Garbage Disposal Not Working
Disposal won't turn on or has stopped working completely
Estimated Time
15-30 minutes
Urgency Level
Routine
Tools Required
2 items
Problem Overview
You flip the switch and hear a humming sound, but your garbage disposal isn't grinding anything. Or maybe it doesn't make any sound at all. A non-working garbage disposal brings your kitchen cleanup to a halt and leaves food waste sitting in your sink. The good news is that most disposal problems have straightforward fixes that don't require replacing the entire unit.
The humming sound you hear means the motor is getting power but the grinding mechanism is jammed. Something hard got stuck between the rotating impeller plate and the stationary grinder ring, preventing the disposal from spinning. Common culprits include silverware, bones, fruit pits, and even small kitchen items that accidentally fell down the drain.
If your disposal is completely silent, the problem is electrical rather than mechanical. The reset button may have tripped due to overheating, a circuit breaker may have flipped, or the disposal could have lost power. These electrical issues are usually easier to fix than mechanical jams.
Common Causes
- Jammed grinding mechanism from hard objects or fibrous food
- Overheating that triggered the automatic reset button
- Tripped circuit breaker from electrical overload
- Worn out motor in units older than 10-12 years
- Corroded or loose electrical connections
- Clogged drain pipe preventing the impeller from spinning
Signs & Symptoms
Garbage disposals usually show warning signs before they stop working completely. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you address problems before they become major failures.
Mechanical Problems
- Humming without grinding: Motor runs but blades don't spin, indicating a jam
- Slow grinding: Disposal struggles to break down food that it used to handle easily
- Loud rattling or grinding noises: Hard objects bouncing around inside the chamber
- Frequent jamming: Unit requires frequent resets or manual clearing
- Unusual vibrations: Disposal shakes the sink or cabinet more than normal
Electrical Problems
- Complete silence: No sound at all when you flip the switch
- Reset button pops out repeatedly: Disposal overheats quickly after being reset
- Intermittent operation: Works sometimes but not consistently
- Tripping circuit breakers: Disposal causes electrical breaker to flip
Drainage Issues
- Water backs up into the sink when you run the disposal
- Water drains slowly after grinding food
- Gurgling sounds from the drain while the disposal runs
- Foul odors coming from the disposal chamber
DIY Solutions
Tools You'll Need:
- Allen wrench
- Flashlight
Critical Safety Warning
NEVER put your hand inside a garbage disposal, even when it's turned off. Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before attempting any repairs. Use tongs or pliers to remove objects from the disposal chamber.
Step 1: Press the Reset Button
Start with the simplest solution. Look under the sink and locate the small red or black reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit. Wait 10-15 minutes to let the motor cool down if it has been running. Press the button firmly until you hear it click. Restore power and test the disposal. The reset button trips when the motor overheats, which happens when the unit jams or runs too long. This fixes the problem about 30% of the time.
Step 2: Check the Circuit Breaker
If the reset button doesn't work, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Look for a switch that's in the middle position or flipped to "off." Reset it by pushing it fully to the off position, then back to on. If the breaker trips again immediately, you have an electrical problem that needs professional diagnosis.
Step 3: Clear the Jam with an Allen Wrench
Most garbage disposals come with a small Allen wrench (hex key) specifically for clearing jams. Find the hexagonal opening on the bottom center of the disposal unit. Insert the Allen wrench (usually 1/4 inch) and turn it back and forth several times. This manually rotates the grinding plate and often frees whatever is jamming it. You should feel resistance at first, then smoother rotation as the jam clears. Remove the wrench, press the reset button, and test the disposal.
Step 4: Remove Stuck Objects from Above
Turn off power at the circuit breaker for safety. Shine a flashlight down into the disposal and look for foreign objects like silverware, bones, or glass. Use long needle-nose pliers or tongs to remove anything that doesn't belong there. Never use your fingers. After removing objects, manually rotate the impeller using a wooden spoon handle to ensure it moves freely. Restore power and test.
Step 5: Check for Drain Clogs
Sometimes the disposal itself works fine, but the drain line is clogged. Fill the sink with 3-4 inches of water, plug the other side if you have a double sink, and use a cup plunger over the disposal drain. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times. This often clears clogs in the drainpipe that prevent the disposal from working properly.
What Not to Do
- Don't keep flipping the switch if the disposal is jammed (this burns out the motor)
- Don't use chemical drain cleaners (they damage disposal components and don't fix jams)
- Don't try to force stuck objects by running the disposal harder
- Don't attempt repairs without turning off power at the breaker
When to Call a Professional
Many garbage disposal problems can be fixed with DIY methods, but some situations require professional help or replacement. Call a plumber when:
- Motor won't run after troubleshooting: If you've pressed reset, checked the breaker, and cleared jams but the disposal still doesn't work, the motor has likely failed
- Disposal is leaking: Water leaking from the disposal body indicates internal damage or seal failure that requires professional repair or replacement
- Age over 10 years: Disposals have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years. If yours is old and having problems, replacement is more cost-effective than repair
- Frequent recurring jams: If the disposal jams weekly despite proper use, internal components are worn and need replacement
- Loud metal-on-metal grinding: This indicates damaged grinding components that can't be repaired
- Reset button won't stay engaged: If the reset button pops back out immediately, the internal safety mechanism has failed
- You're uncomfortable with electrical work: Garbage disposals involve both plumbing and electrical connections. If you're not confident working with either, hire a pro
Modern garbage disposals are sealed units with no user-serviceable internal parts. If the motor or grinding mechanism fails, the entire unit needs replacement. A plumber can diagnose whether your disposal is worth repairing or if replacement makes more sense.
What a Professional Will Do
When you call a professional for garbage disposal problems, here's what to expect during the service visit:
Diagnosis (10-15 minutes)
The plumber will test the disposal, check electrical connections, verify the reset button, and inspect for visible damage or leaks. They'll ask about symptoms and how long the problem has existed. Based on the disposal's age and condition, they'll recommend repair or replacement.
Repair vs. Replacement Decision
If your disposal is less than 8 years old and the problem is minor (clog, jam, or loose connection), repair makes sense and costs under $100-150. However, if the motor has failed, internal components are damaged, or the unit is near its 10-year lifespan, replacement is the better option. The plumber will explain the cost difference and help you decide.
Disposal Replacement (45-75 minutes)
For replacement, the plumber will disconnect electrical wiring, remove the old disposal from the sink mounting, install the new unit, reconnect plumbing drains, wire the electrical connection, and test everything thoroughly. They'll typically provide a basic warranty on both labor and the new disposal unit.
Unit Quality Options
Plumbers typically offer three tiers of disposals. Basic models ($100-150) handle light use and last 7-8 years. Mid-range units ($150-250) have more powerful motors, better grinding, and quieter operation. Premium disposals ($250-400) offer the strongest motors, stainless steel components, multi-stage grinding, and can handle almost anything. The plumber will recommend an appropriate model based on your household size and cooking habits.
Drain Cleaning
If the disposal works but water backs up, the problem is in the drainpipe. The plumber will snake the drain line to clear clogs, which typically adds 20-30 minutes to the service call.
Prevention Tips
Most garbage disposal problems are preventable with proper use and basic maintenance. Follow these practices to keep your disposal running smoothly for years:
What You Can Grind
- Small food scraps and leftovers
- Soft vegetable and fruit waste
- Cooked meat in small pieces
- Bread, pasta, and grains in moderation
- Ice cubes (actually helps clean the grinding chamber)
- Citrus peels for freshening
What Never Goes in the Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat (solidifies in pipes and causes clogs)
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, corn husks (wrap around the impeller)
- Potato peels in large quantities (create a starchy paste)
- Bones and shells (too hard, damage grinding components)
- Coffee grounds (create sludge that clogs drains)
- Egg shells (membrane can wrap around blades)
- Pasta and rice in large amounts (expand and create clogs)
- Onion skins (membrane layer jams the mechanism)
- Non-food items (silverware, glass, plastic, rubber bands)
Proper Operating Technique
Turn on cold water before starting the disposal. Run the disposal for food waste, then keep it running for 15-20 seconds after grinding stops. Continue running cold water for another 15 seconds after turning off the disposal. This flushes debris completely through your drain pipes. Cold water is better than hot because it keeps grease solid, allowing it to be ground up and flushed away rather than coating your pipes.
Weekly Cleaning
Once a week, throw a handful of ice cubes and a few lemon or orange peels into the disposal. Run cold water and turn on the disposal. The ice helps scour the grinding chamber and dislodge accumulated residue, while citrus peels freshen and deodorize. This simple habit prevents odors and keeps the grinding mechanism clean.
Monthly Deep Clean
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 10 minutes while the disposal is off. Flush with hot water while running the disposal. This removes grease buildup and neutralizes odors naturally without harsh chemicals.
Load Gradually
Feed food waste into the disposal gradually rather than dumping large amounts at once. Overloading strains the motor and increases jamming. Let the disposal fully grind each batch before adding more.
Cost Estimates
Understanding garbage disposal repair and replacement costs helps you budget appropriately and decide between DIY and professional service. Here's what to typically expect:
DIY Repair Costs
- Allen wrench set: $5-15 (if your disposal didn't include one)
- Needle-nose pliers: $8-20 (for removing stuck objects)
- Basic cleaning supplies: $5-10 for baking soda, vinegar, citrus
Most disposal repairs cost nothing if you have basic tools. Pressing the reset button or clearing a jam takes 5-10 minutes and requires no special parts.
Professional Repair Costs
- Diagnostic service call: $70-130 minimum
- Unclog disposal: $70-200 depending on severity
- Fix leak: $150-200 for seal or connection repairs
- Clear clog: $150-200 if drain line is blocked
- Basic repair: $100-250 for minor fixes
Replacement Costs
- Basic disposal unit: $100-150
- Mid-range disposal unit: $150-250
- Premium disposal unit: $250-400
- Professional installation labor: $100-250
- Total replacement cost: $200-625 on average
- Complete range: $200-950 depending on unit quality and complexity
Hourly Labor Rates
Plumbers charge $45-150 per hour depending on your location, time of day, and whether it's a routine call or emergency service. Standard disposal replacement takes 45-90 minutes, so labor typically costs $50-200.
Repair vs. Replacement Decision
If repair costs exceed half the price of replacement, or if your disposal is over 8 years old, replacement makes more financial sense. A new disposal with professional installation costs $200-400 for most homeowners and provides 10+ years of reliable service with modern features like quieter operation and better grinding.
When DIY Makes Sense
Try DIY fixes first for jams, reset button issues, and clogs. These problems cost nothing to fix and take minimal time. If the disposal hums but won't spin, clearing the jam with an Allen wrench usually works and costs nothing.
When to Call a Pro
Call a plumber if DIY methods don't work after multiple attempts, the disposal is leaking, it's over 10 years old, or you're uncomfortable with electrical work. The $200-400 for professional replacement provides a properly installed unit with warranty coverage and eliminates hours of frustration.