Why is my garbage disposal not working?
Humming, dead, or jammed — the safe fixes, in order.
By The T.A.P. Team · June 2024 · 5 min read
A garbage disposal that won't work almost always has one of three simple causes: it needs the reset button pressed, it's jammed and needs freeing with the hex wrench, or it's dead from a tripped breaker or bad switch. Most of these you can fix yourself in a few minutes — with the power OFF. Here's the safe order, and the one rule: never put your hand in the disposal.
- 1If it hums: it's jammed — turn it OFF first.
- 2Press the red reset button on the bottom.
- 3Use the hex wrench in the bottom slot to free the flywheel.
- 4Check the breaker and the wall switch.
- 5Never put your hand in the disposal.
If it hums but won't spin (a jam)
A humming disposal has power but the grinding plate is jammed — usually by a bone, fruit pit, or utensil. Turn it OFF at the switch. Insert the hex (Allen) wrench that came with the unit into the slot on the bottom center and work it back and forth to free the flywheel. Then remove the jammed object with tongs — never your fingers — and press the reset.
If it's completely dead
No hum at all means no power reaching the motor. First press the red reset button on the underside — disposals trip their own overload protection when overworked. If that doesn't do it, check the breaker and the wall switch (and, if it's on one, the outlet under the sink). A disposal that still won't run after reset and breaker checks may have a failed motor.
Leaks and drainage
If the disposal runs but water backs up, the clog is in the drain line past the disposal, not the unit — see how to unclog a drain. Leaks usually come from the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, or the drain gasket, and often just need tightening or a new seal.
What not to put down it
Prevent most disposal problems by keeping out the usual jam-and-clog culprits: bones, fruit pits, fibrous stringy foods (celery, corn husks), coffee grounds, grease, and pasta or rice that swells. Run cold water while grinding and for a few seconds after. More habits in preventing clogged drains.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Hums, won't spin | Jammed flywheel | Wrench it free (power off) |
| Completely dead | Tripped overload | Press the reset button |
| Still dead after reset | Breaker/switch/motor | Check breaker; then a pro |
| Runs but water backs up | Drain clog past unit | Clear the drain line |
| Leaking underneath | Flange or gasket seal | Tighten or reseal |
You can DIY
- Press the reset button
- Free a jam with the hex wrench
- Check the breaker and switch
- Remove objects with tongs (never hands)
- Run cold water while grinding
Call a pro
- A disposal that won't run after resets
- A failed motor (replacement)
- Persistent leaks
- Drain clogs past the unit
- Electrical/wiring problems
Every safe disposal fix starts the same way — switch it off (and ideally unplug it or flip the breaker) before you reach anywhere near it. Use the hex wrench and tongs, never fingers, even when it's off. Most no-work disposals are a reset or a quick jam-clear; the few that aren't are a cheap replacement, not worth risking a hand over.
A quick fix, or a quick swap
A dead disposal is usually a 5-minute reset or jam-clear. When it's truly failed, it's an inexpensive replacement — and worth having done right with a clean seal and proper wiring. We handle disposal repairs and replacements across Allen, Richardson, and Garland. See our plumbing services.
The short version
- A humming disposal is jammed — turn it off and free the flywheel with the hex wrench.
- A dead disposal usually just needs the red reset button on the bottom.
- If reset doesn't work, check the breaker and the wall switch.
- Never put your hand in the disposal — use tongs, power off.
- Water backing up is a drain clog past the unit, not the disposal itself.
- Keep out bones, pits, fibrous foods, grease, and grounds to prevent jams.
Garbage disposal — frequently asked questions
Disposal still dead?
Get a fast repair or clean replacement from a licensed plumber. Serving Dallas–Fort Worth & North Texas for over 25 years.