Quick Answer:
If the disposal quits while grinding, it’s usually overloaded or partially jammed. Stop adding food, clear visible debris, then test the unit with a light stream of water and no scraps to see if it still stalls. If it won’t start or keeps tripping, follow the steps below before calling a pro.
Why This Happens
Garbage disposals can stop mid-use for a few common reasons:
- Too much food is feeding the unit at once and the motor can’t handle the load.
- Hard or stringy items get caught and partially jam the blades, causing the motor to stall.
- Grease or cold fats can clog and bind parts — see Disposal jams when cold water used for more about temperature-related jams.
- Electrical issues can cause a failure to start or to reset; that situation is different from a stall and may need separate troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop and turn off the power
- Flip the switch off immediately. For safety, turn off the circuit breaker that feeds the disposal or unplug the unit if accessible.
2. Reduce the load by clearing food debris
- Use tongs or pliers to remove large scraps or visible chunks from the mouth of the disposal. Clearing the load often lets the motor recover.
- A clean out of the splash guard area and the top chamber can remove the blockage that caused the stall.
3. Manually check for a jam
- With the power off at the breaker, use a hex wrench in the bottom socket (if your model has one) to turn the impeller by hand and free any stuck material.
- Do not put your hand into the grinding chamber unless the power is confirmed off and you use a proper tool or a flashlight to see clearly.
4. Reset and test with light flow and no scraps
- Press the red reset button on the disposal after clearing debris. Turn the breaker back on and run a light stream of cold water.
- Run the disposal with no food going in to see if it still stalls. Test under a light flow for a minute before adding any scraps.
5. If it still stalls or won’t run
- Listen for humming (motor trying) versus dead silence. Repeated stalling after clearing usually means internal damage or a worn motor.
- If it won’t power up at all, consult guidance on Disposal won’t turn on or call an electrician or plumber.
What Not to Do
- Do not grind large loads at once; stalling often means the unit is overloaded or partially jammed.
- Do not use your bare hand to remove jams unless the power is completely off and the unit is verified dead.
- Do not pour chemical drain cleaners into the disposal — they can damage the unit and create a hazard.
When to Call a Professional
- Repeated stalls after you’ve cleared debris and tested with a light flow.
- Burning smells, smoke, or loud grinding noises that don’t stop.
- Electrical failures where the disposal won’t reset or trips the circuit repeatedly.
- Visible leaks from the unit or the sink flange that you can’t safely tighten or seal.
Safety Notes
- Always cut power at the breaker before reaching into the disposal or working under the sink.
- Use tools (tongs, pliers, hex wrench) to remove debris — not your fingers.
- Cold water is generally recommended while running the disposer; avoid pouring hot grease down the drain.
- If you’re unsure about electrical issues, hire a licensed electrician or plumber rather than attempting risky repairs.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did it stop suddenly while running?
Most often because it was overloaded or a piece of food jammed the impeller. - Will pressing the reset button fix it?
Sometimes — after you clear debris and cool the motor, the reset can restore operation. - Is it safe to try to free a jam myself?
Yes if you cut power at the breaker and use tools; otherwise call a professional.