What do you do when the garbage disposal isn’t working?

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

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

You can easily identify and fix most garbage disposal problems at home. Keep reading to see what to do when the garbage disposal isn’t working.

Safety considerations

Before going any further, it’s important to mention some things. One of them would be to never reach your hand into the garbage disposal. Even if there’s an obstruction stuck inside, reaching your hand into this machine is a very bad idea.

Instead, turn off the associated breaker or unplug the disposal to cut power to the unit, then use a set of long pliers or tongs to remove the obstruction.

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, we’ve rounded up a few common problems that you could deal with, plus some potential solutions. Your garbage disposal will be running as good as new soon.

Issue No. 1: Garbage disposal isn’t turning on

Push the reset button

A common culprit when the garbage disposal isn’t working is the built-in circuit breaker, which prevents damage to the machine in the case of an electrical surge or short. If the internal circuit breaker trips, just push the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal to restore power to the disposal.

Locate the reset button on the bottom of the unit, press it to reset the internal circuit breaker, and test the disposal to make sure this fixed the issue.

Check for power

If the garbage disposal isn’t working but it’s plugged in, then the problem may be caused by a tripped circuit breaker. In some cases, an electrical short in the unit can cause the circuit breaker to trip. If this is an issue you’re dealing with frequently, then there may be a more complicated problem that needs to be handled by a professional electrician.

If the circuit breaker is still on and the garbage disposal isn’t working, then there may be something off with the wiring. You can use a voltage tester to check the outlet to make sure that power is flowing to the unit. In some cases, a loose connection may be the cause of the issue, and the solution is as easy as tightening the wire connections.

Check the outlet

If the garbage disposal isn’t working when you flip the switch and you don’t hear the humming sound of the motor, there’s an electrical issue stopping the appliance from getting current.

Before worrying about the wiring, check to ensure the unit is plugged in. If the disposal isn’t connected to the outlet, then it obviously won’t respond when the switch is flipped.

So, you just need to check the power cord and the outlet to make sure they are properly connected. If everything seems to be in its place, test the garbage disposal.

Issue No. 2: Garbage disposal leaks

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

Leak the dishwasher connection

The rubber hose that directs wastewater from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also an area where leaks frequently occur. If the garbage disposal isn’t working and this may be the cause, tighten the hose clamp located on the dishwasher hose connected to the dishwasher inlet on the unit. If the hose continues to leak, you’ll have to replace the hose.

Leak at the sink flange

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it may be something with the sink flange. Over time, the constant vibration of the garbage disposal can loosen the mounting apparatus that holds the unit to the sink drain openings. This sink mounting flange is a likely spot for leaking.

The first thing you need to do is turn off the power to the disposal. At the disposal mounting ring located under the sink, turn the disposal counter-clockwise from the bottom to loosen and remove the device from its mounting flange.

Next, apply a new bead of plumber putty between the sink and the sink flange, then tighten down the three mounting bolts that hold the flange to the sink. Wipe away any excess if the putty oozes out.

Reinstall the unit and turn the power back on at the service panel. Finally, check for leaks as you run the water into the sink.

Leak at the discharge drainpipe

Another plastic pipe funnels wastewater from the unit to the sink drain trap, and this fitting may leak when the gasket gets old. If the garbage disposal isn’t working and this may seem like the culprit, check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal to make sure they are tight.

If this doesn’t work, remove the bolts and the pipe, then replace the gasket seal between the disposal and the pipe. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them down.

Issue No. 3: Garbage disposal is humming but not turning

Fix flywheel and impeller jams

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

In most cases, the garbage disposal humming is the result of a clogged garbage disposal. This happens between the impeller(s) and the shredder ring located inside the disposal.

The first thing you need to do when the garbage disposal isn’t working because of that is turn off the power to the unit using the switch and the circuit breaker. Then, insert a hex wrench or offset wrench (here are some options) into the flywheel hole located at the bottom of the disposal, and use the wrench to turn the flywheel clockwise to knock any obstructions out of place.

If the obstruction is sitting higher in the disposal or you don’t have a suitable wrench, then you can use a set of pliers or tongs to grab whatever is stuck inside and pull it out of the unit.

After removing it, restore power to the unit, then press the reset button on the disposal to reset the internal circuit breaker. Then, run some tap water into the unit and quickly flip the switch on and off for a short burst. Next, turn it on and off again quickly. This trick should spin the flywheel and cause any dislodged obstruction to be washed down the drain.

Issue No. 4: Garbage disposal draining slowly

Clear the drain trap

If the garbage disposal isn’t working because of slow draining, this is something that can be caused by several issues, but it’s typically caused by the same type of clogging that can slow any sink drain. Generally, the solution involves disassembling the drain trap and discharging pipe to remove clogs.

Remove the bolts that hold the discharge pipe to the unit, then disconnect the discharge drainpipe and the drain trap. Check for obstructions and clogs, and clean the disposal. If none are found, the debris probably lies on the branch drain line going into the wall. Remove the obstruction with a sink auger.

Next, reassemble the drain trap and reconnect the discharge drainpipe to the side of the garbage disposal. Run the water first, and then turn on the garbage disposal. Check to make sure the water runs freely.

When to call a professional

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, the causes can be multiple. Improper use, regular wear and tear, and even a problem with the electrical connection. Many of these issues can be avoided by learning how to properly clean your garbage disposal and what not to put in garbage disposals.

However, not all issues should or can be solved by a DIYer. When your garbage disposal isn’t working and the wiring for the unit is loose, faulty, or damaged, it may be better to call a professional. Moreover, some problems may be symptoms of a bigger issue.

If you liked our article on reasons why the garbage disposal isn’t working, you may also want to read 7 Amazing Hacks to Fix a Slow Sink Drain.