A garbage disposal that won’t turn on can be caused by electrical failures, tripped circuit breakers, or motor issues. This guide walks you through step-by-step troubleshooting to identify and fix the problem.
📥 Download the Printable Troubleshooting Guide
Common Reasons Why a Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
🔹 Power Supply Issues
🔹 Reset Button Not Working
🔹 Tripped Circuit Breaker
🔹 Motor Overload
🔹 Jammed Flywheel
🔹 Worn Out or Burned Motor
📥 Download the Step-by-Step Checklist
Troubleshooting Steps for a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Turn On
Step 1 - Check the Power Supply
✅ Ensure the Disposal is Plugged In
- Many disposals plug into an outlet under the sink.
- Unplug and replug it to confirm the connection.
✅ Test the Outlet
- Plug another small appliance (like a lamp) into the outlet to check for power.
- If there’s no power, reset the GFCI outlet (see next step).
Step 2 - Reset the GFCI Outlet
If your kitchen outlets are GFCI-protected, the disposal may not turn on if the outlet is tripped.
✅ Press the “RESET” Button on the GFCI Outlet
- If the reset button pops out, press it back in and test the disposal.
✅ Test a Different Outlet
- Plug the disposal into another nearby non-GFCI outlet if possible.
📞 Schedule an Electrical Repair if the outlet is still unresponsive.
Step 3 - Press the Disposal Reset Button
If the disposal is plugged in but not working, the built-in safety reset button may have tripped.
✅ Locate the Reset Button:
- Find the red button on the bottom of the disposal unit.
✅ Press & Hold for 10 Seconds:
- Wait 30 seconds, then try turning the disposal back on.
🚨 If the reset button immediately trips again, your disposal may have an electrical fault.
📞 Request a Garbage Disposal Repair
Step 4 - Check the Circuit Breaker
A garbage disposal can trip the circuit breaker if it overloads the circuit.
✅ Go to Your Electrical Panel:
- Look for a tripped breaker labeled “Kitchen” or “Disposal”.
✅ Reset the Breaker:
- Flip it to OFF and then back to ON.
🚨 If the breaker trips immediately after turning the disposal on, there may be an internal short circuit.
📞 Hire a Professional Electrician
Step 5 - Test for a Jammed Flywheel
If the disposal hums but doesn’t turn on, the flywheel may be jammed.
✅ Turn Off Power First for safety.
✅ Use an Allen Wrench:
- Insert the wrench into the hex hole at the bottom of the disposal.
- Turn it back and forth to free the jam.
✅ Manually Remove Obstructions:
- Use pliers or tongs to remove foreign objects inside the disposal.
🚨 NEVER put your hands inside the unit!
Step 6 - Inspect for a Burned-Out Motor
If the disposal still won’t turn on after resetting and checking for jams, the motor may have burned out.
✅ Check for a Burning Smell:
- If the disposal smells like burned plastic, the motor may have overheated.
✅ Listen for Humming Noises:
- If the motor hums but doesn’t spin, it could be damaged internally.
🚨 In this case, it’s time for a replacement.
📞 Schedule a Disposal Replacement
Download the Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On Checklist
📥 Get the Printable Checklist
Watch Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Videos
📹 Watch How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Turn On
FAQs About Garbage Disposal Clogs
If the disposal doesn’t start after resetting, check the power supply, outlet, and breaker. If all are fine, the motor may be burned out.
Yes, if it overloads, trips the breaker, or has a jammed flywheel, it may stop working unexpectedly.
If your disposal won’t turn on at all and there’s no humming noise, the motor is likely dead.
Need Professional Help?
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📞 Call Us Now for Immediate Assistance
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