Is your Moen garbage disposal not working like it used to? If so, don’t panic – this is a common problem, and it’s often easily fixed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look into why your Moen garbage disposal isn’t working and provide tips on how to restore the unit back to its original functioning state. We’ll also give advice on preventive maintenance measures you can take going forward so that your Moen garbage disposal stays in tip top condition for years to come.
So if you’re ready to get your Moen garbage disposal running again (or prevent future problems from occurring) read on!
Troubleshooting Your Moen Garbage Disposal
Before we dive into potential solutions, we need to pinpoint why your Moen garbage disposal isn’t working in the first place. There could be a variety of reasons for this, some of which include:
- Faulty Electrical Connection: One possible reason your disposal isn’t working could be due to a faulty electrical connection. Check to make sure that the unit is plugged in properly and there are no loose wires or connections.
- Overloading: Garbage disposals are designed to handle only small amounts of food waste at a time. If you’ve been overloading your disposal, it could have caused the motor to burn out or trip the circuit breaker.
- Jammed Impeller: Do you hear a humming sound when you turn on the disposal? If so, this could mean that the impeller is jammed. The impeller is responsible for grinding up food waste, and if it gets clogged or blocked, it won’t be able to do its job.
These are all common problems. And fortunately, they have some common solutions.
Restoring Your Moen Garbage Disposal
Now that we’ve identified some possible reasons why your Moen garbage disposal isn’t working, let’s discuss how to fix them. There are two common solutions that will usually get it going again: resetting the garbage disposal, and unjamming it.
How to Reset a Moen Garbage Disposal
If you’ve tripped the internal breaker due to overloading or something else, then you’ll need to reset your garbage disposal. We have a more detailed guide on how to reset a Moen garbage disposal here, but here is the brief version:
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually located at the bottom of the unit, opposite the power cord. Look for a small, usually red, button.
Step 2: Press the Reset Button
Press the reset button. Depending on the model, you may need a screwdriver or other small object to press it effectively.
Step 3: Test It Out
After resetting, try turning on your garbage disposal again. If it works, then you’re all set! If not, then you may need to try another approach.
How to Unjam a Moen Garbage Disposal
If the reset button didn’t do the trick, then your impeller may be jammed. Follow these steps to unjam it:
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before attempting to unjam your disposal, you’ll need a few items:
- A flashlight
- Pliers or tongs
- An Allen key (one is usually included with the disposal, but you can also use a wooden spoon in a pinch)
Step 2: Disconnect Power
Safety first! Make sure your disposal is turned off and unplugged before beginning any repairs.
Step 3: Remove Splash Guard
The first step in unjamming your disposal is to remove the splash guard, if you have one – you’ll find it at the top of the unit.
Step 4: Check for Foreign Objects
Now, use your flashlight to look down into the disposal and check for any foreign objects that may be causing a jam. If you see anything, use your pliers or tongs to carefully remove it.
Step 5: Rotate the Turntable
If you did find and remove anything, try rotating the turntable inside the disposal to see if there are still any restrictions in movement. Simply use your Allen wrench or wooden spoon to push up against a swivel impeller, and rotate the turntable manually. Continue until you can make one full revolution.
Step 6: Reset Motor
The reset button may have been tripped in the process. So, before you start your disposal back up, follow the steps above to locate and push the reset button.
Step 7: Reassemble and Test
Once you’ve cleared any obstructions and reset the motor, reassemble your disposal by replacing the splash guard and reconnecting power. Then, test to see if your disposal is working properly by running some water and turning it on. The blades should now be able to move freely and grind any food waste without issue.
If you’re still having issues with your disposal after following these steps, it may be time to call a professional plumber or consider replacing your unit.
Maintenance Tips for Moen Garbage Disposals
Now that your Moen garbage disposal is (hopefully) up and running again, it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent future issues.
So, to keep your disposal in top shape, here are some maintenance tips:
- Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush away debris. Hot water can cause food waste to liquefy and clog the pipes.
- Learn what you should and shouldn’t put down a garbage disposal. For example, avoid putting large bones, fibrous foods (such as celery or corn husks), and non-food items down the disposal. These can damage the blades and motor.
- Use small amounts of food waste at a time rather than trying to shove in a large amount all at once. This will help prevent jams.
- Every few weeks, grind up a handful of ice cubes to help keep the blades sharp and clean .
- To eliminate odors, you can also grind up a mixture of ice cubes and lemon or orange peels.
By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your Moen garbage disposal and help avoid any unnecessary repairs.
Final Thoughts
When your Moen garbage disposal isn’t working, it can be a major inconvenience. However, with proper maintenance and troubleshooting techniques, you can often fix the issue yourself without having to spend money on a professional or a new unit.
Just remember to always put safety first when working with any electrical appliance, and if you’re unsure about anything or feel uncomfortable making repairs, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance.
With these tips and tricks, you can keep your Moen garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come. Happy disposing!
Need to replace your Moen garbage disposal? Check out the excellent Moen GX50C Prep Series here.