Disposal won’t turn on

Wall switch and tools used to troubleshoot a garbage disposal that won’t turn on

Quick Answer:

If you flip the switch and get nothing, don’t assume the unit is dead. First check the wall switch and the outlet under the sink for power, and look for any tripped GFCI. If those are fine, press the disposal’s reset button (on the bottom) and check the breaker. Only after verifying power and safety should you try to free a jam or call a pro.

Why This Happens

Silence from a disposal usually means a power or safety device interrupted the circuit, not always a burned-out motor. Common causes are a tripped GFCI or circuit breaker, a failed wall switch, a safety reset that tripped, or a jam that prevented the motor from starting. Less common are internal wiring problems or a failed motor.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Stay calm and look for obvious signs

  • Make sure the wall switch is fully on. Sometimes a loose or sticky switch feels like it flipped but didn’t make contact.
  • Look under the sink for a standard outlet. Some disposals are plugged into a switched outlet under the sink; others are hardwired.

2. Verify the outlet under the sink has power

  • If there’s an outlet, test it with a small appliance or a lamp. Turn the disposal switch on while the lamp is plugged in to see if the switch controls that outlet.
  • If the outlet is dead, it points to a switched outlet, GFCI or breaker issue rather than the disposal itself.

3. Check any GFCI that may have tripped

  • Look for GFCI outlets under the sink, in the garage, or nearby. Press the reset button on any tripped GFCI.
  • Some kitchens have a GFCI that protects multiple outlets; resetting it can restore power to the disposal circuit.

4. Press the disposal reset button

  • Locate the red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it once. If it has popped out, press firmly until you feel it click.
  • If the reset won’t stay in or immediately pops back out, don’t keep pressing—this indicates a problem that likely needs professional attention.

5. Check the circuit breaker

  • Look in your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if needed. Turn the breaker fully off and then back on.
  • If the breaker trips again when you try to run the disposal, stop and call a professional—repeated trips mean a short or overload.

6. If you suspect a jam, free it safely

  • Turn the power off at the breaker or unplug the unit before doing anything under the sink. Never work on the disposal with power connected.
  • If the unit has a hex (allen) key hole on the bottom, use the correct wrench to gently turn the motor shaft to free an obstruction. If you find debris in the grinding chamber, remove it with pliers or tongs—do not reach in with your hand.

7. Restore power and test

  • After checking GFCI, reset button, circuit breaker, and clearing any jam, restore power and try the switch briefly.
  • If it still doesn’t run but you hear a hum, the motor may be stuck or failing; if there’s no sound at all after all checks, the issue is likely electrical and may need an electrician or appliance technician.

If the problem followed a storm or power interruption, see Disposal stuck after power outage for related steps. If the unit shuts off while running, check Disposal stops mid-use for troubleshooting that scenario.

What Not to Do

  • Do not assume the disposal is dead before checking the GFCI/outlet.
  • Don’t stick your hand into the grinding chamber, especially if the unit might still have power.
  • Don’t pry inside the disposal with metal tools while power is connected.
  • Don’t repeatedly flip the breaker or reset button if it trips right away—this can make damage worse or create a hazard.

When to Call a Professional

  • No power after you’ve checked the outlet, reset GFCI, pressed the reset, and confirmed the breaker—suspect wiring or a failed switch.
  • Breaker trips repeatedly when the disposal is turned on, or you smell burning—shut off power and call an electrician.
  • The disposal hums but won’t turn after you safely cleared a jam, or the reset button won’t stay engaged—call a service tech or plumber.

Safety Notes

  • Always cut power at the breaker or unplug the disposal before putting tools or hands near the unit.
  • Use insulated tools and wear eye protection when working under the sink.
  • If you’re unsure whether the unit is hardwired or plugged in, treat it as live until you confirm and switch the breaker off.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Why won’t my disposal make any sound? If there’s no hum or sound, it’s usually a power issue—check the outlet, GFCI, reset button, and breaker.
  • Can I reset the disposal myself? Yes—press the reset button on the bottom after ensuring power is off before clearing jams; if it won’t reset, call a pro.
  • Where is the GFCI that controls the disposal? It may be under the sink, nearby countertop outlets, in the garage, or in another location on the same circuit—check all nearby GFCI outlets and reset them.

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