Garbage Disposal Not Working?: 2025 What-To-Do

Common Garbage Disposal Problems and Solutions

Before you get frustrated, remember that garbage disposals are relatively simple appliances. They work by using a motor to spin impellers that grind up food waste. If your disposal stops working, the issue usually boils down to electrical problems, clogs, or mechanical malfunctions.

Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

If your garbage disposal doesn’t respond when you flip the switch, the issue is likely electrical.

Follow these steps when your garbage disposal has no power:

1. Check That the Garbage Disposal is Plugged In

Ensure the disposal is plugged in securely. Many disposals plug into an outlet beneath the sink.

2. Reset the Garbage Disposal Overload Switch

Locate the reset button, typically a small red button on the bottom of the unit. Press it to reset the motor.

3. Test the Electrical Outlet

If the disposal is plugged in properly, check to see if the electrical outlet is working by plugging a night light or other item into the outlet.

Turn on the switch to for the garbage disposal and see if the test item works.

4. Reset the House Circuit Breaker

If the outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker. If the outlet still doesn’t work after resetting the breaker, have an electrician fix the electrical outlet.

5. Check the Power Cord

If the outlet works, unplug the garbage disposal and check the power cord wiring. Reconnect any loose power cord wires or replace the power cord if it’s damage.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t help, then an internal wiring failure or a bad motor could be preventing the garbage disposal from working. Schedule garbage disposal repair service to have a service technician fix the problem.

Note: Sometimes, it’s more economical to replace the garbage disposal rather than having a technician repair it.

Disposal Hums but Doesn’t Spin

A humming sound indicates the motor is getting electrical power but the impellers aren’t spinning. This often happens when something jams the mechanism.

Follow these steps to free up jammed impellers:

1. Turn Off the Power

Unplug the garbage disposal power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker to completely disconnect electric power from the unit.

2. Dislodge the Jam

Insert an Allen wrench into the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal unit. The garbage disposal came with an Allen wrench specifically designed for this task. If you can’t find that wrench, use a regular Allen wrench that fits the fitting on the bottom of the disposal.

Turn the wrench back and forth to manually free the jammed impellers.

3. Use Tongs to Remove Debris

Never put your hand inside the disposal. Use long-handled tongs or pliers to extract stuck food scraps or objects.

4. Restore Power and Test

Plug the garbage disposal back in or reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power.

Test the unit by running water and turning it on.

If the garbage disposal still won’t spin properly, you may need to repair or replace the unit.

Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly

A slow-draining disposal could be caused by a clog in the kitchen sink drainpipe or P-trap.

Check to see if water drains properly from the adjacent kitchen sink drain.

If not, clear the kitchen sink clog using drain cleaner, a plunger or a plumber’s snake.

If you’re confident in your DIY plumbing skill, you can disassemble the drain system below your sink to check for a clog and clear it. Be sure that you reassemble the drain system properly. Have a plumber perform this task if you’re not certain that you can do it on your own.

Garbage Disposal Leaks

A leaking garbage disposal can damage your cabinet and flooring if not addressed quickly.

First, identify the Source of the Leak

• Top Leak: Check the sink flange and tighten the mounting bolts. Replace an leaking parts.
• Side Leak: Inspect the dishwasher or drain pipe connections and tighten or replace pipes and/or gaskets.
• Bottom Leak: A bottom leak often indicates a cracked disposal unit that needs replacement.

Expert Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper use and maintenance can extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent common problems.

• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal. It helps solidify grease and move food particles through the pipes.
• Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods: Bones, corn husks, and potato peels can damage or jam the disposal. Avoid running these items through the garbage disposal
• Clean the Disposal Regularly: Use a mixture of ice cubes and rock salt to clean the grinding chamber. For odors, grind citrus peels or pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture into the unit.
• Use the Disposal Frequently: Regular use prevents rust and keeps the motor and components in good working order.

When to Call a Professional

While many garbage disposal problems can be fixed at home, some of these situations require you to seek professional help:

• The unit repeatedly trips the breaker.
• You hear grinding or screeching noises.
• The motor runs but the disposal doesn’t grind food.
• There are persistent leaks despite tightening connections and replacing seals.

In these cases, schedule garbage disposal repair service. A Sears Home Services technician can safely assess the issue and recommend repairs or replacement.

By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid unnecessary repairs. If you encounter more significant issues, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.