Why Is My Garbage Disposal Not Working?

A garbage disposal that suddenly stops working can be frustrating, especially when your sink fills with water and food scraps. But don’t panic. Most garbage disposal problems have simple solutions you can safely try at home.

1. The Disposal Doesn’t Turn On

If your garbage disposal doesn’t make any noise, not even a hum, the issue is usually electrical.

Common Causes

• The reset button tripped

• A blown circuit breaker

• A loose plug under the sink

• The switch is faulty

What You Can Try

• Check and press the reset button underneath the disposal (usually a red button).

• Make sure the unit is plugged in.

• Try flipping the kitchen breaker on your electrical panel.

• Test the wall switch to ensure it's working correctly.

If none of these fixes the issue, the disposal motor may be burned out.

2. The Disposal Hums but Doesn’t Spin

A humming disposal means the motor is getting power, but the blades are stuck.

Common Causes

• Food or foreign objects are jammed inside

• Hard items like bones, pits, or utensils stuck

• Worn-out disposal blades

What You Can Try

Never put your hand inside the disposal.

• Turn off power to the unit.

• Use the Allen wrench slot at the bottom of the disposal to manually rotate the impeller.

• Remove visible blockages with tongs or pliers (never fingers).

• Press the reset button when done.

If it still won’t spin, the motor may have overheated or failed.

3. The Disposal Spins but the Sink Won’t Drain

If your garbage disposal turns on normally but water still backs up, the issue is usually a clog in the drain line, not the disposal itself.

Common Causes

• Grease buildup

• Food debris is stuck in the pipe

• Blocked P-trap

• Clogged main kitchen drain

What You Can Try

• Run hot water for a few minutes.

• Use a plunger on the sink (yes, it works on kitchen clogs).

• Remove and clean the P-trap if you feel comfortable doing so.

If multiple sinks are backing up, you may have a main line blockage that requires a professional drain cleaning.

4. The Disposal Is Leaking

Leaks usually come from:

• The sink flange

• The dishwasher connection

• Cracks in the disposal housing

• Loose plumbing fittings

Some leaks can be tightened and sealed. But if the disposal housing is cracked, you’ll need a full replacement.

5. The Disposal Makes Loud or Strange Noises

If your garbage disposal sounds louder than usual or makes grinding, rattling, or metallic noises, something may be stuck.

Common Causes

• Silverware

• Small metal or plastic pieces

• Bottle caps

• Bones or pits

Turn off the power and remove foreign objects with tongs, not your hands.

When You Should Call a Plumber

Call a professional if:

• The disposal won’t reset

• The unit keeps tripping the breaker

• There’s a burning smell

• The blades don’t spin even after unjamming

• The sink keeps clogging after multiple attempts

• The disposal is leaking from multiple areas

• Your disposal is 8–12 years old, which is the typical lifespan

A plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and let you know whether it’s better to repair or replace the unit.

Understanding the common causes can help you fix the problem quickly.

Call Vertical Plumbing at (480) 577-8720