Why Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working — And How to Fix It

Your garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you probably don’t think about—until it stops working. When that happens, it can be frustrating and a little messy. The good news? Many common issues are simple to troubleshoot and even easier to fix.

Let’s break down the most common reasons your garbage disposal might not be working and what you can do about it.

1. Power Problems

If your disposal won’t turn on at all (not even a hum), it’s likely a power issue. Here are a few things to check:

• Tripped circuit breaker: Head to your breaker box and see if the circuit controlling the disposal has flipped. If it has, reset it.
• Unplugged unit: It sounds obvious, but sometimes the disposal gets unplugged under the sink—especially during cleaning or if someone’s been rummaging around.
• Internal reset button: Most disposals have a small red reset button on the bottom. If it’s popped out, press it back in.

2. Jammed Disposal

If your unit hums but doesn’t grind, something is likely stuck inside. Common culprits include bones, silverware, or fibrous foods like celery or corn husks.

What to do:

• Turn off the power—safety first!
• Use a 1/4-inch Allen wrench in the slot underneath the disposal to manually rotate the blades and dislodge the jam.
• Never use your hands to reach inside the unit.

3. Overheating

Running the disposal too long or feeding in too much at once can cause it to overheat. If it shuts off mid-use, it might just need a break.

Fix it by:

• Letting it cool down for 10–15 minutes.
• Press the reset button once it’s cooled.

4. Leaks or Rust

If you notice water pooling under your sink, check for leaks. Rust or visible corrosion is also a sign of trouble.

• Leaks from the top might be from a loose connection or gasket.
• Leaks from the bottom often mean the disposal is cracked or worn out.

In cases of rust or bottom leaks, it might be time for a new unit.

5. Burned-Out Motor

If your disposal is completely silent—even after checking the reset button— it could mean the motor is shot. Unfortunately, these aren’t easy to fix.

• Pro tip: Replacing the unit is often cheaper than trying to repair a burned-out motor.

Bonus: Tips to Keep Your Disposal Running Smoothly

Prevention goes a long way in extending the life of your garbage disposal. Try these simple maintenance habits:

• Run cold water while using it: Cold water helps keep grease solid so it can be chopped and flushed away.
• Keep it running a bit longer: After grinding, run the water for another 10–20 seconds to clear out lingering bits.
• Cut up large scraps: Don’t toss in whole chunks of food. Break them into smaller pieces.
• Don’t overload it: Feed scraps in slowly to avoid jamming the motor or blades.

Final Thoughts

A little attention and regular maintenance can help you avoid most garbage disposal headaches. But when things do go wrong, now you’ve got a solid game plan to get things grinding again.

Have any specific questions about your disposal issue? Email them to us – support@cocoonhomeservices.com