Garbage disposal trips the circuit breaker: Common causes & solutions

If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s not just annoying, it’s a good indication that something’s wrong. Don’t worry, though! This is a common issue with a few straightforward fixes. We’ll walk you through the possible causes and how to solve them so you can get your disposal working again like a pro.

Heads up: The tips in this article might not match your exact appliance model. We do our best to give useful advice for all sorts of DIY repairs, but different models can have their own quirks, different troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the best info, check out your manufacturer’s manual or just reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Why does your garbage disposal trip the circuit breaker?

Identifying the root cause of the issue is an essential step toward resolving it. So, why is your garbage disposal tripping the circuit breaker? Here are some of the most common causes:

It jams

Food like potato skins, corn husks, or those tough artichoke leaves can get stuck and jam up the grinding plate. When the blades get blocked, the motor works overtime trying to push through, and that extra effort can trip the breaker.

Motor overloads

If the motor gets overloaded or too hot, it might trip the breaker. This can go down if you run the disposal for too long or chuck too much in at once.

Motor is worn out

After a while, your garbage disposal’s motor might start wearing out. If it’s getting old, it might have trouble running smoothly and could keep tripping the breaker whenever you use it.

Wiring is faulty

Bad wiring can be a problem. Loose wires, burnt connections, or other electrical issues can cause the breaker to trip to prevent any hazards.

Disposal is clogged

If your disposal’s clogged up, the motor has to work extra hard. That extra strain means more electricity, which can trip the breaker.

DIY solutions to fix a garbage disposal that trips the circuit breaker

Before considering a replacement for your garbage disposal, take a moment to try these DIY solutions. Addressing some common issues could save you time and money. Begin with these simple steps before moving on to more detailed troubleshooting.

1. Reset the garbage disposal

1. Look for a red or black button, it’s usually on the bottom or side of the disposal.
2. Press and hold it for a few seconds, then let go.
3. Turn on some cold water and switch on the disposal to see if it’s working.

2. Check for jams in the blades

1. Unplug the disposal or flip the breaker off, safety first!
2. Underneath the unit, there’s usually a hex-shaped hole in the center.
3. Put a 1/4-inch Allen wrench into the hole.
4. Wiggle the wrench back and forth to move the grinding plate and free up any jams.
5. From the top, use tongs or pliers to pull out any bits and pieces. Never stick your hand inside it.
6. Plug it back in or turn the breaker on.
7. Run cold water and switch on the disposal to see if it’s working right.

3. Test the outlet

1. Plug something else, like a lamp, into the outlet.
2. If the lamp doesn’t light up, the outlet or circuit breaker might be the problem.
3. Look for any tripped breakers and reset them if needed. If the outlet’s dead, you might want to call in an electrician.

4. Inspect the wiring

Wiring problems are a bit trickier, but with care, you can check them out.

1. Unplug the disposal or make sure the breaker is off.
2. Take off the cover plate on the bottom to get to the wiring.
3. See if there are any loose connections, burnt wires, or anything that looks off.
4. Secure any loose wires or connections.
5. If you spot burnt or damaged wires, they’ll need replacement.  
6. Put the cover back, restore power, and see if it’s working.

5. Preventive maintenance

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, then a cup of vinegar. Let it bubble for a bit, then rinse with hot water.
2. Always run cold water when using the disposal, it helps solidify grease and oils so they’re easier to grind up.
3. Avoid tossing in fibrous stuff, grease, or hard items like bones. They can cause problems.

Additional tips for preventing future issues

Opt for proper installation

Getting a garbage disposal with enough horsepower can really help. Models with 3/4 or 1 horsepower are tougher and less likely to trip the breaker because of overload.

Know your appliance

If you’re not sure about certain features or parts, take a look at the manufacturer’s manual. Need help finding your model number? Here’s our guide.

Knowing the ins and outs of your appliance can make troubleshooting a whole lot easier.

Need more help? We’re here for you

Tried everything and still having problems? No worries, we’re here to help. Check out AppliancePartsPros.com for tons of parts and resources to tackle any appliance problem.

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If you’ve got questions or need more help, just give us a shout. We’re always ready to help you keep your appliances running like new.