Is this your problem?
- Press the switch and nothing happens at all
- Humming sound but the blades don't spin (jam)
- Water backing up into the sink on the disposal side
- Leaking from the disposal body or its connections
- Frequent resets needed to keep it running
Garbage Disposal Issues? Get a licensed pro on the line now.
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What to do right now
Hit the reset button
Under the unit there's a small red/black reset button. Press it firmly, then try the switch. This fixes the majority of 'dead' disposals.
Clear the jam safely
Turn the switch OFF. Insert an Allen wrench in the bottom socket and work it back and forth to free the flywheel. Use tongs — never fingers — to remove the obstruction.
Check for power
Make sure it's plugged in and the breaker hasn't tripped. If the reset keeps tripping, the motor is likely done.
Run cold water when using it
Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding — it keeps grease solid so it flushes through instead of coating the drain.
Call if it's leaking or dead
Call (844) 699-1165. Leaking disposals and burned-out motors mean replacement — a straightforward pro job.
Stay safe
- NEVER put your hand or fingers inside a disposal — even with the switch off.
- Unplug the unit (or switch off the breaker) before any jam-clearing attempt.
- Don't use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal — they damage seals and splash dangerously.
- If the unit is leaking from the body itself, stop using it — water and motors don't mix.
Mistakes to avoid
- Putting a hand in to 'feel' the jam — the leading cause of disposal injuries.
- Grinding fibrous foods (celery, artichokes), grease, coffee grounds, or bones — the classic jam recipe.
- Running it dry without water.
- Ignoring a leak from the unit body — it only gets worse and can damage the cabinet.
What to tell the plumber when you call
Have these answers ready — it gets you the right pro faster and a more accurate quote.
- Exactly what it does: dead, humming, jammed, leaking, or tripping the reset
- The brand and approximate age if visible
- Whether it's leaking — and from where
- Whether the sink drains normally otherwise
- Whether you want repair or are open to replacement (units are affordable)
Not quite your problem?
| Both sink sides draining slowly | Drain clog beyond the disposal → |
| Disposal fine, but odor from the drain | Drain buildup — describe on the call → |
| Leak from the faucet above | Faucet issue → |
Garbage Disposal Issues — FAQs
How long do garbage disposals last?
Can I replace it myself?
What's the humming sound mean?
Why does my sink smell?
Garbage Disposal Issues Guides by Metro
Same problem, local context — climate, housing, and water conditions that change the advice.