Garbage Disposal Not Working? Reset and Unjam It
Short answerA garbage disposal that hums is usually jammed, and one that does nothing has usually tripped its reset button or lost power. Turn the switch off, turn the blades from below with a 1/4 inch Allen wrench, press the red reset button under the unit, and check the breaker if it stays dead.
Safety first
- Never put your hand in the disposal, even with the power off. Use tongs or pliers.
- Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit, or switch off the breaker, before you work on it.
- If the sink is full of water, let it drain or bail it out first.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Jammed by food or an object | It hums but does not grind. | Free it with an Allen wrench and take out the object with tongs. |
| Overload protector tripped | It is silent, and the red button under the unit sits about 1/4 inch lower than normal. | Let it cool and press the button. |
| No power | It is silent, the reset button does not help, and a lamp will not work in the same outlet. | Reset the breaker. If the outlet stays dead, call an electrician. |
| Failed switch or motor | The outlet has power and the unit is reset and turns freely, but it will not run. | Have an electrician check the wall switch, or replace the disposal. |
What you need
- 1/4 inch Allen wrench or the wrench that came with the disposal
- Flashlight
- Tongs or pliers
- Lamp, for testing the outlet
How to fix it
- Cut the power. Turn off the wall switch and unplug the disposal, or switch off its breaker.
- Free the jam. Put the Allen wrench into the hole in the center of the bottom of the unit. Work it back and forth until it turns in full circles. Some force is fine. Some models have no hole, so check your manual.
- Remove what caused it. Shine a flashlight into the drain and look around the edge of the grinding plate. Pull out anything you find with tongs or pliers.
- Reset it. Find the small red button on the bottom of the unit and press it gently. If it does not stay in, wait ten minutes and try again.
- Test with cold water. Restore the power, run cold water and turn on the disposal. If it hums again, turn it off and repeat the steps.
- Check the power if it stays dead. Plug a lamp into the outlet. If the lamp does not work, check the panel for a tripped breaker. If the outlet has power, check the air button, or have an electrician check the wall switch.
When to call a professional
- The outlet has no power after you reset the breaker.
- The disposal is leaking from the bottom of the housing, which may mean it needs replacing.
- It keeps tripping the reset button or the breaker with nothing jammed.
What it costs to have fixed
Garbage Disposal Replacement is estimated at $180 to $630 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Where is the garbage disposal reset button?
On the bottom of the unit, under the sink. It is a small red button. If it has tripped, it sits about 1/4 inch lower than normal.
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?
Something is usually holding the blades still. Turn off the power, turn the unit from below with an Allen wrench, and remove the object with tongs.
Why is my garbage disposal not turning on?
Check the red reset button first, then the outlet and the breaker. If power reaches the outlet and the reset does nothing, the switch or motor may have failed.
Why does my garbage disposal smell?
InSinkErator says an odor is usually a sign of food buildup. It suggests removing the sink baffle and scrubbing its underside, then running cold water while grinding ice cubes with lemon or lime wedges. Source
Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic system?
InSinkErator describes its Septic Guard model as safe for use with properly maintained septic tanks. Check the instructions for your model, and keep the septic tank maintained. Source
What should I not put in a garbage disposal?
InSinkErator says to avoid fats, oils, harsh cleaning products and anything that is not food. Its Standard Series models also cannot handle stringy, fibrous foods such as banana peels, celery or rhubarb. Source
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- InSinkErator: Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal — Using a 1/4 inch Allen wrench, the red overload button, cooling for up to 20 minutes, keeping hands out, using tongs or pliers, cold water use, and avoiding grease
- Moen: Garbage Disposal Has No Power — Testing the outlet with a lamp, the reset button, checking the panel, and calling an electrician if the outlet stays dead
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Making Simple Repairs, Clogged Drains — Keeping grease out of drains
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.