How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That’s Not Working

To fix a broken garbage disposal, first check if it has power. Plug in another device to the same outlet to see if it has electricity. If the outlet works, press the red reset button on the disposal. Keep a screwdriver ready in case you need it.

According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, these appliances last about 11 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, repairs may only be a temporary fix. Turn off the power before looking inside the disposal. Use gloves and a flashlight to see if anything is stuck. If there is a jam, use a hex key to turn the flywheel and clear it. Make sure all screws are tight and check for any leaks.

If these steps don’t help, calling a professional may be the best solution.

Check for Power Supply

Before troubleshooting a non-working garbage disposal, start by checking its power supply. First, ensure the unit is plugged into a functioning outlet and hasn’t accidentally come loose. If the disposal is securely plugged in but still not working, check the reset switch—typically located on the bottom of the unit. If it has popped out, press it back in and try running the disposal again. 

If the unit still doesn’t turn on, check your home’s circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Resetting the breaker may restore power to the disposal. Ensuring a steady power supply is a crucial first step in diagnosing and fixing a non-working garbage disposal.

Reset the Disposal

To reset the garbage disposal, find the red reset button on the bottom or side of the unit. Press it hard to make it work again. This button is like a safety switch that pops out if the disposal gets too hot or stuck. Before you press the button, make sure the disposal is off and unplugged so you don’t get hurt.

If your garbage disposal is not working, using the right tools can help reset it easier. A flashlight can help you see better under the sink to find the reset button, especially if it’s dark. You might also need a screwdriver to move the unit so you can reach the button.

After you press the reset button, plug the disposal back in and see if it works. If it still doesn’t work, you might need to try other ways to fix it. Always stay safe by wearing gloves and following what the user manual says.

Inspect for Visible Obstructions

To check for anything stuck inside the garbage disposal, first, make sure it’s turned off. Unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker to be safe. Use a flashlight to look inside and see if there are any foreign objects like spoons, small bones, or stringy foods causing clogs. These things can stop the blades from moving.

Put on gloves to protect your hands, and use long pliers or tongs to pull out anything you see. Be careful not to damage the blades. If you can’t reach something, try using a straightened wire coat hanger to gently move things around until they’re free.

If things are still stuck, you might need a hex key or Allen wrench. Look under the disposal for a hex hole. Use the wrench to twist back and forth, which can help get rid of anything still causing problems.

Use a Flashlight to Examine

First, make sure the garbage disposal is turned off. Use a strong flashlight, one that shines at least 200 lumens, to look inside the disposal. This will help you spot anything stuck or broken.

Shine the light into the disposal and look carefully for anything that shouldn’t be there, like forks, spoons, or vegetable peels. Pay close attention to the spinning blades and walls to see if any sticky stuff or marks could stop it from working well.

To see better inside, you can use a small mirror with a long handle. This helps you look at places that are hard to see. If you find any metal objects, use a magnetic tool to pull them out safely.

These steps help you find and fix problems, so your garbage disposal can work properly again.

Try the Manual Rotation

To manually turn the garbage disposal blades, use a hex or Allen wrench. This helps clear blockages and keeps it working well. Make sure the disposal is off to stay safe. Wearing gloves is a good idea because the blades are sharp.

Find the small hex-shaped hole at the bottom of the disposal. This is where you put the wrench. Use a wrench that is 1/4 inch in size. Insert the wrench and turn it gently back and forth. This motion can clear out small bits of food or junk that might be stuck. Be careful not to push too hard if it doesn’t move easily. Check what might be causing the block.

This method helps keep your garbage disposal in good shape and prevents bigger problems later on.

Use an Allen Wrench

To fix small jams in your garbage disposal, you can use an Allen wrench. This helpful tool often comes with the disposal unit. An Allen wrench, or hex key, fits into a special hex socket at the bottom of the disposal.

First, make sure the disposal is turned off completely so it doesn’t start up by accident while you’re working.

Then, put the Allen wrench into the hex socket. Turn the wrench back and forth. This helps to move anything that might be stuck. If it’s hard to turn, there might be something blocking it. If it turns out easily, the jam could be cleared.

Using an Allen wrench regularly can help stop bigger clogs from happening. It’s a good idea to keep one handy under the sink. If your disposal didn’t come with an Allen wrench, a standard 1/4-inch size usually works. This tool is simple but very helpful for keeping your disposal working well.

Clear the Drain Trap

Turn off the power to the garbage disposal before starting. This helps keep you safe.

The drain trap, or P-trap, is a U-shaped pipe under the sink. It can get clogged with food and grease, causing water to drain slowly.

First, put a bucket or bowl under the P-trap to catch any water or debris. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts holding the P-trap in place. Take off the trap and look inside for any blockages. Clean it out using warm, soapy water and a brush. Make sure to scrub all parts of the trap to remove any stuck-on grime.

Put the P-trap back by tightening the nuts securely. Check that the washers inside are in good shape and replace them if they look worn out.

Keeping the drain trap clean helps your garbage disposal work better and last longer.

Test the Circuit Breaker

Make sure the garbage disposal is connected well. Then check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. This is a common reason why disposals don’t work.

The main electrical panel is usually in the basement, garage, or utility room. Open the panel door and find the circuit breaker box labeled for the kitchen or disposal unit. Look for a breaker that is not fully on.

To fix a tripped breaker, first, turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This should give power back to the disposal. If it trips again right away, it might be an electrical problem that needs a professional.

Use a voltage tester to see if power is getting to the disposal. Follow safety instructions to avoid shocks. If the breaker keeps tripping or there is no power, the circuit might be too full or the breaker might be broken.

An electrician should fix these problems to keep things safe.

Inspect the Dishwasher Hose Connection

Checking the dishwasher drain hose is important because if it’s not connected right or if something is blocking it, it can cause clogs and mess up the garbage disposal. To start, look at the hose to see if it’s bent or cracked, which can stop water from flowing. Use your eyes and hands to check for these problems. Shine a flashlight where the hose connects to both the disposal and the dishwasher to see better.

Make sure the clamp holding the hose is tight, as loose clamps can cause leaks or the hose to come off. If the hose is damaged, get a new one that fits right. When you put the hose back on, make sure it forms a high loop to stop water from flowing backward. Fixing these problems helps keep your garbage disposal working well. Taking care of the hose connection can make the whole system last longer and work better.

Check the Disposal Switch

Before looking into more complicated problems, make sure the garbage disposal switch works right by checking if it’s connected properly and not loose. First, turn off the power source to the disposal at the circuit breaker to stay safe.

After the power is off, check if the switch is firmly in place. If it’s loose, the disposal might not work all the time because the connection isn’t steady.

Use a multimeter to check if the power switch is working. Set the multimeter to check continuity, which means making sure electricity can flow through. Turn the switch on, and put the multimeter’s probes on the switch terminals. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading, the switch is working. If not, the switch might be broken and need replacing.

Look at the wires connected to the power switch to see if they are damaged or loose. Fix any loose wires with a screwdriver, and change any damaged wires.

When you’re done, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and try the switch again to see if the disposal works. Doing all this makes sure the switch isn’t the problem with your garbage disposal.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Strange sounds from your garbage disposal, like grinding or humming noise, might mean there are problems inside. First, turn off the power to the disposal to stay safe. Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal. Often, you’ll find bits of food or things like forks stuck in there.

If it still makes a grinding noise after you clear out what’s stuck, parts inside like the flywheel or impellers might be worn out or broken. You can try using a hex wrench to fix it. There’s usually a hex hole at the bottom of most disposals. Put the wrench in and twist it back and forth to try to shake loose anything stuck.

If you hear a humming sound, the flywheel might be stuck. You can try pressing the reset button underneath the disposal. If the noise doesn’t stop, it might have a bigger problem, and you might need to call a professional to check it out.

Taking care of your disposal and using it right can help reduce noise and make it last longer.

Tighten Loose Mounting Screws

Checking and tightening screws on your garbage disposal keeps it from shaking and makes sure it stays attached to the sink. If screws are loose, it can cause problems and might even break the disposal or sink over time.

• Tools You Need: Get a flashlight to see better under the sink. You’ll also need a screwdriver (usually Phillips or flathead). Some disposals might need an adjustable wrench.

• Turn Off Power: Make sure the garbage disposal is off and unplugged so you don’t get shocked.

• Tighten the Screws: Find the screws that hold the disposal to the sink. Tighten them so they’re firm, but don’t make them too tight. If they’re too tight, they might break or damage the disposal.

Look for Leaks

Check around and under the garbage disposal for water leaks. Use a flashlight to see better. Look for water puddles or wet spots under the sink. Leaks can come from loose pipes, broken seals, or cracks in the disposal. To find where the leak is, run water in the sink and watch for drips or wet areas.

If you find a loose connection, use a wrench to tighten it. This could be at the sink flange, where the dishwasher connects, or the drain pipes. If a rubber seal is leaking, you might need a new one.

Leak Part	Leak Sign	How to Fix It
Sink flange	Water around the edge	Tighten or reseal the part
Dishwasher inlet	Water during a wash cycle	Tighten the clamp or get a new one
Drain pipes	Drips at pipe joints	Tighten joints or change the washers
Disposal unit	Cracks or holes	Fix or replace the disposal
Rubber gasket	Water at the connection	Put in a new gasket

Examine the Flywheel

To check the flywheel, first, unplug the garbage disposal. This keeps you safe from any sudden starts. After it’s unplugged, follow these steps to see how the flywheel is doing.

• Find the Flywheel: Use a flashlight to see inside the disposal unit. The flywheel is at the bottom. You might need a hex wrench or Allen key to turn it by hand. This can help clear jams.

• Look for Blockages: Check for any food bits or things that shouldn’t be there. Use needle-nose pliers to take out anything you see.

• Check for Damage: Look for any cracks or worn-out parts on the flywheel. If it’s damaged, you may need a new one to make the disposal work right again.

Replace the Splash Guard

To keep your garbage disposal working well and clean, you need to replace the splash guard if it gets worn out. The splash guard is at the top and stops food and water from splashing out when the disposal is on.

First, unplug the disposal to be safe. Use a screwdriver to take off the ring that holds the splash guard. Carefully remove the old splash guard. Remember how it was placed to make it easier to put the new one in.

When getting a new splash guard, make sure it fits your disposal model. Some, like those from InSinkErator, fit most disposals.

Before putting the new splash guard, clean the area where it will go. Place the new splash guard in the same position as the old one. Press it down so it fits well. Secure the ring back in place and plug the disposal back in.

Turn it on to make sure the splash guard works right. This keeps your kitchen clean and your disposal working well.

Clean the Disposal Interior

To clean the inside of a garbage disposal, use ice cubes and rock salt. This helps remove food bits and keeps the blades sharp.

• Ice Cubes: Put a lot of ice cubes into the garbage disposal unit. The ice will help get rid of stuck food and dirt.

• Rock Salt: Pour half a cup of rock salt into the disposal. Rock salt’s rough texture helps scrub away tough dirt and sharpens the blades.

• Run the Disposal: Turn on cold water and then the unit for a short time. The ice and salt will mix and clean the disposal.

Doing this often will help your garbage disposal last longer by stopping buildup and keeping the blades sharp.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

After cleaning with ice and salt, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean your garbage disposal. This helps get rid of tough dirt and bad smells. First, put half a cup of baking soda into the disposal. Baking soda is good for scrubbing and removing odors.

Next, pour in a cup of vinegar. When vinegar meets baking soda, it bubbles up and helps remove dirt and smells. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Finally, rinse with hot water to wash away the dirt.

Do this often to keep your garbage disposal clean and smelling nice.

Address Persistent Foul Odors

To get rid of bad smells in a garbage disposal, you can use special cleaners called enzymatic cleaners. These cleaners break down the stuff that causes the bad odors. They are safe for the environment and are made to get rid of the bacteria that make odors. Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s package to know how much to use and how often.

Also, doing simple things at home can stop smells from building up and keep the disposal smelling good.

• Citrus Peels: Use peels from fruits like lemons or oranges. Put them in the disposal and grind them up. This releases oils that smell nice and help clean the blades.

• Ice and Salt: Put ice cubes and big salt crystals, like rock salt, into the disposal. This mixture scrubs the blades and parts, getting rid of food bits that can smell bad.

• Cleaning Brush: Buy a special brush for cleaning garbage disposals. Use it to scrub inside the disposal, especially the rubber parts and small spaces where stuff gets stuck.

Using these methods, along with enzymatic cleaners, will help keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Consider Overheating Issues

Garbage disposals can get too hot, which might harm the motor and make them work less well. It’s important to know why this happens and fix it. Sometimes, running the disposal too long can make it hot. To stop this, use it for a short time and give it breaks. Another problem is when the blades get stuck, which makes the motor work too hard without cutting up the trash. Make sure to unplug the disposal before fixing jams using a hex wrench or a wooden stick.

Taking care of your garbage disposal and knowing the signs of it getting too hot can help keep it working well.

When to Call a Professional

If there are strange sounds, clogs that won’t go away, or electrical issues that won’t stop, it might be best to call a professional plumber. These experts can help when the problem is too hard for someone without special skills.

• Electrical Issues: If your garbage disposal won’t turn on even after you reset it or check the circuit breaker, there might be an electrical problem that needs special tools and skills to fix.

• Mechanical Problems: If the disposal is always getting stuck or making loud noises, there might be something wrong with the motor or inside parts. A professional can look at it and fix it.

• Water Leaks: If water is leaking from the bottom or around the disposal, a professional can find out where it’s coming from and fix it with the right tools.

These expert plumbers know how to fix things safely and can help prevent more damage.