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How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

You probably don't think about the condition of your garbage disposal until it stops working. Of course, it's understandable because no one wants to deal…

May 05, 2026
How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

You probably don’t think about the condition of your garbage disposal until it stops working. Of course, it’s understandable because no one wants to deal with appliance problems. Unfortunately, your garbage disposal unit is not immune to damage. The appliance is susceptible to leaks, clogs, jams, slow operation, electrical issues, and more. If you’ve ever had to clean up after the garbage disposal has malfunctioned, you likely know how important this appliance is.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair

Need help with fixing your garbage disposal? Call the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We’ve been around for over 50 years and have built a stellar reputation for providing reliable garbage disposal services.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

As a homeowner, it is important to know how to troubleshoot and fix a garbage disposal unit when it stops working. This will help you prevent inconveniences and save money on repair costs. However, it’s important to know when to call a professional plumbing repair service for help. Let’s look at the common solutions to try when your garbage disposal is not working.

  • Ensure Your Disposal Is Properly Plugged In

The first step in diagnosing a malfunctioning garbage disposal is to double-check the electrical outlet and the plug to make sure they're secure. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it.

  • Try To Reset the Disposal

Locate the reset button, which is usually a small red button or lever located near the disposal's motor. Press and hold the button for about 15-20 seconds. This allows the disposal's thermal overload protection to cool down and reset.

  • Clear the Jammed Impeller or Flywheel

Use a disposal wrench to manually tu the impeller in a clockwise direction until the jam is cleared. Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the disposal.

  • Clear the Drainpipe If You Suspect a Clog or a Blockage

Is there a foul odor coming from the disposal or drain? Does the water drain slower than usual or not at all? These are indicators of a clogged kitchen sink disposal unit. Luckily, you can use a plumbing snake or auger to try to dislodge any obstructions in the drainpipe. If you're unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumbing service.

  • Tighten Loose Connections If There’s A Leak

Are there puddles or standing water near the base of the disposal? Is water dripping or seeping from undeeath the sink? These are signs of a leaking garbage disposal. Check the connections between the disposal, the drainpipe, and the water supply lines. If any connections are loose, tighten them securely with a wrench. For major leaks caused by broken components, you may need to hire a professional plumbing repair service to fix the unit.

  • Contact a Professional Plumber for Professional Garbage Disposal Repair

If the garbage disposal unit is still not working after you’ve tried the above steps, it's time to call a dependable plumbing service in Old Bridge Township for a diagnosis. The experts have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair more complex problems, such as a faulty motor or a damaged impeller.

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