Garbage disposal repair at a glance
- Humming
- Usually jammed — clear with the power off
- Silent
- Reset button, breaker or GFCI, switch
- Never
- Put a hand inside the disposal
- Leak from the body
- Usually means replacement
Humming: clear a jam safely
- Switch the disposal off. If it has a plug under the sink, unplug it.
- Use tongs or pliers — never fingers — to remove anything visible.
- Many models have a hex socket in the center of the underside. Turn it back and forth with the wrench supplied with the unit to free the plates (check your manual).
- Press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power, and run water before switching on.
Leaks: where is the water?
| Leak location | Usual cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top, at the sink | Sink flange seal | Reseal or remount |
| Side, at the dishwasher hose | Loose clamp or hose | Tighten or replace hose |
| Side, at the drain pipe | Gasket or loose connection | Gasket replacement |
| Bottom of the unit | Internal seal failure | Replace the disposal |
Leave to a professional
Leave this to a professional
- Wiring at the switch or unit
- Replacing the disposal or changing the mounting
Silent disposal: check power
- Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- Check the breaker or GFCI outlet under the sink.
- Confirm the wall switch works — some disposals use an air switch button on the counter.
- If it's still silent with power confirmed, the motor or wiring needs a professional.
Prevent the next jam
- Run cold water before, during, and after use
- Avoid fibrous and starchy scraps such as celery strings, onion skins, and potato peels in quantity
- Keep grease, bones, and coffee grounds out
- Feed food in gradually rather than all at once
Disposals and dishwashers
If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, a clogged disposal inlet can leave standing water in the dishwasher. When you replace a disposal, the knockout plug for the dishwasher inlet must be removed, or the dishwasher won't drain at all.
Repair or replace?
Jams and connection leaks are quick fixes. A disposal that leaks from its body, trips the reset repeatedly, or has a burned-out motor is usually replaced rather than repaired.
How a repair request works
- 1Call usTell us the appliance, the brand and what it's doing.
- 2Describe the problemBrand, model, symptoms, and what you've already checked.
- 3Provider reviews itThey contact you to accept and to ask anything they need.
- 4Diagnosis and quoteThe provider confirms any diagnostic fee and the repair price before work starts.
Common questions
Should I repair or replace a leaking garbage disposal?
If it leaks from the bottom of the unit, replacement is usually the answer. Leaks at the flange or hose connections are often repairable.
