A garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you don’t think much about, but it has a way of calling your attention. One minute, it’s chewing through food scraps like a champ, and the next, it’s making a strange noise—or worse, nothing at all.
So, what’s going on? Why did it stop working out of nowhere? Let’s break down the most common reasons behind a non-responsive garbage disposal and what you can do about it.
1. The Reset Button Needs a Push
Before you assume the worst, check for a reset button on the bottom of your unit. Most garbage disposals have this built-in safety feature that trips when the motor is overloaded. If it popped out, simply press it back in and see if your disposal roars back to life.
If that fixes it, great. If not, keep reading.
2. A Tripped Circuit Breaker
Garbage disposals need a fair amount of power, and if they pull too much at once, your home’s circuit breaker might shut things down to prevent damage. Head over to your electrical panel and check if the breaker for your kitchen outlets has tripped.
If flipping it back on solves the issue, you’re good to go. If it trips again, though, you might be dealing with an electrical problem—and that’s a job for a professional.
3. A Jammed Grinding Chamber
This one’s a classic. If your disposal is humming but not spinning, chances are there’s something wedged in the grinding chamber. It could be anything from a sneaky utensil to a stubborn piece of food waste like a bone or fruit pit.
Never—and we mean never—stick your hand inside the disposal. Instead, unplug it and use an Allen wrench to turn the flywheel manually. Most disposals have a hex hole on the bottom for exactly this reason. Rotate it back and forth until whatever’s stuck loosens up, then try running it again.
4. A Worn-Out Motor
Garbage disposals aren’t meant to last forever. If yours has been around for a decade or more, the motor could simply be at the end of its life. When that happens, no amount of resetting, unjamming, or breaker flipping will bring it back.
If your disposal isn’t responding at all—no noise, no hum, nothing—it might be time for a garbage disposal replacement. A dead motor means a new unit is the only solution.
5. A Loose or Faulty Wire Connection
If your disposal isn’t getting power and the circuit breaker isn’t the issue, wiring could be the culprit. Vibrations from regular use can cause wires to come loose, cutting off electricity to the unit.
This isn’t something you want to tinker with unless you have electrical experience. If you suspect a wiring issue, calling an expert in garbage disposal repair is your best move.
6. Water Damage or Corrosion
Garbage disposals and water obviously go hand in hand, but too much moisture in the wrong places can be a problem. If water leaks onto the electrical components, it can short-circuit the unit. Corrosion can also eat away at internal parts, leading to failure over time.
A good way to prevent this? Keep an eye out for leaks under your sink. The sooner you catch a drip, the less likely it is to turn into a major appliance failure.
7. Using the Wrong Foods
Not everything belongs in the garbage disposal, no matter how powerful it seems. Starchy foods like potato peels and pasta can create a gummy mess that clogs the system. Fibrous scraps like celery or corn husks can tangle up the blades. And grease? That’s just asking for trouble—it hardens inside the pipes, leading to blockages.
If your disposal isn’t draining properly or is struggling to grind, reconsider what you’re putting down there. A little mindfulness about what goes in can help keep your disposal in working order.
When Your Disposal Bites Off More Than It Can Chew
While some disposal problems have quick DIY fixes, others require an expert touch. If you’re dealing with a disposal that won’t turn on, keeps jamming, or is leaking, it might be time to bring in a professional.
TC Appliance Repair handles everything from stubborn jams to full garbage disposal replacements. If your disposal has suddenly stopped working and none of the quick fixes are doing the trick, our experts are here to help.
Need a repair? Reach out to us today!
