How to Fix Under the Sink Garbage Disposals

Turn on the switch. If your garbage disposal makes a loud whirring noise or stops, it is most likely jammed. Turn the disposal off and wait for five minutes.

Locate the reset button, which is typically on the bottom side of the disposal's motor unit, and press it. If there is not a button, then the five-minute waiting period should be sufficient for the automatic reset to activate.

Check the motor housing for a small crank or socket. If the crank or socket is available, turn it to move the flywheel and impeller blade. If a socket is present, you will need a hex-head wrench to turn the flywheel. Once the clog is dislodged, press the reset button again, wait five minutes and attempt to activate the disposal again.

Insert a broom handle through the sink drain with the disposal turned off. Angle the broom handle against the impeller blade and move it back and forth until the jam is dislodged. Press the reset button again, wait five minutes and attempt to activate the disposal again.

If the sink is clogged, thread a drain-and-trap auger (snake) down the side of the sink without a disposal to dislodge the clog. If the sink is a single-bowl sink with a disposer, disassemble the trap prior to threading the snake down the drainpipe. Once dislodged, attempt to activate the disposal again and check the functioning.