A garbage disposal that won't turn on, hums without spinning, leaks, or smells terrible is one of the most common kitchen plumbing headaches. The good news: many disposal problems have simple fixes you can try yourself before calling a plumber. Here's how to diagnose what's going on.
Garbage Disposal Won't Turn On (No Sound at All)
If you flip the switch and hear absolutely nothing — no hum, no buzz — it's an electrical issue, not a jam:
- Hit the reset button — There's a small red button on the bottom of the disposal unit. If the motor overheated, it tripped. Push it in and try again.
- Check the breaker — A tripped breaker or GFCI outlet is a common culprit. Reset it.
- Check the outlet — Many disposals plug into an outlet under the sink. Make sure it's plugged in and the outlet has power.
Garbage Disposal Hums But Won't Spin
A humming sound means power is reaching the motor, but something is jamming the blades. Turn the disposal off immediately — running it while jammed burns out the motor.
Turn off the disposal and the power
Switch it off and unplug it or flip the breaker. Never put your hand in a disposal that has power.
Use the hex wrench
Most disposals come with a small Allen/hex wrench. Insert it into the hole on the bottom center of the unit and turn back and forth to manually free the jam.
Check for objects
With power still off, shine a flashlight inside. Use pliers (never your hand) to remove any bones, utensils, or debris stuck in the blades.
Restore power and reset
Plug it back in, press the reset button, run cold water, and test.
Garbage Disposal Is Leaking
Leaks are more serious and usually need professional attention. The leak location tells the story: from the top (sink flange seal), the side (dishwasher or drain connection), or the bottom (a failed internal seal, meaning the unit usually needs replacement). A leaking disposal can cause cabinet and floor damage, so don't let it sit.
Disposal Smells Bad
Odors come from food debris trapped inside. Run cold water with ice cubes and a handful of salt to scour the chamber, then grind citrus peels for a fresh scent. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can damage the unit and your pipes.
What not to put down a disposal: grease and oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks), pasta and rice (they expand), bones, and fruit pits. In Las Vegas, grease is an especially bad idea — it solidifies and combines with hard water scale to create stubborn clogs.
When to Call a Plumber
Call a professional if the disposal leaks from the bottom, trips the breaker repeatedly, makes grinding metal sounds after clearing jams, or simply won't run after you've tried the reset and hex wrench. Smith's can repair or replace your disposal same-day, often in under an hour.
Garbage Disposal Problems? Call Smith's.
Smith's Plumbing handles it right — clean, fast, and with upfront pricing. Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and the entire valley.
📞 Call (702) 664-9680Open 7am–7pm · 7 Days a Week · NV License #0093407
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?
A hum means power is reaching the motor but the blades are jammed. Turn it off immediately, then use the hex wrench in the bottom center hole to free the jam manually. Running it while jammed will burn out the motor.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
It's a small red (sometimes black) button on the bottom of the disposal unit. If the motor overheats or overloads, it trips. Push it back in and try the disposal again.
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal in Las Vegas?
Disposal replacement is typically an affordable same-day job. The cost depends on the unit you choose. Smith's provides an upfront quote that includes the unit and installation before any work begins.
What should I never put in my garbage disposal?
Avoid grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables, pasta, rice, bones, and fruit pits. In Las Vegas, grease is especially problematic because it combines with hard water scale to create stubborn clogs.