4 possible reasons your garbage disposal won’t stop running

You’ve noticed your garbage disposal just keeps going and won’t shut off? Wasting electricity and possibly causing safety hazards isn’t fun for anyone. But don’t panic! Let’s figure out what’s going on and get it fixed together.

Heads up: The tips I’m sharing might not match your exact appliance model. For general DIY fixes, different models can have their own unique error codes and parts. To get the best advice, it’s a good idea to check your manufacturer’s instructions or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Safety precautions

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Cause 1: The wall switch is stuck

The switch controlling your disposal can wear out or get jammed over time, especially if it’s used frequently or exposed to moisture. the problem might be as simple as a stuck wall switch. Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

1. Turn off the power at the breaker box to ensure safety.
2. Remove the faceplate using a screwdriver.
3. Check the switch for dirt or grime. Sometimes, dust or food particles can make it stick.
4. Press the switch on and off a few times. If it feels stiff or doesn’t move smoothly, that’s likely the problem.

If the switch doesn’t respond or looks damaged, you might need to replace it. Here’s how:

1. Remove the screws holding the switch in place and carefully pull it out of the wall box.
2. Disconnect the wires, noting which ones attach where.
3. Test the switch for continuity using a multimeter by placing one probe on the common terminal (usually marked “COM”) and the other probe on the “load” terminal (where the wire leading to the disposal is attached).
4. Flip the switch to the “on” position and check for continuity. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to 0 ohms, the switch is functioning in the “on” position.
5. If the switch tests bad, install a new switch, reconnecting the wires in the same configuration.
6. Secure the switch back into the wall box, replace the faceplate, and restore power to test it.

If this solves your problem, great! If not, let’s move on to the next possible cause.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Cause 2: The disposal’s reset button is jammed

The reset button is designed to protect it from overheating or overloading. However, if this button gets stuck, it can cause the unit to stay in the “on” mode, even when the wall switch is off. Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

1. Turn off the power to the disposal by unplugging it or shutting off the breaker.
2. Locate the reset button. It’s usually a small red button on the bottom of the unit.
3. Check if the button feels stuck or doesn’t click when pressed. This could indicate debris, moisture, or internal failure.
4. Clean around the button using a dry cloth or compressed air to remove dirt or moisture.
5. Remove the bottom panel of the disposal (usually secured with screws) to expose the wiring and reset button terminals.
6. Turn the multimeter to the continuity or resistance (ohms) setting. Place one probe of the multimeter on each of the reset button’s terminals.
7. Place one probe of the multimeter on each of the reset button’s terminals.
8. Press the reset button. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading near 0 ohms when the button is pressed, the reset mechanism is functional.
9. If there is no continuity (no beep or high resistance) when the button is pressed, the reset button is faulty.

If the reset button is bad, you can replace it:

1. Ensure the disposal is unplugged or the breaker is off.
2. Locate the housing around the reset button at the bottom of the disposal.
3. Unscrew the housing to expose the reset button mechanism.
4. Remove the old button and replace it with a new one.
5. Reassemble the housing and restore power to test the button.

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

Cause 3: A mechanical jam in the motor

Food debris, foreign objects, or internal wear can prevent the motor from functioning properly, making it seem like it’s stuck in the “on” position. Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

1. Turn off the power to the disposal by unplugging it or flipping the breaker.
2. Insert a hex key (Allen wrench) into the small socket on the underside of the disposal. This socket is directly connected to the motor shaft.
3. Turn the hex key back and forth. This manually rotates the motor and helps dislodge any stuck debris.
4. If debris is visible inside the disposal, shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber.
5. Use tongs or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any objects that are causing the jam. Never use your hands, even with the power off, for safety.

Cause 4: The disposal is old or worn out

If your garbage disposal is over 8–10 years old and none of the previous fixes have worked, it might be nearing the end of its life. Worn-out components, rust, or general wear and tear can cause the unit to malfunction, including running non-stop. Replacing an old garbage disposal is often the best solution for persistent problems and can provide a fresh start for your kitchen.

Here’s how to determine if it’s time to replace the disposal:

• Inspect the disposal for visible signs of aging:
• Rust or corrosion on the housing or internal components.
• Leaks from the unit, especially around seals or connections.
• Excessive noise or vibrations during operation.
• If it has required multiple repairs recently or struggles to handle typical kitchen waste, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Helpful tip: When choosing a new disposal, consider your household needs. For example, larger households or those that cook frequently might benefit from a higher-capacity unit with more power.

Read more: Easy Garbage Disposal Repair Guide

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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