The most common causes are a tripped reset button, a jam, a failed motor or start capacitor, an electrical problem, or a blocked drain line below the unit. Start with the reset button and the jam — together they account for most “dead” disposals.
Try These First
- Press the reset button. It is a small red or black button on the bottom of the unit. Disposals trip an internal overload protector when they jam or overheat, and pressing reset restores them. This alone solves a large share of service calls people almost placed.
- Check the breaker and, if there is one, the wall switch or outlet the disposal plugs into.
- Listen. A hum with no movement means the motor has power but the impeller is jammed. Silence means an electrical problem or a failed motor.
- Clear a jam. Turn the power OFF at the breaker first. Use the hex wrench that came with the unit in the slot on the bottom center to work the impeller back and forth, or use tongs to remove an obstruction from above. Never put your hand in the disposal, even with the power off.
The Common Culprits
- Jams from bones, fruit pits, silverware, or fibrous vegetables like celery and onion skins
- Failed start capacitor, which presents as a hum with no rotation even after clearing any jam
- Worn motor or bearings — grinding, or a unit that runs weakly
- Electrical faults — a bad switch, outlet, or wiring connection
- Blocked drain line below the unit, which is not a disposal failure at all but presents as one when the sink backs up
What Shortens Their Life
Grease, coffee grounds, pasta and rice, potato peels, eggshells, and bones. And running it without enough cold water — cold water keeps grease solid so it gets chopped and flushed rather than coating the line. Run water before, during, and for 30 seconds after.
When It Is Really the Drain
If the disposal runs fine but the sink backs up, the problem is downstream. That is a drain cleaning issue, and grease is usually the cause.
Contact B. Carlson about garbage disposals in Albuquerque.
