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Garbage disposal not working? How to reset and unjam it

A disposal that hums or goes silent is usually jammed or has tripped its own reset button. You can fix both from under the sink with one small wrench.

Updated · 6 min read

  • DifficultyEasy
  • Time15–30 minutes
  • If you need helpPlumber

When a garbage disposal stops working, it usually does one of two things. It hums but doesn't spin, which means something is jammed. Or it does nothing at all, which usually means its built-in overload button has tripped or a breaker has shut off.

Both are easy to fix from under the sink in about 15 minutes. Most disposals come with a small wrench just for this job, and if you've lost it, a common hex key works.

The most important rule: never put your hand inside a disposal. Not even with the power off.

What you'll need

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Before you start

  1. Switch it off. Make sure the wall switch for the disposal is off.
  2. Cut the power. Look under the sink. If the disposal plugs into an outlet, unplug it. If it's wired in, turn off its breaker. Our guide to reading your breaker panel can help you find it.
  3. Bail standing water. If the sink is full, let it drain or scoop the water into a bucket.
  4. Clear the cabinet. Move cleaning supplies so you can see the bottom of the disposal.

If it hums: free the jam

A hum means the motor is trying to turn but the plate inside is stuck, often on a fruit pit, bone, bottle cap or utensil. InSinkErator's own steps work for most disposals with a hole in the bottom center.

  1. Find the hole. On the very bottom of the disposal, in the center, there's a small six-sided socket.
  2. Insert the wrench. Fit the disposal wrench or a 1/4-inch hex key into the socket.
  3. Work it back and forth. Turn the wrench one way, then the other, until it moves freely in full circles. InSinkErator says it's OK to use some force if it won't turn easily.
  4. Remove the object. Shine a flashlight down the drain. Use tongs or pliers to pull out whatever was stuck, especially around the outer edge of the grinding plate.
  5. Press the reset button. See the next section.
  6. Restore power and test. Plug it back in or turn on the breaker. Run cold water, then turn on the disposal. If it jams again, repeat.

If it's silent: press the reset button

Disposals have an overload protector that shuts the motor off when it gets too hot or strains too hard. On InSinkErator models it's a small red button on the bottom of the unit.

  1. Let it cool. InSinkErator suggests waiting up to 20 minutes for the motor to cool if it has been running hard.
  2. Find the button. Feel along the bottom of the unit. If it has tripped, InSinkErator says it sits about a quarter inch lower than normal.
  3. Press it gently. Push it in until it clicks and stays. If it won't stay in, wait 10 minutes and try again.
  4. Test. Restore power, run cold water and flip the switch.

Still nothing? Check the power

  1. Check the breaker. Look for a breaker that has tripped. See how to reset a tripped breaker.
  2. Check a GFCI outlet. If the disposal plugs in under the sink, that outlet may be protected by a GFCI. Press its reset button, or find the one upstream. Our GFCI guide explains how.
  3. Check an air switch. If you turn the disposal on with a button on the countertop, InSinkErator suggests unplugging the unit for up to 20 minutes to reset it.

If it runs but drains slowly

If the disposal spins fine but water backs up, the clog is usually in the drain pipe or trap below it. Our guide to unclogging a drain without chemicals walks you through it. Skip chemical drain cleaners. They can splash back when you work on the drain later.

When to call a pro

Stop and call a plumber if:

  • Water is leaking from the body of the disposal itself. That usually means it needs replacing.
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks, or the breaker trips again right after you reset it.
  • The motor won't run after a reset, a cool-down and a power check.
  • The disposal is hardwired and you're not comfortable working around the wiring.
  • Something valuable or sharp is stuck and you can't reach it safely with tongs.

Renters should check with the landlord before replacing a disposal. Not sure what to do? Try our fix it or call a pro quiz.

Keep it from happening again

  • Run cold water before, during and after grinding, as InSinkErator recommends.
  • Never pour grease or fat into the disposal or any drain.
  • Feed scraps in a little at a time instead of all at once.
  • Keep bones, fruit pits, utensils and bottle caps out of the sink when it's running.
  • Keep the disposal wrench taped to the side of the unit or in a kitchen drawer so it's ready.

Common questions

Why does my garbage disposal hum but not turn?

Humming usually means the motor is getting power but the grinding plate is stuck on something. Turn off the power, free the plate with a 1/4-inch hex key in the hole on the bottom of the unit, remove the object with tongs, and press the reset button.

Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?

On InSinkErator models it's a small red button on the bottom of the unit. If it has tripped, it sits a little lower than normal. Press it gently until it clicks and stays in.

Should I run hot or cold water with my disposal?

Cold. InSinkErator recommends running cold water when grinding food waste and says never to pour grease or fat into the disposal or drain.

Is it worth repairing an old garbage disposal?

If it's leaking from the body of the unit or the motor won't run after a reset and a breaker check, replacement is usually the practical fix. A plumber or handyman can help you weigh it.

Sources

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