How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That’s Jammed or Not Working

There are few kitchen moments more frustrating than flipping the garbage disposal switch and hearing… nothing. Or worse, a low humming sound that tells you the motor is trying to work but something is stuck. You stand there staring at the sink, wondering if you’re about to spend hundreds of dollars on a plumber or a new unit.

I’ve been there. The first time my disposal jammed, I was sure I’d broken it. I’d put something down there I shouldn’t have (spoiler: it was a spoon), and the unit just hummed at me angrily. I called my dad in a panic, and he walked me through a 30-second fix that didn’t require any tools or money.

Most garbage disposal problems fall into a few common categories: something is jamming the grinding plate, the unit has tripped its internal reset button, or there’s a clog in the drain. All of these are fixable by a beginner with basic tools and a little know-how.

This guide covers the most common garbage disposal problems and how to fix them safely.

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Safety First

Before you do anything with a garbage disposal, follow these safety rules:

1. Never put your hand in the disposal. Ever. Even if the switch is off. Even if it’s unplugged. The blades are sharp, and a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious injury.

2. Always turn off the power before working on the disposal. Unplug it from the outlet under the sink, or turn off the circuit breaker that controls it.

3. Use tools, not fingers to remove objects from the disposal. Use tongs, pliers, or a long wooden spoon.

4. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal. They can damage the rubber components and the grinding mechanism.

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Problem 1: Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Grind (Jammed)

This is the most common disposal problem. You flip the switch, and the unit makes a low humming sound but the grinding plate doesn’t spin. This means the motor is getting power but something is preventing the plate from turning.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Immediately turn off the disposal. Don’t let it hum for more than 5 to 10 seconds — the motor can overheat and burn out if it’s jammed and left running.

Step 2: Look Inside

With the power OFF, shine a flashlight into the disposal. Look for the object that’s causing the jam. Common culprits include:

• Utensils (especially spoons)
• Bones
• Hard seeds or fruit pits
• Glass or plastic pieces
• Coins

If you can see the object, use tongs or needle-nose pliers to remove it. Never use your fingers.

Step 3: Use the Allen Key (Hex Wrench)

Most garbage disposals have a hole on the bottom of the unit that accepts an Allen key (hex wrench). This is specifically designed for unjamming the disposal.

1. Look under the sink and find the hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal. It might have a small cover you need to remove.
2. Insert the Allen key into the hole. Most disposals come with a key — check the box or bag of manuals you probably threw in a drawer. If you don’t have the original, a 1/4-inch Allen key usually works.
3. Work the key back and forth. You’ll feel resistance — that’s the jam. Keep working it back and forth until it moves freely in both directions. This manually turns the grinding plate and breaks the jam loose.
4. Once the key turns freely, the jam is cleared.
5. Remove the key from the hole.

Step 4: Press the Reset Button

After clearing a jam, you may need to press the reset button on the bottom of the disposal. The button is usually red and pops out when the disposal has tripped its internal overload protector. Press it back in until it clicks.

Step 5: Test

Turn the power back on. Run a steady stream of cold water into the disposal. Turn on the disposal. It should spin freely and sound normal.

If it still hums but doesn’t spin, repeat the Allen key process. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to fully clear the jam.

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Problem 2: Disposal Does Nothing (No Sound)

You flip the switch and… silence. No humming, no grinding, nothing. This usually means the disposal isn’t getting power or the internal reset has tripped.

Step 1: Check the Reset Button

Look at the bottom of the disposal for a small red button. This is the reset button (also called the overload protector). If the disposal has overheated or been jammed, this button pops out and cuts power to the motor.

1. Make sure the disposal switch is OFF.
2. Feel the reset button. If it’s popped out, press it back in until it clicks.
3. Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool down if it was overheated.
4. Turn on the water and test the disposal.

Step 2: Check the Power

If the reset button didn’t help, check if the disposal is getting power.

1. Check the outlet — Most disposals plug into an outlet under the sink. Make sure the plug is securely in the outlet. If it’s plugged into a GFCI outlet (with test and reset buttons), press the reset button on the outlet.

2. Check the circuit breaker — Find your electrical panel and look for the breaker that controls the kitchen or the disposal. If it’s tripped (in the middle position), flip it fully off, then back on.

3. Check the wall switch — Make sure the wall switch is working. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it, you can test the switch. If not, this might be when you call an electrician.

Step 3: Check the Wiring (If Hardwired)

Some disposals are hardwired directly to the house electrical rather than plugged into an outlet. If yours is hardwired:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the cover plate at the bottom of the disposal where the wires enter.
3. Check that all wire connections are tight and secure. A loose wire nut can cause the disposal to lose power.
4. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, call an electrician.

Warning: If you don’t have experience with electrical work, don’t attempt this step. Call a professional.

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Problem 3: Disposal Leaks

Leaks can come from several places on a garbage disposal. Finding the source is the first step to fixing it.

Where to Check for Leaks

How to Find the Leak

1. Dry the entire disposal and the surrounding area with a towel.
2. Run water in the sink (with the disposal off) and watch for drips.
3. Use a flashlight to check each connection point.
4. If you can’t see the source, try placing a dry paper towel under each connection, run the water, and check which towel gets wet.

Fix Leaks at the Top Mount

If water is leaking where the disposal mounts to the sink:

1. Loosen the mounting assembly (the three screws around the top of the disposal).
2. Tighten the mounting ring under the sink. Sometimes this ring loosens over time.
3. If tightening doesn’t help, you may need to remove the disposal and apply fresh plumber’s putty between the sink flange and the sink.

Fix Leaks at the Drain Connection

If water is leaking where the drain pipe connects to the disposal:

1. Tighten the slip nut that holds the drain pipe to the disposal. Hand-tighten first, then use pliers for a quarter turn more.
2. If tightening doesn’t help, remove the connection and check the rubber gasket inside. If it’s cracked or worn, replace it.
3. Reassemble and test.

Fix Leaks at the Dishwasher Connection

If water is leaking where the dishwasher drain hose connects to the disposal:

1. Tighten the hose clamp with a screwdriver.
2. If the leak persists, remove the hose and check the disposal’s hose nipple for cracks. If the nipple is cracked, the disposal needs to be replaced.

Fix Leaks at the Bottom

If water is dripping from the bottom of the disposal (not from any connection point), the internal seals have failed. The disposal needs to be replaced. There’s no repair for this — the seals are inside the motor housing and can’t be accessed.

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Problem 4: Disposal Drains Slowly

If the disposal grinds fine but the water drains slowly, the clog is probably in the drain pipe, not the disposal itself.

Step 1: Clear the Disposal

Make sure the disposal is clear of food waste. Run it with plenty of water to grind and flush any remaining food.

Step 2: Check the P-Trap

The clog is most likely in the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink).

1. Place a bucket under the P-trap.
2. Loosen the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap.
3. Remove the P-trap and clean it out.
4. Reassemble and test.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

If cleaning the P-trap doesn’t help, try a plunger:

1. Fill the sink with a few inches of water.
2. Block the other drain if you have a double sink (use a wet rag).
3. Place the plunger over the disposal drain and plunge vigorously for 15 to 20 strokes.
4. Check if the water drains.

Step 4: Snake the Drain

If the plunger doesn’t work, the clog is further down the line. Use a drain snake as described in the drain unclogging guide.

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Problem 5: Disposal Smells Bad

Over time, food particles can build up inside the disposal and cause unpleasant odors.

How to Clean a Smelly Disposal

Method 1: Ice and Salt

1. Dump a cup of ice cubes into the disposal.
2. Add a cup of coarse salt (kosher or rock salt works best).
3. Run the disposal with cold water for 15 to 30 seconds.

The ice and salt scrub the inside of the grinding chamber, removing stuck food particles.

Method 2: Citrus Peels

1. Cut a lemon, lime, or orange into small pieces.
2. Put the pieces into the disposal.
3. Run the disposal with cold water.

The citrus oils freshen the disposal and the peels help scrub the grinding chamber.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the disposal.
3. Let it fizz for 15 minutes.
4. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to flush.

Preventing Odors

• Run the disposal every time you put food in it. Don’t let food sit.
• Always use cold water when running the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease so the disposal can grind it up. Hot water melts grease, which can then coat the inside of the pipes and trap food particles.
• Run the disposal for 30 seconds after the grinding stops to make sure all food is flushed through.
• Don’t overload the disposal. Feed food in gradually.

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What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

Many disposal problems are caused by putting the wrong things down the drain. Avoid these:

Never Put These in a Disposal:

• Grease, fat, or oil — They solidify in the pipes and cause clogs.
• Bones — They’re too hard for the disposal to grind and can jam the motor.
• Fruit pits — Same as bones — too hard.
• Coffee grounds — They accumulate like sludge in the pipes.
• Eggshells — The membrane can wrap around the grinding mechanism.
• Pasta and rice — They expand in water and can clog the drain.
• Potato peels — The starch turns into a paste that clogs the drain.
• Fibrous vegetables — Celery, asparagus, and corn husks have long fibers that can tangle the grinding mechanism.
• Non-food items — Utensils, sponges, plastic, glass, etc.

These Are Fine in Moderation:

• Small scraps of cooked meat
• Small fruit and vegetable scraps (not fibrous ones)
• Ice cubes (actually good for cleaning the disposal)
• Citrus peels (good for freshening)

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When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Most garbage disposals last 8 to 15 years. Consider replacing yours if:

• It’s leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure — not repairable)
• It jams frequently even when you’re using it properly
• It takes a long time to grind food
• It makes loud or unusual noises (metal on metal, rattling)
• It’s more than 10 years old and having problems

A new garbage disposal costs $50 to $200 depending on the brand and horsepower. Installation takes about an hour if you’re replacing an existing unit.

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How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Garbage Disposal?

Most disposal fixes are free or very inexpensive. The most common problems — jams and tripped reset buttons — cost nothing to fix if you do it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?

Something is jamming the grinding plate. Turn off the power, use an Allen key in the bottom of the disposal to manually turn the plate and break the jam loose, then press the reset button and test.

Can I put ice in my garbage disposal?

Yes. Ice is actually good for the disposal — it helps clean the grinding chamber and sharpen the blades. Some people freeze vinegar in ice cube trays for extra cleaning power.

How long should a garbage disposal last?

With proper use and maintenance, 8 to 15 years. Cheaper models with lower horsepower tend to have shorter lifespans. Using the disposal properly (no hard items, no grease, running plenty of water) extends its life.

Should I use hot or cold water with my garbage disposal?

Cold water. Cold water solidifies any grease or fat in the food, allowing the disposal to grind it up and flush it down the drain. Hot water melts grease, which can then coat the inside of the pipes and cause clogs.

Why does my disposal make a rattling sound?

There’s probably a hard object (like a spoon, bone, or piece of glass) bouncing around inside the grinding chamber. Turn off the power immediately and use tongs to remove the object. Don’t let it run — a hard object can damage the grinding mechanism.