Garbage Disposal Not Working: How to Fix
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.
Signs You Have This Problem
- No power: The disposal won't turn on when you flip the switch, or it hums but the blades don't spin
- Slow draining: Water backs up in the sink when the disposal is running
- Strange noises: You hear grinding, rattling, or squealing sounds coming from the unit
- Foul smells: Even when running, the disposal smells terrible or isn't breaking down food
Tools and Parts You'll Need
- Flashlight — Free (you probably own one)
- Needle-nose pliers — $5-10
- Hex wrench set (Allen keys) — $8-15
- Bucket — Free (any household bucket works)
- Heavy-duty gloves — $3-5
- Replacement disposal (if needed) — $150-400
Total for basic repair: $20-35
Step-by-Step Fix
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manual cleanup: With the wrench still in place, manually rotate the wrench slowly to help dislodge whatever is caught. This usually