Garbage Disposal Not Working? Start Here

When your garbage disposal stops working, don’t panic. Most problems have a simple fix. The key is figuring out exactly what’s happening, then applying the right solution.

This guide walks through the most common causes of disposal failure in order of likelihood, with step-by-step fixes for each.

Quick Diagnosis — What’s Happening?

Before diving into fixes, identify your symptom:

Completely silent (no sound at all): This is usually a power issue — see Fix 1 and Fix 2 below
Humming but not spinning: The flywheel is jammed → Humming disposal guide
Running but draining slowly: Clog in the drain line → Clogged disposal guide
Leaking water: Connection or seal problem → Leaking disposal guide

Found your symptom? Jump to the right section or guide above. If you’re not sure, start with Fix 1.

Video Guide

Video: “GARBAGE DISPOSAL NOT WORKING?!” by The Honest Carpenter

Fix 1: Press the Reset Button

Try this first. The reset button solves most disposal problems instantly.

Your disposal has a built-in circuit breaker that trips when the motor overloads. When this happens, you just need to reset it.

Why the Reset Button Trips

The thermal overload protector (what the reset button controls) trips when:

The motor works too hard (grinding tough items)
The disposal runs too long continuously
The flywheel is jammed and the motor strains
Electrical surge from a power fluctuation

This is a safety feature, not a defect. It protects the motor from burning out.

How to Reset

Turn off the wall switch
Find the reset button — small red (or black) button on the bottom of the disposal
Press firmly until it clicks and stays in
Turn on cold water, then flip the switch

If it runs normally, you’re done. If the button pops back out immediately, there’s a jam that needs clearing first.

What If the Button Won’t Stay In?

If the reset button keeps popping out even after clearing any visible jam, the motor has likely overheated and needs to cool down. Wait 15-20 minutes and try again.

If it still won’t stay in after cooling, the motor may be damaged. See the “When It’s Time to Replace” section below.

For the complete walkthrough, see try resetting first.

Fix 2: Check the Power

If the disposal is completely silent — no hum, no sound at all — it’s probably not getting power.

Step 1: Is It Plugged In?

Look under the sink for the outlet. Make sure the disposal’s plug is secure. It can work loose over time.

If your disposal is hardwired (no plug), skip to Step 2.

Step 2: Check the GFCI Outlet

Many kitchens have GFCI outlets (the ones with “Test” and “Reset” buttons). The outlet near your sink might control the disposal.

Find the GFCI outlet — it might be under the sink, near the sink, or even in another room
Press the “Reset” button on the outlet
Test the disposal

GFCI outlets can trip without you noticing, especially after a power surge. They’re designed to trip if they detect a ground fault (electrical current going somewhere it shouldn’t), which protects you from shock hazards in wet areas like kitchens.

Pro tip: If the GFCI trips repeatedly, there may be a wiring issue or the disposal itself has a ground fault. This needs an electrician.

Step 3: Check the Circuit Breaker

Go to your electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker. A tripped breaker sits in the middle position, between on and off.

Flip the breaker fully off, then back on
Test the disposal

If the breaker trips again immediately when you turn on the disposal, there’s likely a short circuit. Don’t keep resetting it — call an electrician.

Step 4: Test the Outlet

Still nothing? Plug a lamp or phone charger into the outlet to verify it has power.

If the outlet works but the disposal doesn’t: Try the reset button again, or the motor may be dead
If the outlet has no power: The problem is electrical, and you may need an electrician

Step 5: Check the Wall Switch

The wall switch can fail, especially if it’s an older toggle switch. Signs of a bad switch:

Switch feels loose or doesn’t “click” firmly
Disposal works intermittently
You hear crackling or see sparks in the switch

Replacing a wall switch is a simple DIY project if you’re comfortable with electrical work, or a quick job for an electrician.

For more on electrical issues, see our guide on power problems.

Fix 3: Clear a Jam

If the disposal hums but the blades won’t spin, the flywheel is jammed.

Safety First: Turn off the wall switch AND the circuit breaker before working on a jam.

Quick Fix Method

Insert a 1/4” Allen wrench into the hex hole on the bottom of the disposal
Rotate back and forth until the flywheel moves freely
Use pliers to remove any debris from inside (never your hand)
Press the reset button
Turn on water and test

What Causes Jams?

Common culprits:

Bones — Chicken, fish, rib bones
Fruit pits — Peach, avocado, cherry, mango
Silverware — Spoons and forks that fell in
Glass — Broken drinking glasses
Hard produce — Corn cobs, artichoke leaves
Non-food items — Bottle caps, twist ties, rubber bands

The motor can’t tell the difference between “jammed” and “working hard” — it just keeps trying to spin. If you let it hum for too long (more than 15 seconds), the motor can overheat and fail.

For the detailed walkthrough, see our clear a jam guide.

Fix 4: Clear a Clog

If the disposal runs but water drains slowly (or not at all), you have a clog somewhere in the drain line.

Disposal vs. Drain Clog

First, determine where the clog is:

Water pools in the disposal chamber: Clog is in the disposal outlet or P-trap
Both sink basins back up: Clog is past the Y-connector where both drains meet
Only disposal side backs up: Clog is between disposal and Y-connector

Clearing the Clog

Never use chemical drain cleaners on a garbage disposal. They can damage seals and splash back when the disposal runs.

Instead:

Turn off the disposal and let water drain if possible
Place a bucket under the P-trap
Disconnect the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink)
Clear any debris from the trap
Use a drain snake to clear the pipe going into the wall
Reassemble and test

For detailed instructions, see our clogged disposal guide.

Common Problems by Symptom

Here’s a quick reference table:

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
Completely silent	Power issue	Check reset, GFCI, breaker, plug
Hums but won’t spin	Jammed flywheel	Allen wrench on bottom
Runs but drains slowly	Clogged drain	Clear P-trap and drain line
Leaking from bottom	Failed seal	Replace disposal
Leaking from connections	Loose fitting	Tighten or replace connection
Burning smell	Motor damage	Replace disposal
Reset keeps tripping	Overload or dying motor	Clear jam; if persistent, replace
Makes grinding noise	Normal	Disposals are loud when grinding

When It’s Time to Replace

Sometimes a disposal can’t be fixed. Here’s how to know:

Signs you need a new unit:

Burning smell (motor damage)
Reset button trips immediately after resetting — even with no jam
Unit is 10+ years old with recurring problems
Leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure)
Motor went from humming to completely silent
Excessive vibration or wobbling (mounting or flywheel damage)
Frequent clogs despite proper use

Cost to replace:

New disposal: $80-300 depending on power and features
Professional installation: $150-200
DIY installation: Free if you’re comfortable (plenty of YouTube guides)

Choosing a Replacement

If you’re replacing, consider:

Motor power: 1/2 HP is fine for most households; 3/4 HP or 1 HP for heavy use
Noise level: Higher-end models have better sound insulation
Stainless vs. galvanized: Stainless grind chambers last longer
Brand: InSinkErator and Waste King are the most reliable brands

If your disposal is old and showing multiple symptoms, replacement usually makes more sense than ongoing repairs.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems

Keep your disposal running smoothly:

Do:

Run cold water before, during, and after grinding
Feed scraps gradually, not all at once
Grind citrus peels occasionally for freshness
Run the disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion

Don’t:

Put bones, pits, or fibrous vegetables down the disposal
Use hot water while grinding (melts grease, which then re-solidifies)
Pour grease or oil down the drain
Let food sit in the disposal without running it

Monthly cleaning:

Drop ice cubes and dish soap into running disposal
Or use baking soda and vinegar: pour 1/2 cup baking soda, add 1/2 cup vinegar, let foam, then flush with hot water

FAQ

How do I fix an unresponsive garbage disposal?

Start by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If that doesn’t work, check the power source: make sure it’s plugged in, reset the GFCI outlet, and check the circuit breaker.

Why did my garbage disposal suddenly stop working?

Most common causes: tripped reset button (from overload or jam), power issue (tripped GFCI or breaker), or jammed flywheel. The reset button fixes most cases.

How do I know if my garbage disposal is broken or just needs reset?

If pressing the reset button restores function, it just needed a reset. If the button won’t stay in, there’s likely a jam. If nothing works after trying reset, power checks, and jam clearing, the motor may be burned out.

Is it worth fixing an old garbage disposal?

If it’s over 10 years old or has multiple problems, replacement usually makes more sense. New units cost $80-300 and are more efficient and quieter than older models.

Why does my disposal hum but not work?

A humming disposal means the motor is getting power but the flywheel is jammed. Insert a 1/4” Allen wrench into the bottom of the unit and rotate back and forth to free the obstruction.

How long do garbage disposals last?

Most disposals last 8-15 years depending on usage and maintenance. Higher-quality units with stainless grind chambers tend to last longer than budget models.