If your garbage disposal has stopped working, it’s most likely jammed or overheated.

IMPORTANT: Before you start any troubleshooting, turn off the switch and turn off circuit breakers to the unit.  

Jammed Disposal

A telltale sign of a jammed garbage disposal is when it makes a humming sound but isn’t working. It’s very important to resist any temptation to put your hand in the drain to clean the jam. To clear the jam, use the hex key/Allen wrench that is attached to the unit.

Overheated Disposal

When a disposal overheats, a protective feature kicks in that turns off the disposal to prevent damage. A good indicator of an overheated disposal is when you try to turn it on and nothing happens. The breaker, a red button, on the bottom of the garbage disposal may need to be reset.  

For troubleshooting steps to get your garbage disposal working again, click here: How to Free a Jammed Garbage Disposal.