Safety first
Switch the disposal off at the wall switch and, if you're reaching in with tools, at the breaker too. Never put your hand in the grinding chamber — use tongs or pliers to remove objects.
Match the symptom
- Hums but doesn't grind: jammed flywheel — turn it with a 1/4-inch hex key from underneath, remove the obstruction, press reset
- Completely silent: press the reset button, check the switch and breaker
- Drains slowly: a clog in the drain line after the disposal, not the unit itself
- Leaks from the top: the sink flange seal
- Leaks from the side: the dishwasher hose or discharge connection
- Leaks from the bottom of the unit: internal seal failure — replace the disposal
When to call a plumber about the disposal
Call if the unit trips the breaker repeatedly, leaks from its body, or the sink stays clogged after the disposal runs freely. A slow sink on both sides usually means the branch drain line needs cleaning.
Repair or replace the disposal
A jam or a tripped reset button is easy to fix. A disposal that leaks from the bottom of the unit has a failed internal seal and needs replacing. Hums without turning after you've freed the jam usually means a failed motor. Most disposals last roughly 8 to 15 years depending on use and model.
What not to put down a disposal
- Grease, oil and fat
- Coffee grounds and eggshells in large amounts
- Fibrous peels like celery and corn husks
- Pasta, rice and bread that swell with water
- Bones and fruit pits
Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try This First: when to call a pro
- Water is leaking from the unit's body
- You smell burning or the breaker trips
- The drain is slow on both sides of the sink
Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try This First: common questions
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not turn?
Something is jamming the flywheel. Turn off the power, use the hex key in the bottom of the unit to free it, then press the reset button.
Can a plumber install a garbage disposal?
Yes. The plumber connects it to the sink drain and dishwasher and confirms the outlet or wiring is in place.
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?
It's jammed. With the power off, turn the hex socket under the unit to free it, then press the reset button.
When should a garbage disposal be replaced?
When it leaks from the body, trips the breaker repeatedly, or still won't run after a reset.
Every home differs; editorial standards.