Garbage Disposal Not Working? Common Fixes for UO Student Rentals

Garbage disposals are one of those things you don’t think much about… until they stop working.

If your garbage disposal is clogged, humming, draining slowly, or causing your dishwasher to back up, don’t panic.

We’ll show you how to fix it in a few simple steps. We’ll also share some good habits to help prevent drain clogs, dishwasher backups, and expensive maintenance charges



Because nobody wants to deal with sink problems during finals week!

Looking for Quiet, UO Off-Campus Housing?

At Mallard Properties, our townhouse-style rentals near the University of Oregon offer private entrances, residential surroundings, and a quieter alternative to traditional student apartment living.

Plus, our maintenance team is quick to respond to requests, so you never have to worry about getting help when needed.

Check out our available rentals page for up-to-date pricing, availability, photos, and video walkthrough tours today.

Watch Our Video Tutorial on Fixing Garbage Disposals

At Mallard Properties, we’re proud to offer fast response times on maintenance requests that come through our Tenant Portal. 

But we also want to help you fix things yourself when possible, saving you time and a potential maintenance charge. 

Garbage disposal issues tend to come up frequently, so we’ve put together a DIY video for residents. 

Take a look: How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

If the problem still persists, please submit a maintenance request through your Tenant Portal and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible. 

What NOT to Put Down a Garbage Disposal

To help you avoid garbage disposal issues, here’s a list of what to avoid putting these down the drain:

• Grease or cooking oil
• Potato peels
• Pasta or rice
• Bones or fruit pits
• Coffee grounds
• Egg shells
• Celery or fibrous vegetables
• Plastic, metal, or glass

These can clog pipes, dull blades, or jam even the strongest garbage disposals.

Why Your Dishwasher Might Not Drain

Here’s something many renters don’t realize:

If your garbage disposal is clogged, your dishwasher may stop draining properly too.

That’s because both systems are often connected to the same plumbing line.

If you notice:

• Standing water in dishwasher
• Slow sink drainage
• Disposal humming but not spinning

…there may be a clog in the disposal or drain line. 

How to Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly

Always Run Cold Water

Before turning on the disposal:

• Start a strong stream of cold water
• Keep water running while grinding food
• Continue running water for several seconds afterward

Cold water helps oils and grease stay solid long enough to flush through pipes instead of coating them.

Add Food Slowly

Do NOT dump large amounts of food down all at once.

Feed small amounts gradually so the disposal has time to grind properly.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal Naturally

Want your sink to stop smelling weird?

Try this simple cleaning method:

1. Add ½ cup baking soda
2. Pour in 1 cup white vinegar
3. Let sit for a few minutes
4. Flush with boiling water
5. Run cold water and disposal
6. Add a few citrus peels for freshness

Easy, inexpensive, and way better than chemical-heavy cleaners.

When to Submit a Maintenance Request

If your disposal:

• Will not turn on
• Continues clogging
• Leaks
• Smells burned
• Causes repeated plumbing backups

…it may be time to contact us for help. Submit a maintenance request through your Tenant Portal. We’re quick to respond!

You can also check out our Maintenance Help Videos page for other tips that may help you avoid other maintenance problems.

Student Housing Near UO Without the Stress

Explore Mallard Properties’ off-campus rentals with NO application fees, easy online rent payments, and fast maintenance request support through our Tenant Portal.

View available properties, pricing, and move-in dates online today.

You can also check out our Rental Process Overview and FAQs pages for more detailed answers to questions about leasing, maintenance, and more.