Why Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working and How to Fix It

Garbage disposals are incredibly convenient kitchen appliances that make cleaning up after meals easier by grinding up food waste and flushing it down the drain. However, like all appliances, they can run into problems over time. If your garbage disposal isn’t working, there are a few common reasons why this could be happening, and, in many cases, you can fix the issue yourself without needing to call a plumber. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common problems with garbage disposals, their causes, and how you can fix them.

1. The Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

If you flip the switch to turn on your garbage disposal and nothing happens — no humming, no grinding, no noise — this likely points to an electrical issue.

Common Causes:

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: Garbage disposals require a significant amount of power, and they can sometimes trip a circuit breaker, cutting off their power supply.
• Overloaded Disposal (Safety Reset Button): Most garbage disposals come equipped with an overload feature that turns the unit off to prevent it from overheating or overloading.
• Loose Wiring or Electrical Connection: In some cases, the wiring in the unit or in the switch that controls it may have become loose or disconnected.

How to Fix It:

• Check the Power Connection: First, make sure the garbage disposal is properly plugged into the outlet beneath your sink. It’s possible that the unit has become unplugged.
• Reset the Unit: Locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal. It’s typically a small red button. Press the reset button and try turning the disposal on again.
• Check the Circuit Breaker: Go to your electrical panel and see if the breaker for the garbage disposal has tripped. If it has, reset it and try using the disposal again.
• Inspect the Power Cord and Wiring: If the reset button doesn’t work and the breaker hasn’t tripped, unplug the disposal and check the wiring connections for any loose or damaged wires.

2. The Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Work

If your garbage disposal makes a humming sound but doesn’t grind or work properly, the motor is likely working, but something is preventing the blades from spinning.

Common Causes:

• Jammed Disposal: One of the most common reasons for this is a jam. Hard objects like bones, fruit pits, or utensils can get stuck in the disposal, stopping the blades from moving.
• Damaged Blades or Impellers: If something hard has been jammed in the disposal for a long time, it could damage the blades or impellers, preventing them from turning correctly.

How to Fix It:

• Turn Off the Power: Always start by turning off the power to your garbage disposal at the breaker to avoid any accidents.
• Check for Visible Blockages: Using a flashlight, look inside the disposal to see if there’s anything visible stuck between the blades.
• Manually Rotate the Blades: Most garbage disposals have a manual turning option at the bottom of the unit. Insert a hex wrench (also known as an Allen wrench) into the bottom of the disposal and manually turn the blades to dislodge whatever is causing the jam.
• Remove the Blockage: Once the blades are free to move, carefully remove the blockage with pliers or tongs — never use your hand.
• Reset the Unit: After you’ve cleared the jam, press the reset button and try using the disposal again.

3. The Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

Leaks are a common issue with garbage disposals and can occur in several areas, including the sink flange (where the disposal connects to the sink), the drain pipe, and the unit itself.

Common Causes:

• Worn Sink Flange or Gaskets: The sink flange is the upper part of the disposal that attaches to the sink. Over time, the seal between the sink and the disposal may wear out, leading to leaks.
• Loose Drain Pipe Connection: The connection between the disposal and the drain pipe can become loose over time, causing leaks.
• Cracked Disposal Unit: In rare cases, the disposal unit itself may develop cracks, particularly if it’s an older model, leading to water leakage.

How to Fix It:

• Tighten the Connections: Check the bolts and screws that hold the disposal unit to the sink and the drain pipes. If they are loose, tighten them to stop the leak.
• Replace Worn Gaskets or Seals: If the gaskets between the disposal and the sink flange are worn or damaged, you’ll need to replace them. Turn off the power, disconnect the unit, and install new gaskets before reassembling.
• Check for Cracks: If the disposal unit itself is cracked, you will likely need to replace the entire unit. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional or replace the disposal with a new one.

4. The Garbage Disposal Is Clogged

If your garbage disposal is draining slowly or not at all, it could be clogged. A clog usually happens when too much food waste is put into the disposal at once, or non-disposable items are sent down the drain.

Common Causes:

• Improper Items in the Disposal: Avoid putting fibrous vegetables (like celery), potato peels, pasta, rice, and other starchy or fibrous foods into your garbage disposal, as they can clog the unit.
• Too Much Waste at Once: Feeding too much food waste into the disposal at once can overwhelm the system, leading to clogs.

How to Fix It:

• Use a Plunger: A plunger can sometimes help clear clogs. Make sure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger’s cup, and plunge the drain to loosen the clog.
• Clear the Trap: If plunging doesn’t work, you may need to clear the P-trap, which is the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink. Place a bucket underneath the P-trap, unscrew the pipe, and clean out any food debris.
• Avoid Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can damage your garbage disposal’s components. Stick to mechanical methods like plunging or manually clearing the trap to avoid damage.

5. The Garbage Disposal Smells Bad

A foul odor coming from your garbage disposal can make your kitchen unpleasant, and it’s a sign that food debris is stuck in the unit or drain.

Common Causes:

• Food Particles Stuck in the Disposal: Over time, small food particles can accumulate inside the disposal, causing a buildup of bacteria that produces foul smells.

How to Fix It:

• Flush the Disposal with Water: Run cold water through the disposal for about a minute to flush out any small food particles.
• Use Ice and Salt: Grinding up ice cubes with a small amount of rock salt can help dislodge stuck food and clean the blades.
• Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then flush it with hot water.
• Use Lemon Peels: Grinding up lemon or citrus peels in the disposal can help freshen the unit and leave your kitchen smelling clean.

6. The Garbage Disposal Is Noisy

If your garbage disposal is making strange grinding or rattling noises, it’s likely that a foreign object (like a spoon or small kitchen utensil) has accidentally fallen inside.

Common Causes:

• Foreign Objects in the Disposal: Non-food items can cause loud noises when they get caught in the blades.

How to Fix It:

• Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power to your garbage disposal before attempting to remove an object.
• Remove the Object: Using tongs or pliers, carefully retrieve the object from the disposal. Never reach in with your hand, as the blades are sharp.

Conclusion

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it can be frustrating, but many common issues can be fixed without the need for professional help. Whether it’s a jam, leak, clog, or electrical issue, taking the right steps can help you get your disposal back in working order quickly. However, if you’ve tried all of these troubleshooting tips and your disposal is still malfunctioning, it may be time to call a professional plumber or replace the unit altogether. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the disposal with water, avoiding hard-to-grind items, and using the reset button, can also extend the life of your disposal and keep it running smoothly.

FAQ

1. Why is my garbage disposal not turning on?
   • If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on, it could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a jammed motor, or a loose connection. First, check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker, and reset it if necessary. If the unit still doesn’t turn on, there may be an internal problem requiring professional assistance.
2. What should I do if my garbage disposal is humming but not grinding?
   • A humming sound usually means the motor is running but the blades are jammed. Turn off the disposal, unplug it, and use an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades from the bottom to free any obstructions.
3. Why is my garbage disposal leaking?
   • Leaks can occur at several points: the sink flange, the drain hose, or the bottom of the unit. Inspect the connections and seals, and tighten them if necessary. If the leak persists, the unit may need to be replaced.
4. What causes my garbage disposal to clog?
   • Disposals can become clogged by fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, or pasta, which don’t grind well. Avoid overloading the unit and always run cold water when using it to help flush the waste through the pipes.
5. Can I reset my garbage disposal if it stops working?
   • Yes, most disposals have a reset button on the bottom. Press the reset button after ensuring the unit is not jammed. If the disposal still doesn’t work, there might be a deeper electrical or mechanical issue.
6. Why does my garbage disposal smell bad, and how can I fix it?
   • Bad odors are typically caused by food particles stuck in the disposal. Clean the disposal by grinding ice cubes and lemon slices to remove debris and freshen up the unit.
7. What should I avoid putting in my garbage disposal?
   • Avoid putting non-food items, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, or fibrous foods like corn husks or onion skins into the disposal. These can cause clogs and damage the blades.
8. How do I know if I need to replace my garbage disposal?
   • If your disposal is more than 10 years old, frequently jams, or leaks despite repairs, it might be time for a replacement. A professional can assess whether repair or replacement is the best option.
9. Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unclog my garbage disposal?
   • No, chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal’s parts. Instead, use a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs.
10. How can I prevent my garbage disposal from clogging in the future?

• Run cold water while using the disposal, avoid overloading it with waste, and regularly clean the unit with a mixture of ice, vinegar, and baking soda to prevent buildup and clogs.