Garbage Disposal Not Turning On?
You flip the switch and nothing happens. No hum, no sound, nothing at all. A garbage disposal that won't turn on is different from one that hums but won't spin. If there's no sound whatsoever, the issue is usually electrical rather than mechanical.
Here are the most common causes and what to do about each one.
Check the Reset Button
This is the first thing to try and it solves the problem more often than people expect. On the bottom of your garbage disposal unit, there's a small red or black button. This is the overload protector. When the motor overheats or encounters too much resistance, this button pops out to cut power to the unit.
Reach under the sink, feel for the button on the bottom of the disposal, and press it in until it clicks. Then try the switch again. If the disposal turns on, you're done. If the button won't stay in when you press it, or it pops out again immediately after turning the disposal on, there's a deeper issue.
Check the Power Supply
If the reset button didn't solve it, the next thing to check is whether the disposal is getting power at all.
If your disposal is plugged into an outlet under the sink, make sure the plug hasn't come loose. Vibration from the disposal can gradually wiggle a plug out of the outlet over time. Unplug it, plug it back in firmly, and try again.
If the outlet is controlled by a GFCI (those outlets with the test and reset buttons, often found in kitchens and bathrooms), press the reset button on the GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets trip independently from your main breaker panel and it's easy to miss.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Go to your home's electrical panel and look for the breaker that controls the disposal or the kitchen circuit. If it's tripped (in the middle position between on and off), flip it fully to off, then back to on. Try the disposal again.
If the breaker trips again immediately after turning the disposal on, stop. There's likely a short in the disposal's wiring or the motor has failed. Don't keep resetting the breaker.
Check the Switch
In some cases, the wall switch that controls the disposal is the problem. Switches wear out over time, especially in kitchens where they get wet or greasy. If you've checked the reset button, the outlet, and the breaker, and everything seems fine, the switch itself may need to be replaced. This is a simple electrical job, but if you're not comfortable working with wiring, it's best to call a professional.
When the Motor Has Failed
If you've gone through all the steps above and the disposal still won't turn on, the motor has likely burned out. This can happen from age, from running the disposal while jammed for too long, or from a power surge. A burned-out motor can't be repaired. The disposal needs to be replaced.
What to Do Next
If the troubleshooting steps above didn't solve the problem, Denver Disposal can help. We specialize in garbage disposal repair and replacement throughout the Denver metro area. Our pricing is on our site, there are no diagnostic fees, and same-day service is available. Book an appointment online or call (720) 312-3542.