
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.
- Unplug the disposal for safety.
- Use a 1/4” Allen wrench.
- Insert it into the small hex hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal.
- Turn it back and forth a few times to free up any jammed debris.
- 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.
- Turn off power before removing any object.
- Use tongs or pliers—never your hands—to reach inside and remove any visible items like utensils.
- Once clear, run cold water and test the disposal.
✅ Action Steps
- Follow the quick checklist above to see if you can resolve the issue.
- If that solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.
- Otherwise, a Patterson Company new home professional will reach out shortly with the next steps to address your Customer Service Request.