Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
A garbage disposal that hums, won't turn on or drains slowly can often be fixed in a few minutes without a service call. Follow these steps in order, and stop if anything looks unsafe.
Safety first. Never put your hand in the disposal while it has power. Unplug it or switch off its breaker before reaching inside. If you see exposed wires, don't troubleshoot. Submit a request instead.
Leaking from the bottom? Put a bucket or bowl under the disposal, dry the cabinet so it isn't damaged, stop using the sink and submit a maintenance request right away.
Step by step
1. It hums but won't spin: free the jam
Turn the switch off. Find the disposal wrench (a small hex key, often stored under the sink). Fit it into the hex hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal and work it back and forth to turn the blades and break the jam loose. Remove the wrench, turn the water on and switch the disposal back on.
2. Nothing happens: press the reset button
If the disposal is silent when you flip the switch, look for the small red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Press it firmly, then try the switch again. Disposals shut themselves off when they overheat or jam, and the reset button turns them back on.
3. Still no power: check the breaker
Check your electrical panel for a breaker that is off or stuck halfway, and reset it. Some disposals plug into an outlet under the sink, so make sure it's plugged in. See our circuit breaker and GFCI guide.
4. Still not working: submit a request
If the disposal still won't run, or it leaks, submit a maintenance request and we'll send a vendor. If the problem turns out to be caused by something put down the drain, the cost of the visit may be charged to the resident.
What causes clogs
Disposals grind most food easily. Clogs usually form further down the drain, in the trap, when ground-up waste doesn't get flushed through. The most common causes:
- Not enough water. Without plenty of running water, ground food settles and builds up in the pipes.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells. They turn into fine grit that sticks to sludge in the pipe.
- Potato peels. Ground peels form a starchy paste that quickly blocks the drain.
- Banana peels and stringy foods. Fibers wrap around the blades and tangle in the trap.
How to prevent problems
- Run cold water while the disposal grinds and for about 30 seconds afterward.
- Feed food in a little at a time instead of all at once.
- Keep grease, oil, bones, coffee grounds and fibrous peels out of the disposal.
- Freshen it now and then by grinding ice cubes and a few pieces of lemon peel.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?
Something is jamming the blades. Turn it off, then use the hex wrench in the hole at the center of the bottom of the unit to turn the blades back and forth until they move freely. Remove the wrench, run water and switch it back on.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
On the bottom of the unit, under the sink. It's usually a small red button. Press it firmly after the disposal has cooled for a few minutes, then try the switch again.
What if I can't find the disposal wrench?
Many disposals use a standard 1/4-inch hex key, which you can buy at any hardware store. If you'd rather not try it, submit a maintenance request.
Can I use drain cleaner in the disposal?
Please don't. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal and the pipes, and they make the job dangerous for the plumber. Submit a request for a clog that running water won't clear.
What should never go down the disposal?
Grease and oil, bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato and banana peels, corn husks, fruit pits, and anything that isn't food.
Will I be charged for a disposal repair?
Normal wear and a disposal that has reached the end of its life are the owner's responsibility. If the vendor finds the problem was caused by something put down the drain, the cost of the visit may be charged to the resident under the lease.
Emergency? If there is fire, a gas smell, sparking or anyone is in danger, leave the home and call 911 first. For active water leaks, shut off the water if you can do it safely, then call us at (760) 349-1101. Don't wait for a portal reply.
Still not working?
Submit a maintenance request in the tenant portal and include photos if you can. Questions? Call (760) 349-1101 or email info@gfhousing.com, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.