How to troubleshoot a garbage disposal that’s spinning but not draining

Dealing with a garbage disposal that spins but refuses to drain can be super frustrating, especially when you’re left staring at a sink full of water and food bits. But don’t worry; this is a common issue with a handful of likely culprits and you don’t need to call a plumber just yet. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting and fixing the problem yourself like a pro!

Heads up: The tips in this article might not perfectly match your exact appliance model. We do our best to give solid advice for all sorts of DIY repairs, but different models can throw curveballs with troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For spot-on guidance, it’s a good idea to check your specific model’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

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 fix a burning smell in your garbage disposal

Press the reset button

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Most garbage disposals come with a reset button, usually a small red or black button located on the bottom or side of the unit. Think of it as the disposal’s built-in circuit breaker.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Turn off the disposal and make sure it’s not running.
2. Locate the reset button underneath the unit. If you’re not sure where it is, grab a flashlight and look for a small, circular button.
3. Press and hold the button for a few seconds. If the button pops out when you press it, that’s a sign it needs to be reset.
4. Turn the disposal back on and check if it’s working.

If the reset works, you’re in luck, it may have just been a minor hiccup! If not, don’t worry. There are still a few more things to check.

Check for electrical issues

If your garbage disposal isn’t draining and the reset button didn’t do the trick, electrical issues could be the culprit. Before you start troubleshooting, safety first—make sure the unit is turned off and unplugged, or shut off the power at the circuit breaker.

Here’s how to check for and fix common electrical problems:

1. Make sure the disposal is properly plugged into the outlet.
2. Check for any visible damage to the cord or plug, like frayed wires. If you see damage, the cord may need replacing, which you can do by purchasing a replacement cord at www.appliancepartspros.com. 
3. Plug a different small appliance (like a hair dryer) into the same outlet. If it doesn’t work, the problem may be with the outlet itself.
4. Reset the outlet if it’s a GFCI (it will have a “test” and “reset” button). Press the reset button and test again.
5. Go to your breaker box and look for any tripped breakers. A tripped breaker might not look completely “off,” so gently flip it off and back on to reset it.
6. If you’re comfortable handling basic wiring, you can remove the bottom plate of the disposal unit to check for loose or disconnected wires. Tighten any loose connections, ensuring the wires are securely attached to the terminals.

DIY Tip: Always double-check that the power is off before working on any electrical components. Use a voltage tester to be extra sure.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Check for clogs and debris

A common reason your garbage disposal is spinning but not draining is a clog in the system. Food scraps, grease, or other debris can block the drain or pipes, causing water to back up.

Here’s how to check and clear any blockages safely:

1. Always ensure the disposal is off before working on it. Unplug it or turn off the power at the circuit breaker for added safety.
2. Shine a flashlight down the disposal and look for visible debris stuck around the blades or near the drain opening.
3. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any obstructions. Never stick your hand inside the disposal.

Try using a plunger:

1. Place a sink plunger over the drain and create a seal.
2. Add some water to the sink if needed to improve suction.
3. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 20–30 seconds, then check if the water drains.

Check the P-trap under the sink:

1. If the plunger doesn’t work, the clog might be in the pipes below the sink.
2. Place a bucket under the P-trap (the curved pipe under your sink) to catch any water.
3. Unscrew the trap carefully and look for clogs inside. Use a brush or a flexible pipe cleaner to remove debris, then reassemble the trap.

Flush the drain:

Once the clog is removed, run hot water through the disposal for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris. You can also pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar into the drain for a natural cleaning boost.

Read more: Easy Garbage Disposal Repair Guide

Need more help?

If you’re looking for replacement parts, grab your model number and visit AppliancePartsPros.com. With over two million parts in stock, most orders arrive within two business days. Need help finding the right part or placing an order? Our team is here to assist, just give us a call at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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