Key Takeaways
- Start with power and reset checks before disassembling anything.
- Many jams and odors are fixable with simple tools; leaks and motor failures often need a pro.
- Turn off power at the breaker and use tools (not your hand) when probing inside the unit.
- Track symptoms (noise, no power, leak, slow draining) to identify the root cause quickly.
Common Symptoms
- No power / unit doesn’t turn on
- Humming or buzzing without grinding
- Loud grinding or rattling noises
- Slow draining or frequent clogs
- Bad odors coming from the sink
- Water leaking under the sink or around the flange
Possible Causes & Solutions
No power or tripped circuit
How to Identify: Check if the disposal is plugged in. Press the red reset button under the unit. Test the wall outlet with a lamp or plug another appliance. Check the kitchen GFCI and the home circuit breaker.
Solution: If unplugged, plug in securely. Press the reset button. If outlet has no power, reset GFCI or flip the breaker. Replace blown fuses or reset breakers. If the unit trips again immediately, unplug and stop — call a professional because repeated trips indicate wiring or motor issues.
DIY: Yes
Jam caused by foreign object (utensil, bone, hard shell)
How to Identify: Unit hums but doesn’t spin; unusual rattling or scraping sounds. Use a flashlight to look down the sink flange for visible objects. Try turning the disposer manually via the hex socket on the bottom if available.
Solution: Disconnect power (unplug or turn off breaker). Use tongs or pliers to remove visible objects through the sink flange. Insert the proper-sized Allen wrench into the bottom hex socket and turn back and forth to free jammed impellers. Press the reset button and test. Do not put your hand inside the unit.
DIY: Yes
Overload / thermal cutoff has tripped
How to Identify: Disposal runs briefly or hums but stops and won’t restart until reset. May occur after grinding a large load or fibrous food.
Solution: Turn off power, wait 10–15 minutes for motor to cool. Press the reset button to restore operation. Reduce load next time; feed smaller amounts with water running. If it frequently overloads, suspect a failing motor or poor voltage — call a pro.
DIY: Yes
Clogged drain or trap
How to Identify: Slow drain in sink or water backing up into basin while disposal runs. Other drains in the sink area may be slow too.
Solution: Disconnect P-trap (place bucket beneath) and clean out trapped debris. Use a plunger on the sink or a plumber’s snake through the drain (not the disposal). If the clog is in the disposal grind chamber, follow jam removal steps first. Reassemble and test for leaks.
DIY: Yes
Leaks from flange, dishwasher hose, or unit seals
How to Identify: Visible water under the sink when running disposal or steady drip when idle. Inspect sink flange (top), dishwasher inlet clamp, hose connections, and the lower unit seam for corrosion or cracks.
Solution: Tighten loose hose clamps and sink flange mounting screws. Replace a failing rubber flange gasket or dishwasher hose if cracked. If the leak is from the motor housing seam or the unit body, the disposal likely needs replacement.
DIY: Yes
Motor failure or internal wear
How to Identify: Unit won’t turn on and pressing reset or power checks don’t help; burning smell or smoke previously; very old disposal with declining performance.
Solution: If basic electrical checks and reset fail and you smelled burning, stop using the unit. Motor repairs are generally not cost-effective; replacement is recommended. Call a licensed plumber or appliance technician for safe removal and replacement.
DIY: No - Professional recommended
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional plumber or qualified appliance technician when electrical faults, persistent leaks, or motor failures are suspected. If you’ve checked power, pressed the reset button, and removed visible jams but the unit still won’t run — or it trips breakers repeatedly — this could indicate internal electrical issues or a failing motor that require a licensed electrician or plumber. Also get help for leaks from the motor housing, cracks in the disposal body, or if you detect burning smells or smoke. Professionals can safely remove and replace the unit, re-seat sink flanges correctly, and ensure wiring and plumbing connections meet code. When in doubt about electrical safety or when access is tight under the sink, call a pro to avoid injury or further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
My disposal hums but won’t grind. What should I do first?
A humming disposal usually indicates a jammed impeller or the motor is stalled. First, unplug the unit or turn off the breaker. Use a flashlight to look into the chamber; use tongs to remove visible debris. Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom hex socket and turn it back and forth to free the impellers. Press the reset button and restore power. If it still won’t run, stop and call a professional.
Why does my garbage disposal keep tripping the breaker?
Frequent breaker trips often point to electrical overload, a short, or an overheated motor. It can happen after grinding large or fibrous loads. First, unplug and press the reset after cooling. If trips continue immediately on startup, a short circuit, faulty wiring, or motor failure is likely — stop using the unit and call a licensed electrician or plumber.
How can I stop foul odors from my disposal?
Odors often come from trapped food in the splash guard or grind chamber. Run cold water, grind citrus peels or ice cubes to clean surfaces, and follow with baking soda and vinegar, then hot water flush. Regular maintenance—running water during use and avoiding grease—helps. Persistent odors despite cleaning may indicate trapped debris in the drain line or a failing seal; have a pro inspect if needed.
Is it safe to replace a garbage disposal myself?
If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical safety, swapping a disposal can be DIY: turn off breaker power, disconnect wiring or plug, unmount the unit, and follow manufacturer instructions for installing a new unit and reconnecting plumbing. However, if wiring is complex, the sink flange is corroded, or you must cut piping, call a plumber or electrician to ensure code compliance and avoid leaks or shocks.