Garbage Disposal Not Working: Safe Fixes and When to Call a Plumber

A garbage disposal that hums, jams or goes silent is a common kitchen problem, and a few safe steps often fix it. This guide covers what each symptom usually means, the steps to try with the power off, what to avoid, and when it's time to call a plumber. LocalRepairLine is a referral service, not a contractor, and this is general information, not a substitute for an in-person inspection.

What the symptoms usually mean

• Humming but not spinning. The blades are usually jammed by a hard object, bone, fruit pit or a buildup of food.
• Completely silent, no hum. The unit may have tripped its reset button, or the switch, outlet or breaker has lost power.
• Slow draining or backing up into the sink. The clog may be in the drain line beyond the disposal, not the disposal itself.
• Leaking from under the sink. A loose connection, worn seal or cracked housing can all cause a leak.
• Bad smell. Food residue stuck on the grinding parts is the usual cause.

Safe steps if it hums or won't turn

1. Turn the power off at the wall switch, and unplug the unit or switch off the breaker.
2. Look into the drain with a flashlight. Use tongs to remove any visible object. Don't use your fingers.
3. Find the hex socket. Many disposals have a small socket in the center of the underside. Insert the hex key that came with the unit, or a similar sized key, and work it back and forth until the flywheel turns without sticking.
4. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal. Wait a minute or two if it won't stay in, since the motor may be overheated.
5. Restore the power and run a stream of cold water, then flip the switch to test.

If there's no hum at all

1. Press the reset button on the bottom once.
2. Check that the wall switch works and that the breaker hasn't tripped.
3. If the unit is plugged in under the sink, check that the plug is firmly in the outlet. Some outlets are GFCI protected and have their own reset button.
4. If it still has no power, the problem may be wiring or a failed motor. Leave this to a pro.

Keep it from happening again

• Run cold water before, during and for 15 seconds or so after grinding.
• Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, fibrous scraps like celery and corn husks, pasta and rice, or bones and fruit pits into the disposal.
• Feed scraps gradually rather than all at once.
• Clean the unit now and then by grinding a few ice cubes and a handful of citrus peels, then flushing with cold water.

What not to do

• Do not put your hand in the disposal.
• Do not use drain cleaner chemicals in the disposal or the drain.
• Do not keep pressing reset if it trips again and again.
• Do not run it with a leak until it's repaired.

When to call a plumber

• Water leaks from the unit body or the connections underneath.
• The reset button trips repeatedly, or the motor won't run after the steps above.
• The sink drains slowly even when the disposal runs, which can mean a clog further down the line.
• The disposal is old and failing, and you're thinking about a replacement.

What to tell the plumber

• The brand or size of the disposal, if you can see the label.
• Whether it hums, is silent, leaks or smells.
• What you already tried, such as the hex key and the reset button.
• Whether the sink also drains slowly.

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