A garbage disposal is a kitchen tool most of us don’t think twice about—until it stops working. That sudden silence when you flip the switch can mean a minor fix… or a major headache. But before you worry about replacing the entire unit, there are a few things you can check. In this blog, we’ll walk you through five simple solutions to try when your garbage disposal isn’t working—and when it’s time to call in the experts at Rainwater Plumbing.
1. Check the Power Source
The first place to start is often the most obvious: is your garbage disposal plugged in? Under-sink areas can be crowded. Between trash cans, dish soap, and cleaning tools, the power cord to your disposal can get accidentally loosened or unplugged. A quick peek behind the trash bin could be all you need to spot the problem. If the unit is properly plugged in and still doesn’t work, move on to the next step. But don’t overlook the simplest fix—it might save you a call to your electrician or plumber.2. Inspect the Circuit Breaker
Modern homes usually have dedicated electrical lines for kitchen appliances. Older homes? Not always. In many cases, your garbage disposal shares a circuit with other outlets or devices. If you’ve recently run your disposal at the same time as the dishwasher or another appliance, you might have tripped the breaker. Head over to your home’s electrical panel and check for any flipped switches. If you find one, reset it and return to your kitchen to test the disposal. Still not working? Keep reading.3. Use the Reset Button
Most garbage disposals come with a reset button located at the bottom of the unit. This is designed to protect the appliance from overheating or damage during a jam or overload. Here’s how to reset your garbage disposal:- Turn off the power – Never reach under or inside a garbage disposal with the power still on.
- Locate the reset button – Usually red, it sits underneath the unit.
- Press it firmly – If the button stays in, you’ve successfully reset the device.
- Turn the power back on and test – Flip the switch and check for response.
4. Free the Flywheel and Impellers
If the garbage disposal hums but doesn’t grind, it’s likely jammed. Food scraps like bones, pits, or silverware can prevent the impellers from moving. In such cases, the internal flywheel gets stuck and needs manual help. Here’s what you can do:- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker for safety.
- Find the hex-shaped hole at the bottom center of the unit.
- Insert an Allen wrench or disposal wrench and turn it clockwise to move the flywheel.
- If successful, you’ll feel the wheel loosen.
- Use a flashlight to look inside the drain and remove any visible blockages with pliers.
- Press the reset button before turning the power back on.
5. Time to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve gone through all these steps and the garbage disposal still refuses to work, the issue might be mechanical or electrical. Internal damage, faulty wiring, or a worn-out motor can’t always be solved with a quick fix. This is where Rainwater Plumbing can help. Our team will:- Inspect the unit safely
- Identify the root cause
- Repair or replace faulty parts
- Ensure no further damage is caused to your sink or plumbing
Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Issues
Like most appliances, your garbage disposal performs best with a little care and maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to extend its life and avoid breakdowns:- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These substances harden when cooled and can clog the blades.
- Don’t overload it with large food scraps. Cut them into smaller pieces before feeding them in.
- Let cold water run for 20–30 seconds after each use to help flush food particles through the pipes.
- Keep hard items like bones, shells, and fruit pits out of the disposal.
- Clean it weekly using a mix of ice cubes and vinegar to remove residue and keep it fresh.
Why Apache Junction Homeowners Trust Rainwater Plumbing
When your kitchen’s essential systems go down, you need a team that’s fast, experienced, and thorough. Homeowners in Apache Junction call Rainwater Plumbing because we:- Respond quickly to emergency service requests
- Provide clear communication and upfront pricing
- Offer complete inspections before repairs
- Handle installation of new garbage disposals if needed
- Deliver long-lasting solutions with high-quality parts
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Garbage Disposal?
Sometimes a fix isn’t enough. If your disposal is:- More than 8–10 years old
- Frequently jammed or clogged
- Making loud or unusual noises
- Leaking from the bottom