Why a garbage disposal clicks & how to fix it

A clicking noise coming from your garbage disposal can be a little worrying and annoying, but it’s usually not a big deal. In most cases, you can pinpoint the problem and fix it yourself. Let’s figure out what’s causing that clicking sound and how to get your disposal back to normal like a pro.

Keep in mind: The details in this article are intended as general advice and may not directly correspond with your particular appliance model. Differences in model features and configurations could mean variations in troubleshooting methods, error messages, or required part replacements. For the best results, consult your appliance’s technical documentation or user manual for guidance.

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: Easy Garbage Disposal Repair Guide

Cause 1: The disposal is jammed

A clicking noise often means something is stuck in the garbage disposal’s grinding chamber, preventing the flywheel or impellers from spinning properly. This could be caused by foreign objects like utensils, bones, or tough food scraps.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to ensure it’s completely powered down.
2. Shine a flashlight into the sink opening to check for visible obstructions.
3. Look for non-food items, hard scraps, or debris that could be jamming the blades.
4. Use tongs or pliers to carefully extract any stuck items. Avoid using your hands, even with the power off, for safety.
5. Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal unit.
6. Insert an Allen wrench (usually provided with the disposal) into the hole.
7. Rotate the wrench back and forth to free the flywheel and dislodge any remaining debris.
8. Plug the disposal back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
9. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to check if the noise is gone.

Cause 2: The reset button has tripped

When the motor is overloaded or jammed, the garbage disposal’s built-in overload protector activates, shutting off the unit to prevent damage. This can cause a clicking sound as the motor tries to run but fails due to the tripped reset button.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker for safety.
2. Find the small button, usually red, on the bottom or side of the disposal unit.
3. Press the button firmly until it clicks back into place. This resets the overload protector.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Cause 3: Loose or worn internal parts

Over time, parts inside the garbage disposal, like the impellers or flywheel, can loosen, wear out, or become misaligned. This can create clicking noises as the parts move unevenly or strike each other during operation.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
2. Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal chamber through the sink opening.
3. Check for loose impellers or any signs of wear on the grinding ring or flywheel.
4. Insert an Allen wrench into the hex hole on the bottom of the disposal.
5. Rotate the wrench back and forth to see if the impellers move smoothly or if there’s resistance.
6. If the impellers appear loose, refer to your disposal’s manual to determine if they are replaceable or can be tightened.
7. For worn grinding parts, replacements may be available depending on your model.

Cause 4: Electrical issues in the motor

If the motor is damaged or struggling to function, it may produce a clicking noise as it tries to operate. Electrical issues like a short circuit, damaged wiring, or a burned-out motor can prevent the disposal from running smoothly.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the circuit breaker to prevent any electrical accidents.
2. Check the disposal’s power cord or wiring for visible damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections.
3. Tighten any loose connections if accessible.
4. Remove the disposal if necessary to access the motor terminals (refer to your disposal’s manual).
5. Set a multimeter to test for continuity and place the probes on the motor terminals.
6. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the motor is likely burned out.
7. If the motor has failed, it is typically not repairable, and replacing the entire disposal unit is often the most practical solution.
8. Look for signs of overheating, like a burnt smell or discoloration, which also indicates motor failure.

Read more: How to fix a burning smell in your garbage disposal

Need more info?

 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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