| Quick Answer If your garbage disposal is not working, first press the red reset button under the unit, then check the circuit breaker. If it hums but won’t spin, turn off the power and free the jam with a ¼-inch Allen wrench in the hex slot at the bottom. If it’s leaking from the body, has no power after a reset, or keeps tripping the breaker, call a licensed plumber. |
A garbage disposal usually stops working for one of four reasons: it lost power, the motor overheated and tripped its internal reset, something is jamming the grinding plate, or the drain below it is clogged. The good news is that most of these can be checked in under 15 minutes with basic tools.
This guide walks you through each fix in a safe order, explains what different symptoms mean, and shows you when a repair stops being a DIY job.
| Safety First ✔ Always switch the disposal off at the wall switch and the breaker before reaching near the unit. ✔ Never put your hand inside the disposal, even when it’s off. Use tongs or pliers. ✔ Do not pour chemical drain cleaners into a disposal. They can damage seals and splash back at you. |
What Your Disposal’s Symptoms Are Telling You
Before you start, match what you’re hearing or seeing to the most likely cause. This saves time and stops you from trying the wrong fix.
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | Start With |
| No sound at all | Tripped reset button, breaker, or bad switch | Fix 1 and Fix 2 |
| Humming but not spinning | Jammed flywheel or grinding plate | Fix 3 and Fix 4 |
| Runs, then shuts off | Motor overheating | Fix 1, then let it cool |
| Water won’t drain | Clog in the drain line or trap | Fix 5 and Fix 6 |
| Leaking under the sink | Loose connection, bad gasket, or cracked body | Fix 7 |
| Loud grinding or rattling | Hard object (bone, pit, utensil) inside | Fix 3 |
| Bad smell | Food buildup on the walls and splash guard | Fix 8 |
Fix 1: Press the Reset Button
Almost every disposal has a small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit. When the motor overheats or gets overloaded, this button pops out and cuts power to protect the motor.
- Turn the disposal switch off.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes so the motor can cool.
- Press the reset button firmly until it clicks and stays in.
- Run cold water and turn the disposal back on.
If the button pops out again right away, the motor is either jammed or failing. Move on to Fix 3.
Fix 2: Check the Breaker and the Switch
If pressing reset does nothing, check your electrical panel. Look for a breaker labeled “disposal,” “kitchen,” or “dishwasher” that has flipped to the middle or off position. Switch it fully off, then back on.
Some disposals plug into an outlet under the sink. Make sure the plug is fully seated. In many South Florida homes, that outlet is controlled by the wall switch, so the switch itself can be the problem. If you hear nothing at all after the reset and breaker checks, the switch, wiring, or motor may need professional attention.
Fix 3: Free a Jam With an Allen Wrench
A humming sound with no spinning almost always means the flywheel is stuck. Something hard, like a fruit pit, chicken bone, bottle cap, or broken glass, has wedged between the grinding plate and the wall.
- Turn off the power at the switch and the breaker.
- Find the hex-shaped hole in the center of the disposal’s bottom.
- Insert a ¼-inch Allen wrench (many units come with one).
- Work the wrench back and forth until it turns a full circle freely.
- Use a flashlight and tongs to remove whatever caused the jam.
- Press the reset button, restore power, and test with cold water running.
Fix 4: Turn the Flywheel From the Top
If you don’t have an Allen wrench, you can use a wooden spoon handle or a broom handle from above. With the power off, push it into the disposal and lever it against one of the impellers to rock the plate back and forth. Once it moves freely, remove any debris with tongs.
Fix 5: Clear a Clog Below the Disposal
Sometimes the disposal works fine, but water still backs up into the sink. That means the clog is in the trap or drain line, not the disposal itself.
- Run the disposal with plenty of cold water for 30 seconds to push ground food through.
- Use a sink plunger over the drain (cover the other side of a double sink with a wet rag first).
- If plunging doesn’t help, the P-trap under the sink may need to be removed and cleaned.
Kitchen drains in older Broward and Miami-Dade homes often have years of grease buildup in cast iron or galvanized lines. If the sink keeps clogging no matter what you do, the problem is usually further down the line. Read our guide on hydro jetting vs. drain snaking to understand the professional options.
Fix 6: Check the Dishwasher Connection
If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, a clog in the disposal can also back up the dishwasher. After a new disposal install, make sure the knockout plug inside the dishwasher inlet was removed. If it wasn’t, the dishwasher won’t drain at all.
Fix 7: Find the Source of a Leak
Dry everything with a towel, put a bowl under the unit, and run some water. Then watch where the water appears.
| Where It Leaks | What It Usually Means | DIY or Pro? |
| Top (sink flange) | Plumber’s putty failed or mounting loosened | DIY if handy, or call a pro |
| Side (dishwasher hose or drain pipe) | Loose clamp or worn gasket | Usually DIY — tighten or replace |
| Bottom of the unit | Internal seals failed, body cracked | Replace the disposal |
A leak from the bottom of the disposal can’t be repaired. The internal seals have worn out, and the only fix is a new unit.
Fix 8: Clean It and Kill the Smell
Food residue builds up fast in South Florida’s warm, humid kitchens, and that buildup causes odors and slow grinding.
- Grind a handful of ice cubes with a tablespoon of coarse salt to scrub the grinding chamber.
- Lift the rubber splash guard and scrub its underside with an old toothbrush and dish soap.
- Grind a few small citrus peels for a fresh smell.
How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?
Most garbage disposals last around 8 to 15 years, depending on the motor size, build quality, and how they’re used. Units with stainless steel grinding parts generally hold up longer than those with galvanized parts.
These are general industry estimates. Actual lifespan depends on use and maintenance.
Repair or Replace? A Simple Decision Guide
| Situation | Recommendation |
| Jammed, but works after clearing | Keep it. Clean it and avoid hard foods. |
| Trips reset often, unit under 5 years old | Check for a recurring jam or wiring issue |
| Leaking from the bottom | Replace |
| Over 10 years old and failing often | Replace |
| Hums constantly, never frees up | Motor likely seized. Replace. |
What Not to Put Down a Garbage Disposal
Most disposal jams in our area come from a short list of items. Keep these out:
- Cooking grease and oil (it hardens and clogs drain lines)
- Bones, fruit pits, and seafood shells
- Coffee grounds and eggshells (they form a thick sludge)
- Pasta, rice, and bread (they swell with water)
- Fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks
- Non-food items like twist ties, bottle caps, and utensils
When to Call a Plumber
Call a licensed plumber if:
- The disposal still has no power after the reset and breaker checks
- It keeps tripping the breaker
- It leaks from the bottom or the body is cracked
- The kitchen sink keeps clogging even when the disposal runs fine
- You want a new disposal installed and connected to the dishwasher correctly
A to Z Statewide Plumbing repairs and replaces garbage disposals and clears kitchen drain clogs for homes across Broward and Miami-Dade, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Miami. Call (954) 981-2133 or contact us online to schedule service. You can also check our current plumbing coupons.
| Key Takeaways ✔ Start with the reset button and breaker. These solve many “dead” disposals. ✔ Humming means a jam. Free it with a ¼-inch Allen wrench with the power off. ✔ A leak from the bottom of the unit means it needs replacing. ✔ Slow draining is usually a drain line clog, not a disposal problem. ✔ Keep grease, bones, coffee grounds, and fibrous foods out of the disposal. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?
A humming sound means the motor has power but the flywheel can’t turn. Something is jammed inside. Turn off the power, then use a ¼-inch Allen wrench in the hex slot under the unit to free it.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
The reset button is usually a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal, under the sink. Press it firmly after letting the motor cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use drain cleaner in a garbage disposal?
It’s not recommended. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal’s seals and metal parts, and they can splash back when you work on the unit later.
Is it worth repairing a garbage disposal?
Repairing is worth it for jams, loose connections, and reset issues. If the unit is leaking from the bottom, is over 10 years old, or the motor has seized, replacement is usually the better value.
How long should a garbage disposal last?
Most last about 8 to 15 years. Higher-horsepower units with stainless steel parts tend to last longer.
