flywheels, and troubles with clogs and leaks are the most common reasons why the garbage disposal may fail to start. Next, it's best to check the components of the garbage disposal by opening it up to see where the source of the problem is. Sometimes the problem can be fixed easily, and other times it may require more troubleshooting.

If your garbage disposal stops working suddenly, it's best to turn the unit off and open it up. A broken garbage disposal can be a huge inconvenience, but it can signify a bigger issue in some cases. Continue reading to learn about the best ways to prevent Badger garbage disposal issues and how to troubleshoot them.

Man installing garbage disposal in home, Badger Garbage Disposal Not Working - What To Do?

What to Do When Your Badger Garbage Disposal Won't Start

Older disposals are more prone to issues with electrical components, clogs, and backups. However, there are things that you can check to narrow down the source of the issue when the garbage disposal doesn't start. Let's take a look at them.

Check the power source

While it may seem obvious, the garbage disposal may not be turned on. If you don't hear a loud or low-volume humming sound coming from the unit when you flip the power switch, the unit may need a few repairs. First, check beneath the sink to make sure that the garbage disposal is actually plugged in.

Check the sink drain for clogs

If the garbage disposal isn't turning on, it could be clogged at the sink drain.

Common reasons for sink drain clogs include placing too much food in the disposal at once, hard items such as bones, glass, and hard plastic being tossed in the disposal, not running the water simultaneously, and not letting the disposal run long enough.

To check for this, first make sure that your garbage disposal is turned off.

Then don a thick workman's glove to protect your fingers. Next, place your hand down the drain, being careful not to swipe the disposal blades. Check for any hard items that may have got caught in the drain and remove them.

If you find anything, gently pull it out and toss it in the trash can. Next, try to run the disposal again while running the water at the same time.

Inspect the flywheel to see if it is jammed

Sometimes the issue could be with a flywheel that has become stuck. Oftentimes resetting the disposal can fix this issue, but in some scenarios, it may not. Fixing the jam in the flywheel can prevent the motor from burning out, so it's imperative to check this part immediately.

To do it, turn off the garbage disposal and then use a wrench to turn the flywheel. If the flywheel is jammed, you may need to rotate it a few times to loosen it up. Once it's free, it should be easier to rotate.

Next, inspect the flywheel for any type of food residue or other debris. Remove the debris to free the flywheel. After doing so, turn on the power to see if the disposal starts. Then, immediately turn on the faucet and let the water run for about 30 seconds.

This will help any remaining residue drain down the unit and out of the flywheel. If the flywheel becomes stuck again, repeat the steps to remove the clog-causing obstruction.

Check for leaking components

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If there is a leak within the garbage disposal, it can also cause the unit to fail to turn on. To check for this problem, first switch off the garbage disposal. Next, check the mount and remove it from its base. After removing the mount, examine mounting bolts holding it in place.

This is the most common source of a leak. If you notice any water leaking from the bolts, chances are that they'll need to be tightened. You can use a screwdriver to tighten them.

A leak can also come from the garbage disposal's sink flange. This part attaches the disposal to the bottom of the sink's drain. It is also connected by bolts that you can examine and tighten if they are loose.

If the bolts are tightly fastened and there are no cracks around the mount, apply a bit of plumber's putty around the flange to help seal the flange around the drain. Be sure to altogether remove the bolts before using the putty and then screw them back in once the putty has dried.

Find plumber's putty on Amazon.

Inspect the disposal connection

Another thing to check is the disposal's hose clamp. This area is notorious for leaks and cracks. If it is cracked, it'll need to be replaced. But if it is loose, you can just tighten the clamps. And if you notice that there's still water dripping from the pipe, it may be best to simply get a new hose.

Check the garbage disposal itself

In some cases, the garbage disposal itself may be cracked. If you examine the disposal around the base, top, and inside and notice areas of dampness, chances are that the disposal has experienced a crack and it will need to be replaced.

Unfortunately, these cracks can't be repaired. Often, the cracks are the result of nearby items being stored beneath the sink accidentally pushing against the body of the disposal, causing the crack.

Try to reset the unit

If the garbage disposal is plugged in, find the reset button at the base of the garbage disposal and press it. If you can't locate your reset button, try resetting the disposal at the circuit breaker panel. If the unit turns on then turns off again after a few seconds, chances are that there is an issue with the motor.

Flip the breaker switch off and then back on after 30 seconds. If the garbage disposal still doesn't operate, move on to the next step.

Why did my garbage disposal suddenly stop working?

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If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, chances are that it's due to a clog, jammed flywheel, power supply issue, leak, or an electrical issue.

The best thing to do is to troubleshoot the garbage disposal starting at the sink drain. Check for any clogs or obstructions. Next, go beneath the sink and check the garbage disposal itself.

Do Badger garbage disposals have a reset button?

Yes. Badger garbage disposals have a reset button that is typically mounted on the bottom of their canister. The button is red and should be used if you experience issues with the garbage disposal.

What causes a garbage disposal to back up?

There are several reasons why a garbage disposal may back up. Some of the reasons include typical overuse, installation problems, drain line clogs, dull blades, or a jammed flywheel.

Whatever the cause of the backup, it's best to refrain from using the unit until the backup issue is fixed. Otherwise, you may place a strain on the motor and shorten its lifespan.

How do you unjam a badger garbage disposal?

To unjam a Badger garbage disposal, first turn off the disposal at the switch and unplug the power cord. Next, insert the wrenchette that comes with the Badger disposal into the center of the bottom of the disposal.

Work the wrench back and forth until you're able to turn it 360 degrees. This should free the debris clogging the garbage disposal. Afterward, run water in the sink and try to start the garbage disposal again.

What is the average cost to replace a garbage disposal?

Your typical garbage disposal can cost anywhere from $150 to over $500 to replace. The disposal itself can cost anywhere from $120 to $300. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to over $300 for labor.

Wrapping Things Up

Man installing garbage disposal in home, Badger Garbage Disposal Not Working - What To Do?

Badger garbage disposals are fairly easy to operate. If your disposal doesn't turn on or develops a clog, try to reset the unit or remove the clog manually.

Next, check for any clogs, leaks, or jams that may be causing the issue with the unit. If you're unable to troubleshoot the unit yourself, it may be best to reach out to a plumber.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

Do Dishwashers Have Garbage Disposals?

Can A Spoon Break A Garbage Disposal?

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