Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting: Jammed, Leaking, or Dead? Here's What to Do

A garbage disposal that suddenly stops working, leaks, or makes an awful grinding noise is annoying, but the fix isn't always a full replacement. Here's how to think through the most common problems.

It hums but won't spin

This almost always means it's jammed. Never reach into the disposal — most units have a small hex-key hole underneath for manually freeing the blades, or a reset button on the bottom that trips when the motor overheats.

It's completely silent, no hum at all

It's leaking

Leaks from the top usually mean a worn sink flange seal. Leaks from the bottom or side often mean the unit itself has a cracked housing — at that point, repair usually isn't cost-effective and replacement makes more sense.

It smells bad even after running it

Buildup on the underside of the splash guard is a common culprit. Running ice cubes and a bit of citrus peel through it can help, but a persistent smell can also mean debris trapped further down that needs a proper flush.

When it's time to just replace it

We handle garbage disposal installation and repair, including sizing a proper replacement unit for your kitchen.

Disposal acting up? Contact us and we'll diagnose it before you pay for a repair or replacement you don't need.