Garbage Disposal Not Working

Garbage disposal jammed, humming, or dead? DIY fixes and repair costs ($75–$300).

Typical repair cost: $75–$300 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 5–15 minutes.

What usually causes it

• Jammed impeller
• Tripped reset button
• Blown circuit
• Worn motor
• Foreign object stuck inside

What you need

• Allen wrench (1/4 inch)
• Flashlight
• Tongs

How to fix it yourself

1. NEVER put your hand inside the disposal
2. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit
3. If humming but not spinning: turn off, insert 1/4" Allen wrench into the hole on the bottom and rotate to free the jam
4. Use tongs or pliers to remove any foreign objects visible inside
5. Check the circuit breaker if the disposal is completely dead
6. Run cold water and test — if it hums and doesn't spin, the motor may be burned out

When to call a pro

If the reset button and unjamming don't work, or the disposal leaks from the bottom — it likely needs replacement.

Get a fixed price from a local pro