Home Improvement Skills & Specialties Electrical Appliances

Garbage Disposal Not Working: 4 Problems & Solutions

The garbage disposal not working properly can interfere with regular kitchen cleaning and upkeep. There are several signs of a broken garbage disposal: the disposal is humming but not working, water is leaking under the unit or filling up the sink, the disposal drains slowly, or you flip the switch and the disposal does not turn on.

Often, the easiest way to fix a garbage disposal is to push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and try it again. When the reset button doesn’t work, the most common problems include electrical system issues, disposal jams, drain pipe clogs, or faulty seals in the mounting, hoses, or pipe connections.

You can easily diagnose and fix most garbage disposal problems at home. Read on to see how to get your garbage disposal to work again.

garbage disposal

The Spruce / Lacey Johnson

Safety Considerations

Never reach your hand into the garbage disposal. Even if there is an obstruction in the disposal, reaching your hand into this machine is a bad idea. Instead, unplug the disposal or turn off the associated breaker to cut power to the unit, then use a set of tongs or long pliers to remove the obstruction.

Warning

Don't work with the power to the disposal on. Additionally, check the power in the switch using a voltage tester after you unplug the unit. This step can point you to a potential issue, like a tripped or faulty breaker or GFCI, much faster if it is an electrical problem.

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

White plate with fork, pasta noodles and sauce next to garbage disposal in sink

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Below, we explore a few common issues with the garbage disposal that you could be experience, plus some potential fixes. Your garbage disposal will be running good as new sooon.

Garbage Disposal Not Turning On

Push the Reset Button

Another issue that could be causing the garbage disposal to malfunction is the built-in circuit breaker, which prevents damage to the unit in the case of an electrical short or surge.

If the internal circuit breaker trips, simply pushing the reset button on the bottom of the unit can restore power to the disposal.

  1. Locate the reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
  2. Press the reset button to reset the internal circuit breaker.
  3. Test the disposal to ensure this fixed the issue.

Check the Outlet

If the disposal will not turn on when you flip the switch and you do not hear the humming sound of the motor, there is an electrical problem preventing the appliance from getting current.

Before worrying about the wiring, check to make sure that the disposal is plugged in. If the unit is not connected to the outlet, then it won't respond when the switch is flipped.

  1. Check the outlet and power cord to ensure they are properly connected.
  2. Test the garbage disposal.

Check for Power

If the garbage disposal is plugged in, then the issue may be due to a tripped circuit breaker. In some cases, an electrical short in the disposal can cause the circuit breaker to trip—so if this is a recurring problem, then there may be a more complicated issue that needs to be fixed by a professional electrician.

If the circuit breaker is still on, then there may be an issue with the wiring. You can check the outlet with a voltage tester to ensure that power is flowing to the unit. In some cases, a simple loose connection may be the cause of the problem, and the remedy is as easy as tightening the wire connections.

  1. Check the breaker panel and flip the circuit back on if it has tripped.
  2. If the breaker has not tripped, use a voltage tester to determine if power is flowing to the garbage disposal.
  3. If power is not flowing to the disposal, turn the circuit breaker off and remove the faceplate from the disposal switch.
  4. Inspect the wiring, tightening or securing any loose connections.
  5. Turn the power back on and test the disposal.

Garbage Disposal Humming, but Not Turning

Fix Flywheel and Impeller Jams

If the garbage disposal won't grind, but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the impeller or inner flywheel is jammed. This can burn out the disposal's motor unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts things off.

The garbage disposal humming is almost always the result of a clogged garbage disposal. This occurs between the impeller(s) and the shredder ring inside the disposal.

  1. Turn off power to the garbage disposal using the switch and the circuit breaker.
  2. Insert an offset wrench or hex wrench into the flywheel hole in the bottom of the unit and use the wrench to turn the flywheel clockwise to dislodge any obstructions.
  3. If you do not have a suitable wrench or the obstruction is sitting higher in the disposal, then you can use a set of pliers or even tongs to grab the obstruction and pull it out of the disposal.
  4. After removing the obstruction, restore power to the disposal, then push the reset button on the unit to reset the internal circuit breaker.
  5. Run some tap water into the disposal and quickly flip the switch on and off for a short burst. Turn it on and off again quickly. This should spin the flywheel and cause any dislodged debris to be washed down the drain.

Garbage Disposal Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can occur from several places on a garbage disposal. Common areas include the sink flange where the disposal connects to the bottom of the sink, the hose that leads from the dishwasher to the disposal, and the hose that discharges waste from the disposal to the drain system.

Leak at the Sink Flange

The constant vibration of a garbage disposal, over time, can loosen the mounting apparatus that holds the appliance to the sink drain opening. This sink mounting flange is a likely place for leaking.

  1. Turn off the power to the disposal.
  2. At the disposal mounting ring under the sink, turn the disposal to the left (counter-clockwise from the bottom) to loosen and remove the unit from its mounting flange.
  3. Apply a new bead of plumber putty between the sink flange and the sink, then tighten down the three mounting bolts holding the flange to the sink. When excess putty oozes out, wipe away the excess.
  4. Reinstall the disposal and turn the power back on at the service panel.
  5. Check for leaks as you run the water in the sink.

Leak at the Dishwasher Connection

The rubber hose that funnels wastewater from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also a place where leaks frequently occur.

  1. Tighten the hose clamp on the dishwasher hose connected to the dishwasher inlet on the disposal.
  2. Replace the hose if the hose continues to leak.

Leak at the Discharge Drainpipe

Another plastic pipe carries wastewater from the disposal to the sink drain trap, and this fitting can leak when the gasket​ gets old.

  1. Check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, making sure they are tight.
  2. If this does not work, remove the bolts and the pipe and replace the gasket seal between the pipe and the disposal.
  3. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them down.

Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly

Clear the Drain Trap

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by several problems, but it's usually caused by the same kind of clogging that can slow any sink drain. Usually, the fix involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe to remove clogs.

  1. Remove the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, then disconnect the drain trap and the discharge drainpipe.
  2. Check for clogs or obstructions and clean the disposal.
  3. If none are found, the clog probably lies on the branch drain line going into the wall. Clear the obstruction with a ​sink auger.
  4. Reassemble the drain trap and reconnect the discharge tube to the side of the garbage disposal.
  5. Run the water, turn on the garbage disposal, and check to make sure the water runs freely.

Warning

Never use chemical drain cleaners with a garbage disposal. These chemicals rarely work, leaving you with a sink full of toxic chemicals. Further, such chemicals often damage the garbage disposal and void the manufacturer's warranty.

Types of Garbage Disposals

There are several types of garbage disposals, including batch feed and continuous. Batch feed needs to have the cover placed over the drain opening to activate the disposal. Continuous utilizes a switch to turn the unit on and off.

An air switch model also uses air to activate the disposal. What all these models have in common is that the power feeding the disposal should come from an outlet under the sink. It also helps to learn more about the various parts or anatomy of a garbage disposal.

When to Call a Professional

Garbage disposal issues can occur as a result of regular wear and tear, improper use, or even due to a problem with the electrical connection. Many of these problems can be avoided by learning what not to put in garbage disposals and how to clean your garbage disposal.

However, not all issues can or should be solved by a DIYer. When the wiring for the disposal is faulty, loose, or damaged, it may be better to call a professional. Additionally, some issues may be symptoms of a bigger problem.

For instance, if the internal circuit breaker repeatedly flips, shutting off power to the unit, then there is a good chance that there is an obstruction or an electrical short. Just keep in mind, that in some cases, the only way forward is to replace your garbage disposal. A professional can help identify your best course of action.

FAQ
  • Will unplugging a garbage disposal reset it?

    You should press the reset button to reset your garbage disposal. If the button pops back out after restoring power to the unit, wait about 10 minutes then try again.

  • Why is my garbage disposal locked up?

    In most cases, a garbage disposal becomes locked up due to large bits of food. These can become jammed in between the impeller blade and the drain hole.

  • How do you unjam a garbage disposal?

    To unjam a garbage disposal, take a a 1/4” or 5/16” Allen wrench and insert into the hole located at the bottom of the disposal. Work the Allen wrench back and forth with force. This allows any trapped food or debris to release.