Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try This Genius Hack Before You Call a Plumber

If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, don’t panic—and don’t rush to call a plumber just yet. Sometimes, a quick DIY trick is all it takes to get things back on track. In this post, we’ll show you a clever, cost-free hack that could save you time, stress, and a pricey service call.

How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal That’s Stopped Working

Before grabbing your phone to schedule a professional visit, take a moment to assess the situation. Many common garbage disposal problems are caused by simple issues that can be easily resolved at home.

Step 1: Check for Power and Reset the Unit

Often, a garbage disposal that won’t turn on at all has simply tripped its internal circuit breaker. Here’s what to do:

Locate the small reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit (usually red or black).

Press the button firmly—if it was tripped, you’ll hear or feel a click.

Try switching the disposal on again.

If it works, congratulations! You’ve just fixed it without spending a dime.

Step 2: Try the Allen Wrench Hack (The Genius Fix!)

Still not working? Here’s the genius hack that could save your day:

Under your sink, in the center of the bottom of your garbage disposal, there’s a small hex-shaped hole.

Use a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (often provided with the unit or available at any hardware store).

Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth to manually loosen any jammed food or debris inside the blades.

This often frees up stuck components and resets the motor so it can run smoothly again. Once done, hit the reset button again and try turning it on.

Step 3: Look Inside (Safely!) for Visible Blockages

If the disposal still isn’t responding:

Turn off the power to the unit (unplug it or shut off the breaker).

Use tongs or pliers (never your hand!) to remove any visible objects causing blockages.

Restore power and try again.

When to Call a Plumber

If none of these steps solve the issue, or if your disposal frequently trips or jams, it may indicate a larger mechanical or electrical problem. That’s when it’s time to call in a professional.

Conclusion

A non-functioning Garbage disposal repair can be a real headache, but it doesn’t always require professional repair. By using simple troubleshooting steps like the reset button and the genius Allen wrench hack, you can often fix the problem yourself in just minutes. Save your money and feel like a home-repair hero with this easy DIY solution.