Garbage Disposal Not Working? Common Issues and Fixes

When your garbage disposal isn’t working, it can be frustrating. Many people don’t realize that their garbage disposal requires regular cleaning, care, and maintenance to function. If you’ve skipped a few of these maintenance steps, you may notice garbage disposal clogs, leaks, or strange noises.

Watch this video and it will let you in on the professional secrets so you'll be able to un-jam a garbage disposal just like a professional plumber.

Whether your garbage disposal is not turning on or is not draining, we’ve got several troubleshooting tips for you to try before calling in the professionals.

Safety First: What to Do Before Inspecting Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a dangerous machine with spinning blades that could easily sever a finger. That’s why it’s important to put safety first! Before you dive into your garbage disposal, follow these safety precautions:

• Always unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid accidents.
• Never place your hands inside the disposal without ensuring it’s completely turned off.
• Use proper tools designed for the job.

With safety in mind, let's move on to some common garbage disposal problems and their fixes.

How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal

When your garbage disposal stops working, here are a few ways to get it as good as new again.

Leaking from the Bottom

If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, this is usually a problem with the seals or internal components. For example, the seal might be broken or worn out, or the disposal’s internal parts might be damaged.

How to fix: If the leak is due to a worn-out seal, you can replace the seal yourself. Also, check to make sure the mounting bolts are tight and that the sink flange has not deteriorated.

Internal components can be harder to fix, so you may need to purchase a new garbage disposal if the damage is severe.

Not Turning On

If your garbage disposal isn't turning on, the issue could be with the power supply or a malfunction in the disposal's electrical system. The disposal might not be receiving power due to a blown fuse, tripped circuit, or malfunctioning switch.

How to fix: First, check if the disposal is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If the power is fine and the disposal still doesn’t work, the switch or motor might need professional attention.

Stopped Working Completely

When your garbage disposal stops working completely, it can be caused by an overload, a jam, or an issue with the motor.

How to fix: First, make sure there’s no obstruction. Use an Allen wrench to manually turn the flywheel and dislodge any debris. Sometimes, kitchen tongs can be helpful in accessing things that your hands cannot.

If the disposal still doesn’t work, you may need to replace the motor.

Reset Button Tripped

The reset button is a safety feature designed to protect the motor from overheating. If your garbage disposal is tripping its reset button, it’s usually a sign of an overload or an issue with the motor. 

How to fix: Turn off the power to the disposal and press the reset button, usually located at the bottom of the unit. If the disposal still doesn’t work after resetting it, check for clogs or motor problems.

Humming or Buzzing Noise

If your garbage disposal is making a humming or buzzing sound but not grinding, there’s likely something stuck in the grinding mechanism, or the motor might be malfunctioning.

How to fix: Turn off the power and check for objects caught in the disposal. Use tongs or pliers to remove the debris. If this doesn’t work, the problem may be with the motor or other internal components.

Not Draining Properly

Clogs in the drain line can sometimes prevent a garbage disposal from draining properly. The clog might be in the drainpipe, or the disposal could have something lodged inside that prevents it from draining.

How to fix: Use a plunger to dislodge the clog or clear the drain line with a plumbing snake. Learn how to clean a garbage disposal for more tips on getting rid of stuck debris.

Clogged with Standing Water

When a garbage disposal is completely clogged with standing water, it’s usually a blockage in the line or a drainage issue.

How to fix: Use a plunger to help clear the clog. Also, check the drain trap for debris.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

You can troubleshoot many of these garbage disposal problems yourself, but some things are beyond the scope of an ordinary homeowner. For example, if your garbage disposal motor is broken or the system requires internal repairs, this is best left to the pros.

Also, you should call a professional plumber any time you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips but they haven’t worked. For example, if you simply can’t get rid of the foul odor coming from your disposal, this likely indicates a clog deeper down the line that only a plumber can reach.

When It's Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal 

If your garbage disposal is old, frequently malfunctioning, or can’t be repaired, it may be time to replace it. Here are a few signs that you should replace your garbage disposal:

• Frequent breakdowns and repairs
• Leaking from multiple areas
• A motor that no longer works or smells burnt

Repair or Replace Your Garbage Disposal With Roto-Rooter

A malfunctioning garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a major headache. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself.

However, if you can’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. At Roto-Rooter, our team of experts can handle all types of garbage disposal issues, from repairs to replacements. Contact Roto-Rooter today for fast, reliable service.