How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That’s Not Working

The garbage disposal not working properly can interfere with regular kitchen cleaning and upkeep. There are several signs of a broken garbage disposal: the disposal is humming but not working, water is leaking under the unit or filling up the sink, the disposal drains slowly, or you flip the switch and the disposal does not turn on.

Often, the easiest way to fix a garbage disposal is to push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and try it again. When the reset button doesn’t work, the most common problems include electrical system issues, disposal jams, drain pipe clogs, or faulty seals in the mounting, hoses, or pipe connections.

You can easily diagnose and fix most garbage disposal problems at home. Read on to see how to get your garbage disposal to work again.

How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal

Below, we explore a few common issues with the garbage disposal that you could experience, plus some potential fixes.

• Check that it’s plugged in. If the disposal will not turn on when you flip the switch and you do not hear the humming sound of the motor, then there is an electrical problem. Check the outlet and power cord to ensure they are properly connected. Then, test the garbage disposal.
• Push the reset button. If the internal circuit breaker trips, pushing the reset button on the bottom of the unit can restore power to the disposal. After you reset the internal circuit breaker, test the disposal to ensure this fixes the issue.
• Check the breaker. If the circuit breaker is still on, there may be an issue with the wiring. You can check the outlet with a voltage tester to ensure that power is flowing to the unit. If power is not flowing to the disposal, turn the circuit breaker off and remove the faceplate from the disposal switch. Then, inspect the wiring and tighten or secure any loose connections before turning the power back on and testing the disposal.
• Check the garbage disposal wall switch. Another reason your garbage disposal might not be working can be because of the disposal’s wall switch. Remove the switch plate and check the wiring connections. Tighten any loose connections and then test the switch.
• Check the wires connecting to the unit. Similarly, tighten any loose wires that may be at fault.

If these steps don’t fix the issue, try the troubleshooting methods below.

Garbage Disposal Humming, but Not Turning

Fix Flywheel and Impeller Jams

If the garbage disposal won’t grind, but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the impeller or inner flywheel is jammed. This can burn out the disposal’s motor unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts things off.

The garbage disposal humming is almost always the result of a clogged garbage disposal. This occurs between the impeller(s) and the shredder ring inside the disposal.

1. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal using the switch and the circuit breaker.
2. Insert an offset wrench or hex wrench into the flywheel hole in the bottom of the unit and use the wrench to turn the flywheel clockwise to dislodge any obstructions.
3. After removing the obstruction, restore power to the disposal, then push the reset button on the unit to reset the internal circuit breaker. Then, run tap water into the disposal and quickly flip the switch on and off as this should spin the flywheel and cause any dislodged debris to be washed down the drain.

Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly

Clear the Drain Trap

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by several problems, but it’s usually caused by the same kind of clogging that can slow any sink drain. Usually, the fix involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe to remove clogs.

1. Remove the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, then disconnect the drain trap and the discharge drainpipe.
2. Check for clogs or obstructions and clean the disposal.
3. If none are found, the clog probably lies on the branch drain line going into the wall. Clear the obstruction with a ​sink auger.
4. Reassemble the drain trap and reconnect the discharge tube to the side of the garbage disposal.
5. Run the water, turn on the garbage disposal, and check to make sure the water runs freely.

Garbage Disposal Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can occur from several places on a garbage disposal. Common areas include the sink flange where the disposal connects to the bottom of the sink, the hose that leads from the dishwasher to the disposal, and the hose that discharges waste from the disposal to the drain system.

Garbage Disposal Leaking From the Top

The constant vibration of a garbage disposal, over time, can loosen the mounting apparatus that holds the appliance to the sink drain opening. This sink mounting flange is a likely place for leaking.

1. Turn off the power to the disposal.
2. At the disposal mounting ring under the sink, turn the disposal to the left (counter-clockwise from the bottom) to loosen and remove the unit from its mounting flange.
3. Apply a new bead of plumber putty between the sink flange and the sink, then tighten down the three mounting bolts holding the flange to the sink. When excess putty oozes out, wipe away the excess.
4. Reinstall the disposal and turn the power back on at the service panel.
5. Check for leaks as you run the water in the sink.

Garbage Disposal Leaking From the Bottom

The rubber hose that funnels wastewater from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also a place where leaks frequently occur. To fix this, tighten the hose clamp on the dishwasher hose connected to the dishwasher inlet on the disposal. Then, replace the hose if the hose continues to leak.

Another plastic pipe carries wastewater from the disposal to the sink drain trap, and this fitting can leak when the gasket​ gets old.

1. Check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal, making sure they are tight.
2. If this does not work, remove the bolts and the pipe and replace the gasket seal between the pipe and the disposal.
3. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them down.

When to Replace a Garbage Disposal

If you have tried everything you can to fix the above issues, it may be time to get a new garbage disposal. If your disposal is smoking from a blown motor, water is leaking from the disposal itself, or it frequently clogs and makes loud noises, it might be time to replace the unit. Poor draining and frequently needing to be reset are also signs that a replacement is near. It is common to replace a garbage disposal every 5 to 10 years.

When to Call a Professional

Garbage disposal issues can occur as a result of regular wear and tear, improper use, or even due to a problem with the electrical connection. However, not all issues can or should be solved by a DIYer. When the wiring for the disposal is faulty, loose, or damaged, it may be better to call a professional. Additionally, some issues may be symptoms of a bigger problem.

For instance, if the internal circuit breaker repeatedly flips, shutting off power to the unit, then there is a good chance that there is an obstruction or an electrical short. Just keep in mind, that in some cases, the only way forward is to replace your garbage disposal. A professional can help identify your best course of action.