How to Repair a Garbage Disposal That Won't Work

Make sure the garbage disposal is plugged in and the circuit breaker switch for the kitchen is on. If you do not hear any sound when you turn on the disposal, plug a different appliance into the electrical outlet to test the power. Call an electrician to inspect your home's wiring if this appliance does not work.

Press the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal and test it again. If this did not correct the problem, unplug the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker switch so you can safely troubleshoot the disposal unit itself.

Remove any food or utensils from the sink drain that may be obstructing the movement of the impeller. Locate the flywheel turning hole on the underside of the garbage disposal unit. Insert the Allen wrench that came with your garbage disposal and turn it slowly clockwise to move the impeller and clear out any debris. Purchase a replacement wrench at a hardware or plumbing store if you do not have the original.

Disconnect the disposal from the sink if you still cannot remove all of the obstructions. You may have to remove a metal collar before unscrewing the disposal. Remove the nuts that hold the extension pipe onto the bottom of the disposal before pulling the disposal unit out from under the sink. You should now be able to reach into the top of the disposal to clear out the remaining debris.

Replace the rubber gasket between the drain pipe and the garbage disposal if water is leaking out of the bottom of the unit. Replace the disposal unit if it is leaking from the top as this seal cannot be replaced separately.