Why Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On and How to Fix It
- T&C Appliance Repair
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Why Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On and How to Fix It
Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen—until one day, you flip the switch and… nothing. No grinding, no humming, no signs of life. Before you panic and start planning its funeral, let’s go through some common reasons
why your garbage disposal won’t turn on and how to fix it!
Why Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On and How to Fix It
1. Check the Reset Button (Your Disposal’s Secret Lifeline)
Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom or side of the unit. If your disposal has overheated or jammed, this button might have tripped, cutting off power to prevent damage.
✅ Fix It
Look under your sink for the disposal unit.
Find the small red or black reset button on the bottom.
Press it firmly—if it’s popped out, you should feel it click back into place.
Try turning on the disposal again.
If this was the issue, congrats—you just performed a DIY miracle! 🎉
2. Check the Switch on the Wall (Did It Get Turned Off?)
Sometimes the problem is as simple as a power switch being turned off (or accidentally flipped by someone else in the house).
✅ Fix It
Find the switch (usually located on the wall or under the sink).
Flip it off and on to see if that restores power.
If it still doesn’t work, test the outlet by plugging in another appliance.
If the switch or outlet isn’t getting power, you may have a tripped circuit breaker—which brings us to the next step!
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker (The Power May Be Cut Off)
If there was an electrical surge or the disposal tried to grind something too tough, it could have tripped the circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel.
✅ Fix It
Find your home’s breaker box.
Look for a switch labeled "kitchen" or "disposal."
If it’s flipped to the off position, switch it back on.
Once the power is restored, try turning on the disposal again.
4. Is the Disposal Jammed? (It May Be Stuck!)
If the unit hums but doesn’t grind, something might be stuck in the blades. Common culprits include bones, fibrous vegetables (like celery), or even silverware (oops).
✅ Fix It
Turn off the disposal and unplug it for safety.
Use a hex key (Allen wrench) in the small hole at the bottom of the unit to manually turn the blades and free the jam.
If no hex key is available, use a wooden spoon or a similar non-metal object to wiggle the blades.
Plug it back in and try again.
💡 Pro Tip- Never stick your hand inside the disposal—no matter how brave you feel!
5. The Disposal Might Be Dead (Time for a Replacement?)
If you’ve checked everything above and your disposal is still unresponsive, it may have burned out or suffered internal damage. Garbage disposals don’t last forever—most have a lifespan of 8-15 years, depending on usage.
✅ Fix It
If your disposal is old or frequently breaks down, it might be time for a replacement. T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair can help install a new one and get your kitchen back to running smoothly!
When to Call a Professional 336-350-7004
If you’ve tried resetting, flipping the switch, checking the breaker, and clearing jams—but the disposal still won’t turn on—it’s time to call in the experts.
✅ Need help with your garbage disposal? Call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair today! We’ll diagnose the issue, fix it fast, and help keep your kitchen running smoothly. 🚀✨
Click to schedule a Garbage Disposal RepaIr 24/7
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