How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That Stopped Working

Most garbage disposal problems stem from jams, electrical issues, or reset button trips that can be fixed in minutes with basic troubleshooting steps.

  1. Start with Power. Look under your sink for the disposal's electrical outlet and make sure it's plugged in securely. Check your circuit breaker panel for any tripped breakers. If the outlet has a GFCI button, press the reset button. Try flipping the wall switch on and off to see if you hear any humming sounds.
  2. Reset the Motor. Locate the small red or black reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit under your sink. Press it firmly until it clicks back into place. This button trips when the motor overheats or gets overloaded. After pressing reset, try running the disposal again with cold water.
  3. Remove the Blockage. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before doing this step. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible food scraps, utensils, or debris from the grinding chamber. Never put your hand inside the disposal. Shine a flashlight down the drain to see what you're working with.
  4. Free Stuck Impellers. Most disposals come with an Allen wrench that fits into a hex socket on the bottom of the unit. If you don't have one, use a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench. Insert it into the socket and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the grinding mechanism and free any stuck impellers.
  5. Rock Out the Jam. If you can't reach the bottom socket, insert a wooden spoon handle or disposal wrench tool down through the top of the disposal. Wedge it against one of the impeller blades and rock it back and forth to free the jam. This method works when something is stuck between the impeller and the grinding ring.
  6. Verify Full Function. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Run cold water and flip the disposal switch. The unit should start immediately and run smoothly without unusual noises. If it works, run it for 30 seconds with cold water to clear any remaining debris. If it still doesn't work, the motor may be burned out and need replacement.