Garbage Disposal Not Working? Common Causes & How to Repair It

A disposal that suddenly stops working can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of cleaning up. If the unit hums but won’t spin or doesn’t turn on at all, you might be dealing with a jam or a tripped reset switch. Garbage disposal repair often starts with finding out what’s blocking the blades or causing the power to cut off.

Below, we’ll cover the most common causes, how to fix them, and when it’s time to replace the unit.

What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Stop Working?

1. Something Is Jammed Inside

One of the most common reasons a garbage disposal stops working is because something is stuck in the blades. When the blades cannot spin, the motor may hum, but the unit won’t work properly.

Items that often cause a jam include small coins like dimes or pennies, metal can lids or bottle caps, hard food scraps such as bones, or silverware that falls in by accident.

Key Takeaway: If your garbage disposal makes a humming sound but the blades do not turn, it is probably jammed. Avoid flipping the switch again and again. Doing so can cause the motor to overheat and shut off.

2. The Internal Parts Have Rusted

If the garbage disposal is older or of low quality, rust can build up inside. In some cases, the entire interior may be corroded. When that happens, the blades stop turning, and the motor can’t do its job.

We’ve seen units so rusted that they completely lock up. If yours hasn’t been used in a while, is leaking underneath, or leaking behind walls, rust may be the issue.

How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal

Most garbage disposals come with a small Allen wrench. This tool helps fix jams. Look under the disposal. In the center, you’ll see a small hole. That’s where the wrench goes.

Steps to unjam your garbage disposal:

1. Turn off the power. Use the wall switch or shut off the breaker.
2. Find the hole under the unit. It is in the middle.
3. Insert the Allen wrench. Turn it left and right a few times.
4. Loosen the jam. If it feels tight, keep turning until it moves.
5. Remove the object. Use pliers or tongs. Never use your hand.
6. Turn the power back on. Flip the switch and see if it works.

If the blades spin and the motor runs, your disposal is working again.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have the original wrench, a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench from a hardware store will usually work.

Need expert help with garbage disposal repair? If your disposal won’t run and quick fixes aren’t working, we can help. Contact Dick Ray for a free consultation. We’ll check the issue and give honest repair or replacement advice.

My Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On at All

If your garbage disposal does nothing when you flip the switch, not even a humming sound, the problem may be a tripped internal breaker. This usually happens when the motor becomes overloaded due to a jam or heavy use. 

To fix this, start by looking underneath the unit. There is a small red reset button located on the bottom. Press the button firmly until it clicks. Then, try using the wall switch to see if the disposal powers back on. 

If the unit still won’t start, the motor may be burned out or the inside could be damaged from age or rust. When this happens, a plumbing repair might not solve the issue, and replacing the disposal is often the better choice.

Should I Repair or Replace My Garbage Disposal?

Sometimes, fixing your garbage disposal may not solve the problem for long. If the unit keeps failing or shows signs of wear, replacement may be the better option.

Here are signs you should consider a new disposal:

• The inside is badly rusted or corroded
• The motor doesn’t turn, even after using the reset button
• You’ve had to unjam it several times in just a few weeks
• Water is leaking from the unit or under the sink

If your garbage disposal is more than 8 to 10 years old and keeps having issues, replacing it is usually more cost-effective than repairing it again and again.

How to Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Problems

Taking care of your garbage disposal helps it work better and last longer. Simple maintenance steps can prevent common issues like clogs, jams, and unpleasant odors.

Follow these tips to keep your disposal running smoothly:

• Avoid hard or harmful items: Never put bones, fruit pits, metal pieces, or plastic in the disposal. These can damage the blades and cause jams.
• Use cold water every time: Run cold water before, during, and after you use the disposal. This helps flush food waste through the pipes and keeps grease from building up.
• Clean it regularly: Once a month, drop in a handful of ice cubes along with a small amount of dish soap. Let the disposal run for a few seconds to clean the inside and sharpen the blades.
• Don’t overload the unit: Feed food waste slowly into the disposal instead of dumping in a large amount all at once. This gives the blades time to break it down properly.

Pro Tip: Cut a lemon into small pieces and run one through the disposal every couple of weeks. It helps clean the inside of the unit and leaves it smelling fresh.

In Summary

When your garbage disposal stops working, it’s usually a simple fix. Whether it’s a jam, tripped breaker, or just age catching up with the unit, now you know what to look for and how to act. For reliable garbage disposal repair, contact Dick Ray today. We’ll get your kitchen back in order, fast and stress-free.