How to Fix a Sink Garbage Disposal That’s Not Working

There are few kitchen inconveniences more frustrating than a clogged sink full of dirty dishwater and food scraps. When you flip the switch and hear nothing—or worse, a menacing hum—it can bring your post-dinner cleanup to a grinding halt.

In Canada, where many of us refer to these appliances as “garburators,” they are hardworking machines that we often take for granted until they stop functioning. Whether you are dealing with a jam, a leak, or a unit that simply won’t turn on, the good news is that many issues can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. However, before you dive in, it is vital to know why it failed to prevent it from happening again.

Here is your comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing a sink garbage disposal that is not working. Before you decide whether to repair or replace, it helps to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of owning one—our guide on the pros and cons of garbage disposals breaks it down clearly.

5 Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Is Not Working

Diagnosing the problem is half the battle. Most disposal issues fall into one of these five categories, and the quick checks below double as practical troubleshooting tips for any garbage disposal owner.

1. Won’t Turn On

If you flip the switch and absolutely nothing happens—no sound, no movement—you are likely dealing with an electrical interruption affecting your garbage disposal. If your disposal won’t turn on and the breaker keeps tripping, an electrical fault like a short circuit may be the real issue—not the motor itself. These electrical issues are often the simplest fix. It usually means the unit isn’t getting power due to a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or the unit’s internal overload protector having popped. If your unit is hardwired, the problem could also be at the wall switch or outlet connection under the sink.

2. Humming Sound

A humming or buzzing noise is a classic symptom of a jammed flywheel in a garbage disposal. The motor is receiving power and trying to spin, but something is physically stopping the blades from moving. This requires immediate attention; if you leave it humming for too long, the motor can overheat and burn out permanently, resulting in a broken garbage disposal.

3. Water Leak

Leaks can occur at three main points: the sink flange (where the unit connects to the sink), the dishwasher connection, or the bottom of the unit. Since disposals and dishwashers often share the same drain setup, this dishwasher troubleshooting guide can help if you suspect the backup is coming from the dishwasher line. Leaks from the top often just need tightening or fresh plumber’s putty. If you’re unsure where the water is coming from, take a minute to check for leaks around the mounting ring and drain connections while the faucet is running, because a loose fitting can make your garbage disposal look like the main problem. However, if water is dripping from the bottom of the housing, it usually indicates the internal seals have failed, meaning the unit likely needs replacement.

4. Inefficient Draining

If the motor is running but water is backing up or draining slowly, you might not have a broken disposal, but rather a clogged drain pipe downstream. Over time, food waste can build up in the “P-trap” (the curved pipe under the sink) or the discharge drainpipe, restricting flow even if the garbage disposal itself is chopping food correctly. Hard water can leave mineral buildup in kitchen plumbing over time, so it’s worth reviewing hard water solutions and tips if you notice frequent clogs or slow draining. In many cases, clearing the drain trap and checking the next section of pipe after the drain trap can restore normal flow.

5. Strange Odors

A working disposal should not smell. If yours is emitting foul odors, it is a sign that food particles are trapped inside the grinding chamber or drain line and are rotting. This often happens when users don’t run enough water during operation to fully flush the waste through the plumbing system, even if the garbage disposal seems to run fine.

Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Problems & Repair

Understanding the root cause of these failures can help you avoid future repairs. Here are two quick tips before you start: always cut power first, and don’t assume “running” means “working” for your garbage disposal. If you want a quick checklist of common garbage disposal problems, start with power, then jams, then flow.

Power Issues

Power surges or simply overheating from overworking the unit (like trying to grind too much at once) can trip the internal circuit breaker on the disposal or your home’s main electrical panel. If you suspect an electrical issue, always cut power at the breaker before inspecting anything under the sink that feeds your garbage disposal. If the breaker keeps tripping, a licensed electrician can test the circuit and the disposal wiring. When the reset button and breaker don’t solve it, you may need to test for a wiring problem—here’s how to find a short circuit in an appliance safely.

Jams and Clogs from Food

The most common culprits for jams are fibrous foods (like celery, corn husks, or potato peels) and starchy foods (like pasta or rice). Fibers can wrap around the blades, while starches expand with water and create a paste that slows everything down. In Canadian households, be mindful of “hard” food waste; things like beef bones or fruit pits are often too dense for standard residential garburators and can lead to repeat garbage disposal issues.

Improper Use & Types of Garbage to Avoid

Your disposal is not a trash can. Non-food items like twist ties, glass, plastic, or even seemingly harmless things like grease and oil can cause major headaches. Grease may pour down as a liquid, but it solidifies in your cold pipes, creating stubborn blockages that require professional snaking. Many units used in kitchens are continuous feed disposals, which means they can run while you add scraps—but that also makes it easier to overload them with continuous feed garbage disposals too quickly.

Worn-Out Motor & Parts

Like any appliance, disposals have a lifespan (typically 8–15 years). If the blades become dull, they won’t grind food finely enough, leading to clogs. If the motor weakens, it won’t have the torque to push waste through the pipes effectively, which is when garbage disposal repair becomes more likely. If you’re weighing DIY vs. service, the age of the unit and the leak location usually decide what makes sense for your garbage disposal.

How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal

If your unit is acting up, follow these five steps to get it back on track. These are simple, safe tips most homeowners can handle to protect a garbage disposal.

Safety Warning: Never put your hands inside the disposal, even if you think it is off. Always unplug the unit before inspecting the grinding chamber of your garbage disposal.

1. Check the Power Supply

Before disassembling anything, check the basics. Is the disposal plugged securely into the outlet under the sink? If it is hardwired, verify that the circuit breaker in your electrical panel hasn’t tripped. If you have a separate disposal wall switch, make sure it’s firmly on so power reaches your garbage disposal.

2. Press the Reset Button

Look under the sink at the very bottom of the disposal unit. You should see a small red button. If the unit overheated or jammed, this “overload protector” button will pop out. Press the reset button back in gently. If it clicks and stays in, try running the disposal again—this quick reset can solve a lot of no-power situations.

3. Inspect the Circuit Breaker

If the reset button stays in but the unit still won’t turn on, check your home’s main breaker panel. Look for a switch that is in the “trip” (middle) position or turned off. Flip it off and then back on to reset the circuit powering your garbage disposal.

4. Check for Obstructions

Unplug the unit or turn off the breaker to ensure there is zero power. Use a flashlight to look down into the sink drain. If you see an object (like a spoon or a large bone), use a pair of long-handled tongs or pliers to retrieve it. Do not use your fingers. Clearing the chamber helps your garbage disposal spin freely again.

5. Manually Rotate the Impellers to Free the Flywheel

If the unit hums but won’t spin, the flywheel is stuck. Most disposals come with a service wrench (a silver hex key/Allen wrench).

Look for a hexagonal hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal unit (under the sink).
Insert the hex wrench into the hole.
Work the wrench back and forth vigorously. This manual force is often enough to dislodge whatever is jamming the plates and the impellers.
Once it spins freely, remove the wrench, restore power, and press the reset button.

Tips on Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Prevention is always cheaper than repair to avoid common garbage disposal issues.

Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and for 20 seconds after grinding. Cold water keeps grease in a solid state so it can pass through the pipes; hot water melts it, allowing it to coat your pipes and cause clogs later that stress your garbage disposal. This habit also protects your[plumbing lines.
Clean with Ice: Once a month, drop a few ice cubes into the disposal and run it. The hard ice helps knock debris off the grinding blades.
Deodorize Safely: For smells, you can rinse the chamber with a little vinegar and plenty of water. Avoid relying on chemical drain cleaners, because harsh chemicals can damage parts and may not solve the real clog. If odors keep coming back, it may point to buildup deeper in the plumbing or farther down the [drain] line.
Fresh Scents: Grind citrus peels (lemon or orange) to naturally deodorize the chamber and clean the blades with the natural citric acid.
Check Local Bylaws: In many Canadian municipalities (such as Toronto and Ottawa), the installation of new garbage disposals is actually prohibited or strongly discouraged to protect municipal water treatment systems. If you live in these areas, you may need to focus on maintenance rather than replacement if your grandfathered unit fails.

When to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Sometimes, a repair isn’t worth the cost. If you’re on the fence about paying for service, here’s a simple breakdown of when it’s worth it to fix an appliance versus replacing it. You should consider replacement if your broken garbage disposal shows any of the signs below:

The unit is leaking from the bottom: This indicates a cracked internal seal, which cannot be repaired safely.
It is over 12 years old: Efficiency drops significantly after a decade.
Frequent clogging: If you have to reset it weekly, the motor is likely failing.
Severe rust: If you see visible corrosion on the unit body, it’s a flood risk waiting to happen.

When to Call a Professional for Garbage Disposal Repair Service

While many jams can be fixed with a hex wrench, some issues require an expert. You should call a professional if:

You are uncomfortable working with electricity.
There is a persistent leak that tightening won’t fix (a licensed plumber can confirm if it’s a failing seal or a loose connection).
The unit makes a loud metal-on-metal clanking sound (indicating loose internal components or broken motor).
You are planning a kitchen renovation and need to know if a disposal is permitted in your specific municipality.

If your home is located in New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver and need assistance, Solution Appliance is here to help. Whether you need a simple repair, a new installation, or to book a garbage disposal repair service visit for your home, our team brings over 15 years of expertise to you. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing with no hidden fees and offer a warranty on our repairs to give you peace of mind. Don’t let a broken garburator disrupt your kitchen routine—when in doubt, contact a qualified plumber for safe plumbing support.

If your garburator is still humming, leaking, or won’t turn on after these steps, it’s time to bring in a pro. Solution Appliance offers fast, honest appliance repair in New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver, so you can get back to a clean, working kitchen without the stress. Our technicians can diagnose electrical issues, clear stubborn clogs, and recommend repair vs. replacement based on what makes the most sense for your home and budget. Contact Solution Appliance today to book your appliance repair service and get your garbage disposal running smoothly again.