Do Not Panic — Most Disposal Problems Are Fixable
You flip the switch and nothing happens. Or worse, you hear a low hum but the disposal will not spin. Before you assume the worst, take a breath. Most garbage disposal problems are surprisingly simple to fix, and you may not need a plumber at all. That said, there are a few situations where calling a professional is the smart move.
The Reset Button Fix
The most common reason a garbage disposal stops working is that it has tripped its internal circuit breaker. Look at the bottom of the unit under your sink — you will find a small red or black button. Press it firmly. If the disposal was simply overloaded, this reset will get it running again. This solves the problem about half the time, and it costs you nothing but a few seconds on your knees under the sink.
If the reset button does not work, check your electrical panel. The disposal may be on a dedicated circuit that has tripped. Flip the breaker off and back on, then try again.
Related: kitchen sink plumbing basics
When the Disposal Hums but Will Not Spin
A humming disposal usually means something is jammed between the impellers and the grinding ring. First, make sure the unit is off — flip the wall switch and unplug it if you can reach the cord. Never put your hand inside a garbage disposal. Instead, use the hex wrench that came with the unit (or a standard quarter-inch Allen wrench) to manually turn the flywheel from the bottom. You will feel the jam break free. Remove whatever was stuck — common culprits include fruit pits, small bones, and broken glass — then reset and test.
Rosco's Tip
Rosco's Tip
Keep a quarter-inch Allen wrench in your kitchen junk drawer. Every garbage disposal has a hex socket on the bottom for exactly this purpose. It is the fastest way to clear a jam, and it saves you a service call.
When to Call a Professional
If your disposal leaks from the bottom, makes grinding metal-on-metal sounds, or will not turn on even after a reset and breaker check, it is likely time for a replacement. Most disposals last about 8 to 12 years. If yours is older and acting up, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair. A new disposal is a straightforward job for a licensed plumber and typically takes about an hour.
Give Rosco Plumbing a call at (941) 345-2464 if your disposal needs more than a reset. We serve all of Manatee County and can usually get to you the same day.
Related: garbage disposal repair and replacement, holiday plumbing tips to avoid kitchen disasters
Most garbage disposal problems come down to a tripped reset button or a simple jam. Try those fixes first. But when the unit is leaking, making unusual sounds, or simply will not respond, it is time to call in the pros. Rosco Plumbing has been keeping Bradenton kitchens running since 1983.