Garbage Disposal Not Working: How to Fix
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Signs You Have This Problem
A broken garbage disposal can throw off your whole kitchen routine, but here's the good news: most disposal problems are simple fixes that don't require a plumber. In this guide, you'll learn exactly what's causing the problem and how to get your disposal running again in about 30 minutes.
No power
Slow draining
Strange noises
Foul smells
Everything else about a disposal that won’t work
Tools and Parts You'll Need
Flashlight
Needle-nose pliers
Hex wrench set (Allen keys)
Bucket
Heavy-duty gloves
Replacement disposal
Total for basic repair: $20-35
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Safety first
Turn off the garbage disposal at the switch on your wall, then unplug it from the outlet under the sink. Wait a few seconds to make sure it's completely stopped. This is non-negotiable—you never want to stick your hand in while it could accidentally turn on.
- 2
Look for the jam
Grab your flashlight and peer down the drain opening. You're looking for food chunks, utensil parts, or bones stuck in the chamber. Jams are the #1 reason disposals stop working.
- 3
Remove visible debris
Put on your heavy gloves and use needle-nose pliers to pull out anything you can see. Place a bucket under the drain to catch any water that spills. Toss the debris in the trash.
- 4
Free up stuck blades
If you don't see anything, the jam is inside. Most disposals have a hex socket (looks like a small square hole) at the very bottom of the unit. Insert the appropriately-sized hex wrench and turn it back and forth—don't force it, just work it gently until you feel resistance ease.
- 5
Manual cleanup
With the wrench still in place, manually rotate the wrench slowly to help dislodge whatever is caught.
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