Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

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Garbage Disposal Not Working?

Whether it’s not turning on, making a humming noise, or draining slowly, most common issues can be fixed quickly—no tools or service request needed.

Here’s what to check before calling for help:

💧 Simple Rules for Daily Use:

Disposals need running water to grind food properly and flush it through the drain.

Best practice:

  • Run cold water for 10–15 seconds before and after using the disposal.
  • Avoid putting in grease, oil, coffee grounds, bones, or fibrous foods like celery and corn husks.
  • If it wouldn’t easily break down in a blender, it probably doesn’t belong in the disposal.

🔋 Make Sure It’s Getting Power:

  • First, make sure you have tried to turn it on using the on/off switch inside the cabinet.
  • Look under the sink and confirm the disposal is plugged into the outlet.
  • If it is, press the reset button (usually red) on the bottom or side of the unit. It may have been tripped during use.
  • Still not working? Check your breaker panel to see if the kitchen circuit has tripped.

* You can also refer to our blogs “Resetting GFCI Outlets” and “Resetting Circuit Breakers” for more information.

🔨 Clear Jam with an Allen Wrench

Warning Sign: If it’s humming but not spinning, or it stopped mid-use.

  1. Unplug the disposal for safety.
  2. Use a 1/4” Allen wrench.
  3. Insert it into the small hex hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal.
  4. Turn it back and forth a few times to free up any jammed debris.
  5. Plug it back in, press the reset button, and test it.

* You may hear a pop or feel resistance break free—this usually means you’ve dislodged whatever was stuck.

🚩 Safely Remove a Stuck Object

There might be a slight humming sound or slow drainage when something is stuck in the disposal.

  1. Turn off power before removing any object.
  2. Use tongs or pliers—never your hands—to reach inside and remove any visible items like utensils.
  3. Once clear, run cold water and test the disposal.

✅ Action Steps

  1. Follow the quick checklist above to see if you can resolve the issue.
  2. If that solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.
  3. Otherwise, a Patterson Company new home professional will reach out shortly with the next steps to address your Customer Service Request.