Garbage disposal hums or won’t turn on

Start with what the disposal does when you flip the switch. Turn it off (and unplug it if it plugs in under the sink) before you touch anything, and never put your hand inside.

• Hums but won’t spin: something is jamming it. Free it with the hex wrench in the hole underneath, then press the red reset button.
• Silent: press the reset button, then check the breaker and the switched outlet under the sink, which is often on a GFCI.
• Runs, but the sink drains slowly: the clog is below the disposal.

Our guide garbage disposal humming or not working? has each step in order. Repair videos are on Fix a garbage disposal, and if the unit is dead, Replace a garbage disposal.