Garbage Disposal Not Working? Reset, Unjam and Test It
Garbage disposal not working? Check the reset button, the power, and a jam using the hex key slot, in the right order and without ever using your hand.
Plumbing · Nationwide dispatch
Talk to a dispatcher now, no obligation
Garbage disposal not working usually means a tripped overload reset, no power, or a jam on the grinding plate. What you hear tells you which: a hum with no spinning means a jam, while silence means a tripped reset or a power problem. Cut the power before you touch anything, and never put your hand inside.
Garbage disposal not working: what the sound tells you
A garbage disposal not working is easier to fix once you match the symptom to the likely cause.
| What you hear or see | Likely cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Steady hum, blades do not turn | Jam | Free the plate with the hex key |
| Nothing at all | Tripped reset, switch, outlet or breaker | Press reset, then check power |
| Grinding or rattling | A spoon, bottle cap or bone fragment | Remove it with tongs |
| Spins, but the sink drains slowly | Clog below the disposal | Treat it as a drain clog |
| Water under the sink | Leaking seal or loose drain connection | Switch off and call a plumber |
| Quick facts: garbage disposal not working | |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Tools | Flashlight, tongs or pliers, the hex key that came with the unit |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Never | Put your hand inside, or use chemical cleaners |
Step 1: make the disposal safe
Switch the disposal off at the wall. Then unplug it from the cabinet outlet under the sink, or turn off its breaker if it is hard-wired. A unit that is only off at the switch can still start. Use a flashlight and tongs or pliers to reach inside, never your fingers.
Step 2: free a jam with the hex key
Most disposals have a small hex socket in the centre of the underside. Insert the hex key that came with the unit, usually a quarter-inch, and work it back and forth until the plate turns freely. With no key, a broom handle pressed against a blade from above can do the same job. Remove whatever was stuck, then run cold water for a few seconds. If the garbage disposal is not working only because of a jam, the freed plate should now turn by hand.
Step 3: press the reset button
Look at the bottom of the disposal for a small red or black button. Press it firmly. If it clicks and stays in, wait a few minutes and try the switch. A reset that trips again straight away points to a jam, an overloaded motor or a failing unit.
Step 4: check the power
Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it has power. Check for a tripped breaker. If the outlet is protected by a GFCI, press its reset button too. Leave a hard-wired connection to a qualified electrician, since the wiring is not a place for guesswork.
Why disposals jam and stall
Hard scraps such as bones, fruit pits and bottle caps wedge between the impellers and the shredder ring. Fibrous waste such as celery, corn husks and artichoke leaves wrap around the plate. Starchy foods such as rice and pasta swell into paste, and grease cools into a coating that slows the whole unit. Knowing why a garbage disposal is not working helps you avoid repeat jams.
Ice, citrus and cleaning: what helps and what does not
A handful of ice cubes knocks residue off the impellers, and citrus peel freshens the chamber, but neither frees a real jam. Dish soap and cold water clean the splash guard. Avoid pouring bleach or drain cleaner into the unit. If the garbage disposal is not working after these simple steps, the cause is mechanical or electrical rather than dirt, and further DIY tends to make things worse.
When to stop and call a professional
- Water leaks from the bottom or the side of the unit. That is usually a failed seal and means replacement.
- The breaker trips repeatedly, or you smell burning.
- The disposal runs but the sink will not drain after the jam is cleared.
- The motor is old, loud and slow, and resets repeatedly.
How to avoid the next jam
Run cold water before, during and for 15 seconds after grinding. Feed scraps in small amounts. Keep bones, fruit pits, corn husks, large amounts of coffee grounds, grease and fibrous peels out of the disposal. Grind a few ice cubes now and then to knock off residue, and clean the splash guard.
Related reading
- How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smell: 6 Fixes That Work
- How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink: Plunger, Trap and Snake
- Dishwasher Water Backing Up Into Sink: Causes and Fixes
- Practical Guide: How to Unclog a House Drain
Browse all plumbing guides, or find a plumber in your city from the plumbing directory.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my garbage disposal not working and only humming?
A hum with no spinning means the motor has power but the grinding plate is jammed. Turn the disposal off at the wall, unplug it, and work the hex key in the underside socket back and forth until the plate turns freely again.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
It is a small red or black button on the bottom of the unit, under the sink. Press it firmly after the motor has cooled for a few minutes. If it will not stay in or trips again straight away, the unit is jammed or failing.
Is it safe to put my hand in a garbage disposal to remove a jam?
No. Never put your hand inside, even when the switch is off. Cut the power at the outlet or breaker, use a flashlight, and remove the object with tongs or long pliers. A switched-off unit can still start unexpectedly.
What if the garbage disposal is not working and nothing happens when I press reset?
Check that the outlet has power with a lamp, look for a tripped breaker or GFCI, and confirm the wall switch works. If power is present and the reset does nothing, the motor may have failed and the unit may need replacing.
Can I unjam a garbage disposal without a hex key?
Often yes. With the power off, press a broom handle or wooden spoon against a blade from above and rock it to free the plate. Then fish out whatever was stuck with tongs. Do not use your hand or a screwdriver.
Why does my garbage disposal keep tripping the reset?
A reset that trips again and again points to an overloaded or jammed motor, a worn motor that is drawing too much current, or a damaged seal letting water in. Clear any jam first; if it keeps tripping, replacement is likely.
Should I use chemical drain cleaner if the garbage disposal is not working?
No. Chemical cleaners can damage the seals and leave harsh liquid in the unit, which is unsafe if you need to work on it. Use the hex key, reset button and plunger, and keep cleaners out of the disposal.
When should I replace a garbage disposal instead of repairing it?
Consider replacement if it leaks from the body, trips the breaker repeatedly, or keeps jamming after cleaning. A leak from a failed seal cannot be repaired, and an old, tired motor often costs more to fix than it is worth.
Can the disposal be dead because of a tripped breaker?
Yes. If nothing happens when you press reset, check the breaker and any GFCI outlet. A tripped breaker or loose plug stops power. If it trips again, call an electrician.
How long do garbage disposals last?
Typically 8 to 15 years depending on use and quality. Frequent jams, leaks or noises suggest it is time to replace it. Run cold water while grinding and avoid hard or fibrous waste to get closer to the top of that range, and replace one that leaks from its housing.
People also search for
Related searches homeowners use when they look into this topic.
- garbage disposal not working
- how to reset a garbage disposal
- garbage disposal humming but not working
- garbage disposal humming
- garbage disposal reset
- garbage disposal jammed
- disposal reset button
- garbage disposal hex key
- disposal tripped breaker
- kitchen sink disposal repair
- garbage disposal troubleshooting
Ready to get plumbing repair scheduled in your area?
Call now to be connected with our dispatch team. Lines are staffed for emergency and same-day requests.
Call 1 (888) 854-0126