Garbage Disposal Not Turning On? 6 Easy Fixes Anyone Can Do

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If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on — no noise, no humming, nothing — don’t panic. Most of the time, it’s a simple electrical or jam issue that you can fix in under 2 minutes.

This guide covers the 6 most common fixes and exactly how to do each one safely.

1. Press the Reset Button (Most Common Fix)

Nearly every garbage disposal has a built-in reset switch.

Where it is:

  • Under the unit
  • Usually red or black
  • Located on the bottom or lower side

What to do:

  1. Turn off the disposal switch
  2. Press the reset button firmly
  3. Turn the switch back on

If the disposal turns on — problem solved.

The reset button trips when:

  • The motor overheats
  • The unit jams
  • Something overloads it

2. Make Sure the Disposal Is Plugged In

A lot of disposals plug into an outlet under the sink.

How to check:

  1. Look under the sink
  2. Find the outlet
  3. Make sure the plug is fully inserted

If the plug is loose, the disposal will not turn on at all.

3. Reset the GFCI Outlet (Bathroom-Style Outlet)

If your disposal shares a circuit with a GFCI outlet (the ones with Test/Reset buttons), that outlet may have tripped.

Fix:

  1. Find the nearest GFCI
  2. Press Reset
  3. Try the disposal again

This is a super common issue in kitchens.

4. Check Your Circuit Breaker

If the breaker controlling the disposal trips, the disposal loses power completely.

How to fix:

  1. Go to your electrical panel
  2. Look for the breaker labeled:
    • Kitchen
    • Disposal
    • Dishwasher
  3. If it’s in the middle position → flip OFF → ON

Once power is restored, try the disposal again.

5. Clear a Jam Inside the Disposal

If your disposal hums but does not spin, it’s jammed.

You need to manually free the blades.

Do NOT put your hand inside.

Use the bottom access port.

How to fix a jam:

  1. Turn disposal OFF
  2. Unplug it
  3. Look under the unit — you’ll see a hex-shaped hole
  4. Insert the included Allen wrench (or a 1/4″ hex key)
  5. Turn it back and forth until it moves freely
  6. Remove debris from inside (use tongs)
  7. Plug in and test again

This solves almost all humming/no-spin issues.

6. Check the Wall Switch

Garbage disposals are controlled by a wall switch. Sometimes the switch itself is faulty.

Symptoms of a bad switch:

  • No click
  • Loose movement
  • Only works intermittently

If everything else is powered and the switch still does nothing, replacing the switch may fix it.

When to Call a Plumber or Electrician

Call a professional if:

  • Reset button won’t stay in
  • You smell burning
  • Disposal trips breaker repeatedly
  • Water is leaking from the unit
  • The disposal is 10+ years old

Old disposals often fail internally and are cheaper to replace than repair.

Prevent Future Disposal Problems

  • Run cold water when using the disposal
  • Clean it monthly with ice + baking soda
  • Avoid fibrous foods (celery, peels)
  • Don’t overload it with large chunks
  • Keep silverware out of the drain

Proper use prevents jams and extends the life of your unit.

Quick Summary

If your garbage disposal won’t turn on:

  1. Press the reset button
  2. Make sure it’s plugged in
  3. Reset the GFCI outlet
  4. Reset the breaker
  5. Use an Allen wrench to clear jams
  6. Check or replace the wall switch

One of these fixes will solve the problem in most homes.

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