A garbage disposal that stops working is one of the most frustrating kitchen problems — but it is almost always something you can fix yourself in under 30 minutes with no plumber needed.
There are three common garbage disposal problems. It is completely dead and makes no sound — this means it needs to be reset. It hums but does not spin — it is jammed. It runs but does not drain — there is a clog downstream.
Look under the sink at the bottom of the disposal unit. There is a small red or black reset button. Press it firmly until you feel it click. Turn the disposal on again. If it trips immediately there is a jam or wiring issue.
Turn the disposal completely OFF and unplug it under the sink before doing anything. Look under the unit for a small hex socket in the center. Insert a 1/4 inch hex key (Allen wrench) and work it back and forth to free the jam. Remove whatever is causing the jam with tongs — never your hand.
If the disposal runs but drains slowly the clog is in the drain pipe not the disposal itself. Use a drain snake or plunger on the sink drain. Do not use chemical drain cleaners — they can damage disposal seals.
Plug the unit back in. Run cold water first — always run cold water when using the disposal. Turn it on and let it run for 30 seconds after the grinding sound stops. The cold water flushes debris through the drain pipe.
Always use cold water with your disposal — never hot. Hot water melts grease and lets it coat the drain pipe. Cold water keeps grease solid so the disposal can chop it up and flush it out.
If the disposal leaks from the bottom the internal seals are gone and the unit needs replacing. If it trips the reset button repeatedly there may be a wiring issue. If you smell burning stop immediately and call a plumber.
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