Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Guide
Your garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance – but when it stops working, it can be frustrating. The good news: most issues can be resolved quickly without a service call. This guide walks you through the two most common problems: jams and a tripped reset switch.
Safety First – Read Before You Begin
- NEVER put your hand inside the disposal at any time.
- Always turn off the wall switch before attempting any troubleshooting.
- Do not use the disposal if it is making a loud humming noise and the drum is not spinning – this indicates a jam.
- If you smell burning or see smoke, stop immediately and contact your property manager.
Problem 1: The Disposal is Jammed
A jam occurs when something gets stuck in the grinding chamber, preventing the disposal’s inner plate from turning. Signs of a jam include:
- The disposal hums when switched on but nothing grinds
- You hear a buzzing sound that stops after a few seconds
- The disposal is completely silent even though it has power
How to Clear a Jam
Follow these steps in order. Do not skip ahead.
- Turn off the wall switch and wait 15 seconds for the disposal to fully stop.
- Look under the sink for the bottom of the disposal unit. You will see a small hex (Allen wrench) port at the very center of the bottom.
- Insert a 1/4 inch Allen wrench (hex key) into this port. Most disposals ship with one attached – check under the unit or nearby pipes.
- Crank the Allen wrench back and forth several times. You should feel resistance, then eventually movement as the plate loosens.
- Once it moves freely, remove the Allen wrench and shine a flashlight into the disposal from above. Locate and use tongs or needle-nose pliers to remove any foreign object you can see. Common culprits include bottle caps, small utensils, fruit pits, and bones.
- Run cold water into the sink, then turn the disposal back on.
What NOT to Put in the Disposal
- Bones, fruit pits, or shellfish shells
- Grease, fats, or cooking oils
- Fibrous foods: celery, corn husks, artichokes
- Coffee grounds or pasta in large quantities
- Non-food items of any kind
Problem 2: The Disposal Has No Power
If the disposal does not hum or make any sound when switched on, the problem is likely not a jam – it may be a tripped reset switch or a power issue. This is very common and easy to fix.
Understanding the Reset Switch
Every garbage disposal has a built-in overload protector. When the motor overheats (often due to a jam or extended use), it automatically shuts itself off to prevent damage. A small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit pops out to indicate this has happened.
How to Reset the Disposal
- Turn off the wall switch.
- Look under the sink at the bottom of the disposal unit.
- Locate the reset button – it is usually a small red or black circular button near the center-bottom of the unit.
- Press the button firmly until you feel or hear it click into place. If it does not stay in, wait 10 minutes for the unit to cool and try again.
- Turn on the cold water faucet, then flip the wall switch back on.
Buttons Won’t Stay In?
- If the reset button pops back out immediately when you press it, the motor is still too hot.
- Wait 10-15 minutes with the unit off, then try again.
- If it continues to pop out after cooling, there may be an underlying electrical issue – contact your property manager.
Quick Troubleshooting Reference
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but doesn’t grind | Jammed grinding plate | Use Allen wrench to free the jam |
| Completely silent, switch on | Tripped reset switch | Press the red/black reset button |
| Works briefly, then stops | Overheating from jam | Clear jam, let cool, then reset |
| Loud rattling noise | Foreign object inside | Turn off, remove object with tongs |
| Leaking from unit | Seal or connection issue | Contact your property manager |
| Won’t reset after cooling | Electrical or motor fault | Contact your property manager |
When to Contact Your Property Manager
While most garbage disposal issues can be resolved using this guide, please reach out to the Central Properties Management team if:
- The reset button will not stay engaged after the unit has cooled
- You notice leaking from the unit or pipes below the sink
- You smell burning or see any signs of electrical issues
- The disposal is noisy even after clearing a jam
- You are unable to locate the Allen wrench port or reset button