KitchenAid Garbage disposal not working: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Some garbage disposers have a special batchfeed stopper switch. This stopper starts the disposer when inserted. If the disposer won't turn on, the stopper switch could be faulty. Use a multimeter to test the stopper switch for continuity. This checks if electricity can flow through it. Touch the multimeter leads to the switch terminals. The multimeter should show a low resistance value if the switch works properly. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the switch is defective. It needs replacing. The batchfeed stopper switch activates the disposer when the sink is plugged. No continuity means the electrical signal can't start the motor. Replacing a faulty batchfeed switch restores normal push button starting when the stopper is inserted. This safety switch prevents the disposer from shocking hands in the sink.

How to Replace Garbage Disposer Start Switch

1. Turn off power - Locate the circuit breaker box and switch the garbage disposer circuit breaker to the ""off"" position. This ensures the disposer will not turn on during the repair.

2. Remove old switch - Unscrew the mounting screws that hold the old start switch in place. Carefully pull the switch out of the disposer, being mindful of any wires connected to the back.
3. Disconnect wires - There will likely be two wires connected to the old start switch. Take note of where each wire was connected, then disconnect them from the switch.
4. Connect wires to new switch - Take the new start switch and connect the wires to the same terminals they were originally connected to. Ensure a proper and secure connection.
5. Mount new switch - Place the new start switch in the same spot as the old one and screw it into place securely using the mounting screws.
6. Restore power and test - Turn the circuit breaker back on. Turn on the disposer to ensure the new start switch is functioning properly before reassembling any components.

Repair Instructions:

Garbage disposers have a safety switch that trips and prevents operation when jams occur. This switch has a red reset button on the bottom or side. If the disposer won't run, press this button to reset it. If that doesn't work, the grinding plate could still be stuck. Use a disposer wrench or Allen wrench in the center bottom hole. Wiggle it back and forth to loosen the jam. If there's no bottom access hole, insert a broom handle top-down. Turn the plate manually to free it up. The reset button protects the motor from damage if waste gets stuck. But the unit won't run again until the clog is cleared. Simply resetting the button doesn't fix a stuck grinding plate. The jam must be freed up first. Wiggling the plate with a wrench or broom handle clears most jams. Freeing up internal parts allows normal disposer function after resetting the safety button.

How to Replace Garbage Disposer Safety Switch

1. Turn off power - Locate the circuit breaker box and switch the garbage disposer circuit breaker to the ""off"" position.
2. Disconnect wires - There will likely be 2-3 wires connected to the old safety switch. Take note of where each wire was connected, then disconnect them.
3. Remove mounting screws - Unscrew the mounting screws that hold the old safety switch in place and carefully remove it.
4. Install new safety switch - Position the new safety switch in the same spot and insert and tighten the mounting screws.
5. Connect wires - Connect the wires to the same terminals on the new safety switch they were originally connected to. Double check connections are secure.
6. Test operation - Turn the circuit breaker back on. Press the reset button on the new safety switch. Turn on the disposer to ensure the switch is functioning properly before reassembling any components.
7. Complete installation - Once operation is confirmed, reinstall any remaining components and panels according to manufacturer instructions.

Repair Instructions:

First check that the outlet or switch has power if the disposer won't run. Use a multimeter to test wall outlets for 120 volts. For direct wire units, test the wall switch for continuity. This confirms the switch is passing current. Also inspect circuit breakers and fuses for the disposer circuit. The unit needs full 120v power supply. Tripped breakers, blown fuses, faulty outlets, or bad switches interrupt the electricity. This leaves the disposer dead. Restoring a lost neutral, resetting breakers, or replacing a bad switch gets power flowing again. Proper electrical connections and switched power are essential for turning the motor. Verify power at the source first before replacing other disposer parts. No power at the plug or switch means a wiring issue is preventing operation.

Repair Instructions:

Many disposers have a reset button on the bottom. If tripped, the button pops out. Press it in to reset the unit. Also check the grinding plate spins freely. If it's jammed, the reset button will just trip again. Use an Allen wrench to try freeing up the plate. Insert it in the bottom center and rotate back and forth. If that doesn't loosen the jam, the disposer likely needs replacing. The reset button is designed to trip if the motor strains from jams. But the unit is garbage if the plate can't turn. Resetting the button temporarily fixes an overload trip. But grinding plate jams indicate internal damage or broken parts. The disposer must shred waste without jamming. If the plate seizes up, a new unit is needed for smooth waste disposal.

Repair Instructions:

The garbage disposer motor cannot be repaired if it fails. The motor is sealed inside the disposer unit. This prevents fixing or replacing a worn out or broken motor. The entire disposer must be replaced if the motor quits working. Disposer motors fail from constant grinding wear over time. Warning signs include slow shredding, burning smells, loud noises, tripping reset buttons, or no start. Diagnose motor issues by spinning the bottom plate by hand. If it turns very hard or not at all, the motor is bad. Jammed plates also indicate a worn out motor. Unlike other appliances, the disposer motor is not a replaceable part. The whole disposer must be removed and a new unit installed when the motor fails. Proper disposer replacement restores fast waste grinding and quiet operation.

Repair Instructions:

Disposers turned on by a sink stopper can have start switch issues. If the unit won't start, the stopper switch could be stuck or broken. Try removing and reinserting the stopper several times. This may free up a stuck switch. If the disposer still won't turn on, the start switch needs replacing. Until fixed, unplug the disposer or turn off its breaker to prevent accidental starting. The sink stopper activates a switch that powers the motor. Problems with this switch prevent the disposer from running even if plugged in. If the start switch fails, the unit can't grind waste. Simple stopper troubleshooting may get it working again. But a damaged start switch must be replaced. Turn off disposer power as a safety precaution until the defective start switch is repaired.

Repair Instructions:

Garbage disposers get power either from a wall outlet or direct household wiring. They turn on via a switch or sink stopper. If your disposer doesn't work, first check the power source. Plug-in models can be tested by plugging in a lamp or radio. If those work, the outlet has power. For direct wired units, verify the circuit breaker hasn't tripped and fuses are good. Disposers need full 120v power to grind waste. No power at the source means an electrical issue is preventing operation. Tripped breakers or blown fuses must be reset or replaced. Test outlets with another appliance to confirm electricity is present. Restore power first before replacing other parts. The disposer not turning on is usually caused by an interrupted power supply, not an internal fault. Confirm power is arriving properly before digging deeper into the unit.