5 common garbage disposal problems and how to fix them fast

Garbage disposals are super handy, but they can run into issues now and then. The good news? Most problems are easy to fix if you know what to look for. Let’s break down five of the most common garbage disposal problems and how you can solve them quickly.

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Problem 1: Garbage disposal won’t turn on

If your garbage disposal doesn’t make any noise or show any sign of activity when you flip the switch, it’s likely not receiving power.

How to fix it:

1. Look under the sink to make sure the disposal is securely plugged into the outlet.
2. Test the outlet by plugging in another device, like a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet doesn’t work, move to the next step.
3. If the outlet is a GFCI (has a “test” and “reset” button), press the “reset” button to restore power.
4. If that doesn’t work, go to your home’s electrical panel and check if the breaker for the disposal has tripped. Flip it off and back on to reset.
5. Locate the small button (usually red) on the bottom or side of the disposal.
6. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click.

Test the switch or motor if power isn’t restored:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker for the disposal.
2. Remove the wall switch cover and check the wiring connections to ensure they are secure.
3. Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If there is no continuity, the switch may need to be replaced.
4. If the switch works but the motor still doesn’t respond, the motor may be faulty, and replacing the disposal might be necessary.

Problem 2: Garbage disposal hums but doesn’t grind

If your garbage disposal makes a humming sound when you turn it on but doesn’t grind food, something is likely preventing the blades from spinning.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety before inspecting the unit.
2. Shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber through the sink opening.
3. Look for anything that could be blocking the blades, like utensils, bones, or tough food scraps.
4. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any visible debris. Never use your hands, even if the power is off.
5. Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal unit.
6. Insert an Allen wrench (usually included with the disposal) into the hole.
7. Turn the wrench back and forth to manually rotate the flywheel and dislodge any jams.
8. Press the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal.

Problem 3: Garbage disposal is leaking

If you notice water pooling under your sink or dripping from the garbage disposal, it’s likely due to a leak somewhere in the system.

How to fix it:

1. Dry the area around the disposal and run water through the sink.
2. Turn off the power to the disposal and disconnect it from the mounting assembly.
3. Remove the old plumber’s putty from the sink flange.
4. Apply fresh plumber’s putty around the flange and reseat it in the sink.
5. Reattach the disposal and tighten the mounting assembly to ensure a secure seal.
6. Tighten all screws and brackets in the mounting assembly.
7. If the components are worn or damaged, replace them with compatible parts.
8. Check the pipe connections for loose or damaged gaskets. Tighten loose connections or replace worn gaskets to stop the leak.
9. If the disposal’s body is cracked, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

Problem 4: Garbage disposal is clogged

If water backs up in your sink or drains slowly, your garbage disposal or pipes might be clogged with food waste or grease.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to ensure safety while working on the system.
2. Shine a flashlight into the disposal to look for any visible blockages. Remove any debris using tongs or pliers.
3. Place a bucket under the P-trap (the curved pipe under your sink) to catch water and debris.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts on either side of the P-trap and remove it.
5. Inspect the P-trap for clogs and rinse it out with water.
6. Check the straight section of pipe leading to the wall for clogs using a brush or plumbing snake.
7. Reassemble the pipes and tighten the connections securely.
8. Run hot water through the sink and turn on the disposal to test the drainage.

Problem 5: Garbage disposal makes unusual noises

If your garbage disposal is making rattling, grinding, or clicking noises, something inside the unit is likely causing uneven operation.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to ensure it cannot turn on while you work.
2. Shine a flashlight into the disposal to locate any non-food items, such as utensils, bottle caps, or bones.
3. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove the object. Never use your hands, even with the power off.
4. Insert an Allen wrench into the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal.
5. Turn the wrench back and forth to rotate the flywheel and loosen any stuck impellers.
6. Look inside the disposal to see if the impellers are moving freely or if they appear loose or damaged.
7. If the impellers are damaged, consult the disposal manual to determine if they can be replaced.

Read more: How to prep your garbage disposal for Thanksgiving and other holiday events

Additional information

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