DIY May Be Possible Avg. cost: $200
Garbage Disposal Not Working: Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber
If your disposal won't turn on, press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. If it hums but doesn't spin, use the hex key socket on the bottom to manually free a jam. These two fixes resolve 80% of disposal problems.
What Causes Garbage Disposal Not Working?
- Tripped overload protector (red reset button)
- Jammed impeller from hard debris
- Electrical failure or tripped circuit breaker
- Worn motor bearings at end of life
- Clog in the drain connection
How to Fix Disposal Broken: Step-by-Step
- 1Turn the unit OFF at the switch
- 2Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit
- 3If it hums, turn it off and use the hex key (usually included with unit) in the center bottom socket to rotate the impeller manually
- 4Remove jam-causing debris with tongs — never your hand
- 5Run cold water and turn on the disposal
When Should You Call a Plumber?
Call a plumber if: the motor is dead after reset and breaker check, the unit leaks from the body, it's over 10 years old, or the drain connection is blocked beyond the disposal.
How Much Does Disposal Broken Repair Cost?
Average Cost $200
Typical Range $80 – $450
Costs vary by location, severity, and whether emergency service is needed. Prices shown are national averages. Get a free quote from a local plumber →
Frequently Asked Questions About Disposal Broken
- Avoid: grease and oils, fibrous vegetables (celery, artichoke), starchy foods (pasta, rice, potato peels), bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, and eggshells. These clog the drain or damage impellers.
- Food residue builds up under the splash guard and on the grinding chamber walls. Clean weekly by grinding ice cubes with salt and a half cup of baking soda, followed by running the disposal with cold water.
- Quality garbage disposals last 10–15 years with proper use. Signs it's time for replacement: frequent resets needed, persistent leaks from the body, loud grinding noises, or loss of grinding power.