What the symptom means

It hums but does not turn
Something is jammed between the impeller and the ring. Cut the power first, then the plumber frees it and checks the motor for damage.
Nothing happens at all
The unit has tripped its reset button, or power is not reaching it. Reset first, then look at the switch and the circuit.
It runs but the sink backs up
The clog is in the trap or the line past it, not in the disposal. Clearing the drain is the job.
Water under the cabinet
A leak at the sink flange, the dishwasher inlet or the body of the unit. A leak from the body means replacement.
It is loud and rattles
Often a lost spoon or a bottle cap. Sometimes worn mounting hardware that lets the unit move.

Repair or replace

Jams, reset trips and leaks at the flange or the dishwasher connection are repairs. A leak through the body of the unit, a seized motor or a unit past its warranty with a failed bearing are replacements, and a new disposal is often close in cost to a long repair.

If you are replacing, this is the moment to think about horsepower and noise. A unit sized for the household does the work in fewer seconds, and the quiet models are a noticeable difference in an open kitchen.

What not to put down it

The drain line behind the disposal does not care how strong the motor is.

  • Grease and cooking oil, which set hard a few feet into the line
  • Coffee grounds, which pack together like wet sand
  • Fibrous scraps such as celery, corn husks and artichoke
  • Rice and pasta, which keep swelling after they go down
  • Egg shells, which grind to a paste that sticks to grease
  • Bones, fruit pits and anything metal

Run cold water before, during and after. Cold keeps fats firm so they leave the house instead of coating the pipe.

Common questions

Where is the reset button?

On the underside of the unit, a small red button on most models. Press it once, then try the switch. If it trips again straight away, stop and book a visit.

Can I use a chemical drain cleaner on a disposal?

It is a bad idea. Those products sit against seals and metal, and the caustic liquid stays in the chamber. Book a plumber to clear the line instead.

Can the plumber fit a disposal I bought?

Yes. Have it on site with the mounting hardware. Mention the dishwasher connection and whether the unit needs a plug or hard wiring.

Does a disposal need its own circuit?

It needs adequate power and a switch that meets code. The plumber will say when the wiring needs an electrician before the install goes ahead.