Garbage disposal not working
A disposal fails in three ways: it does nothing, it hums, or it leaks. Each points somewhere different.
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The short version
- Silent
- No power. Usually the reset button or the breaker.
- Humming
- The motor has power but the grinder is jammed.
- Call a plumber when
- It leaks from the body, or resets and trips again.
Safe to try
- Press the reset button on the underside.
- Check the breaker and the wall switch.
- With the power off, free a jam with the hex key in the bottom.
- Run cold water and try again.
Stop and call
- Water drips from the body of the unit.
- It trips the reset again and again.
- There is a burning smell.
- The sink backs up into the other bowl or the dishwasher.
What each symptom means
- No soundNo power is reaching the motor. The reset button, the switch or the breaker is the usual reason.
- HummingSomething is wedged in the grinding chamber. The motor overheats and trips its reset.
- LeakingA leak at the top or side connections can be resealed. A leak from the body means the unit is finished.
- Slow drainingThe clog is in the drain line past the disposal, not in the disposal.
What a plumber will do
- Check power and the reset.
- Clear a jam and test under load.
- Find the source of any leak.
- Clear the drain line, or replace the unit if it has failed.
Never put a hand into a disposal, even with the switch off. Cut power at the breaker or unplug it first, and use tongs.
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