Garbage Disposal Not Working? 6 Quick Checks Before You Replace It

Flip the switch and… nothing? Or maybe just a low humming sound? A “dead” or jammed garbage disposal doesn’t always mean you need a new unit. In many cases, a few simple checks and resets can bring it back to life.

Here are six quick checks Jaz McBean recommends doing before you decide it’s time to replace your disposal.

1. Check for a Tripped Breaker or Unplugged Unit

Start with the simple stuff.

• Under the sink, make sure the disposal’s power cord is firmly plugged in if it uses a standard outlet.
• At the panel, check the breaker for the kitchen/disposal circuit and reset it if it’s tripped.

If you flip the switch and still get nothing—no sound, no hum—move on to the reset button.

2. Press the Reset Button on the Disposal

Most disposals have a small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit.

How to reset:

1. Make sure the switch is off and the unit is unplugged (or breaker off).
2. Look at the bottom of the disposal housing for the reset button.
3. Press it firmly until you feel a click.
4. Plug the unit back in or turn the breaker on.
5. Run cold water and briefly flip the switch to test.

If it runs normally now, the unit had tripped its internal overload and you’re done.

3. If It Hums but Doesn’t Spin: Clear a Jam

A humming sound usually means the motor is trying to turn but something is stuck.

Step-by-step jam clearing:

1. Turn off power and unplug the unit (or shut off the breaker).
2. Look into the disposal from above with a flashlight. If you see a foreign object (utensil, large bone, etc.), use tongs or pliers to carefully remove it.
3. Most disposals have a hex-shaped opening on the bottom. Insert theappropriate Allen (hex) wrench.
4. Turn the wrench back and forth to free the grinding plate. You may feel it loosen up.
5. Once it turns more freely, remove the wrench.
6. Restore power, run cold water, and flip the switch briefly to test. Listen for smooth, normal operation.

4. Check the Sink Flange and Mounting Ring for Leaks or Looseness

Sometimes the disposal “works” but feels loose or leaks at the top connection.

What to look for:

• Water collecting around the sink flange.
• The disposal wobbling more than it should when it runs (a little vibration is normal, but heavy shaking is not).

If you see this:

1. Turn off power and support the disposal from below with one hand or a small box.
2. Check the mounting ring that secures it to the sink flange and tighten according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. If the leak persists at the flange, the sink flange and plumber’s putty may need to be reset—still often a DIY-level job for careful homeowners.

5. Check the Drain Connection and Dishwasher Inlet

If the disposal runs but water backs up or doesn’t drain properly, the issue may be in the discharge piping.

• Check the discharge pipe from the disposal to the drain or trap to make sure connections are snug and not clogged.
• If a dishwasher is connected, confirm the knockout plug in the disposal’s dishwasher inlet was removed during installation.

If the dishwasher doesn’t drain but the sink does, the knockout plug or the dishwasher connection is a likely suspect.

6. When It’s Time to Replace the Disposal

Even with good troubleshooting, some disposals are simply at the end of their life.

Signs replacement might be the right move:

• The unit trips breakers or its reset button constantly.
• The motor is completely silent (no hum) even though power and reset are OK.
• There’s major rust, cracks, or leaks from the body of the unit.
• Repairs would cost almost as much as a basic new unit, especially on an older disposal.

If you’re not comfortable doing the electrical and mounting work, replacing a disposal is a good time to bring in a pro—especially in tight cabinets or older wiring setups.