Why is My Garbage Disposal Not Working?

No Power at All

If nothing happens when you flip the switch—no sound, no movement—the issue may be electrical. Start here:

• Make sure the disposal is plugged in.
• Check your home’s breaker box to see if the circuit has tripped.
• Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit.

It’s surprising how often we respond to calls around Tonawanda only to find the plug came loose during routine cleaning. Quick checks like these can save you time and stress.

A Humming Sound But No Grinding

A humming noise without movement usually means the flywheel is stuck. This can happen if something hard—like a spoon, bone, or peach pit—gets lodged inside.

• Turn off the power at the breaker before touching anything.
• Use a hex wrench in the bottom port to gently rotate the flywheel and free the jam.
• Never stick your hand down the disposal, even if the unit is off.

We often help customers in Amherst and Niagara Falls who’ve accidentally dropped small items into the unit—measuring spoons, bottle caps, or even dish fragments. If you hear a hum, stop using the disposal until the jam is cleared to avoid motor damage.

Slow Draining or Water Backing Up

Your disposal might still turn on, but water drains slowly—or not at all. That usually means a blockage in the drain line. Common causes include:

• Grease and fat solidifying in the pipes
• Pasta or rice swelling and clogging the trap
• Coffee grounds or fibrous peels that cling to the pipe walls

It’s easy to assume the problem is in the disposal itself, but in many Buffalo homes we service, the real culprit is a buildup in the adjacent plumbing. We’ll often follow up disposal service with Drain Cleaning to keep everything flowing properly.

Leaks or Strange Noises

If your disposal is leaking or making loud, unusual sounds:

• Check for loose connections at the mounting flange or dishwasher hose.
• Look under the sink for signs of dripping or corrosion.
• Grinding, metal-on-metal sounds can mean something is broken or misaligned inside the unit.

We’ve seen cracked housings from units that are 10+ years old and even misaligned blades causing long-term noise and wear. If your disposal sounds different than usual, don’t ignore it—it can be a sign that repair or replacement is needed soon.

What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber

There are a few safe, simple steps you can take on your own before scheduling service:

• Turn off power at the breaker or unplug the disposal.
• Press the reset button underneath the unit.
• Check if the power cord is properly plugged in.
• Use a 1/4" Allen wrench to rotate the flywheel from below.
• Run cold water while turning the unit back on to flush away debris.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing any of these steps, don’t worry. Our licensed plumbers serve Tonawanda, Buffalo, and beyond—and we’re happy to handle the dirty work for you.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Not every garbage disposal is worth fixing. Some problems point to a larger issue or aging equipment. Consider replacement if:

• Your unit is more than 10 years old
• It leaks from the body or has visible cracks
• The motor frequently overheats or trips the breaker
• Repairs cost more than half the price of a new unit

We typically recommend InSinkErator models for their reliability and performance. Our team handles the full replacement process:

• Removal and haul-away of the old unit
• Inspection of existing plumbing and electric
• New disposal installation to current plumbing code
• Test run and cleanup

If you’re thinking about upgrading, check out our Garbage Disposal Installation Services to see what’s involved

How to Avoid Future Disposal Problems

Once your garbage disposal is back in working order, a few smart habits will help keep it that way:

• Always use cold water while the unit is running. Hot water can melt fats that later solidify and clog the drain.
• Avoid putting in:
• Bones or shells
• Coffee grounds
• Grease, oil, or fat
• Fibrous veggies like celery, corn husks, or onion skins
• Rice, pasta, or potato peels
• Clean the unit weekly using cold water and a few drops of dish soap.
• Freshen the unit with ice cubes and lemon peels once a month.

Don’t Wait—Call the Local Pros Who Care

A broken garbage disposal doesn’t have to derail your day. At Frank’s Mr. Plumber, we help homeowners across Tonawanda, Amherst, Orchard Park, and the greater Buffalo area with fast, honest plumbing service. We’ve been doing this for over 40 years, and we still treat every call like it’s the most important one of the day.

Whether your disposal won’t turn on, won’t drain, or just sounds like it’s on its last leg, we’re here for you.

Contact us as soon as you need. We’ll be there with a solution that’s done right the first time.