How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

Difficulty: Easy • Time: 10 min active, 15 min total • Estimated cost: $0-10 • Safety: DIY-friendly

Overview

A garbage disposal that hums but doesn't spin, won't turn on at all, or leaks is almost always fixable in 10 minutes with tools you already have. The two most common issues are a jammed flywheel (something stuck inside) and a tripped reset button.

Every garbage disposal has a reset button on the bottom and an Allen wrench socket that lets you manually free a jam. These are your two magic fixes that solve 90% of disposal problems.

Important: NEVER put your hand inside a garbage disposal, even when it's off. Use tongs or pliers to remove objects.

Tools Needed

1/4 inch Allen wrench (often included with the disposal)
Flashlight
Tongs or pliers
Broom handle (for manual spinning from above)

Materials Needed

1/4 inch Allen wrench (if missing) — $3-5
Garbage disposal wrench (optional) — $5-8

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make sure it's off and check the reset button: Turn the disposal switch OFF. Check the bottom of the disposal unit (under the sink) for a small red or black reset button. If it's popped out, press it firmly back in. This is a built-in circuit breaker that trips when the motor overheats or overloads. Try the switch again. This alone fixes the problem about 30% of the time.
Free the jam with an Allen wrench: Find the Allen wrench socket on the bottom center of the disposal. Insert a 1/4 inch Allen wrench and rotate it back and forth. You're manually turning the flywheel to free whatever is stuck. You should feel the obstruction break free as it gets easier to turn. Rotate it a full revolution in both directions to confirm it's clear.
Remove the stuck object: Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal from above. Use tongs or pliers (NEVER your hand) to remove any visible objects — common culprits are bones, fruit pits, glass, utensil pieces, or fibrous foods like celery. Also check for objects wedged between the flywheel and the grind ring around the edges.
Test and run: Press the reset button again (it may have tripped during your troubleshooting). Turn on cold water and then flip the disposal switch. It should spin freely and sound normal. Run cold water for 30 seconds while it operates to flush any debris. If it still hums but doesn't spin, or doesn't turn on at all, the motor may be burned out and the unit needs replacement.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if the disposal is leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure — replacement needed), if it's hardwired (not plugged in) and the electrical connection needs work, if you need a full replacement and aren't comfortable with the plumbing connections, or if there's a persistent foul odor that doesn't go away with cleaning.