A dead garbage disposal is one of the most common calls we get in Cape Coral — and one of the most misunderstood. Some problems take thirty seconds to fix yourself. Others mean it's time for a new unit. Here's how to tell the difference.
Quick Fixes Worth Trying First
🔴 Press the Reset Button
Most disposals have a small red reset button on the underside of the unit. If the motor overheated, this alone often fixes it.
🔧 Clear a Jam With the Allen Wrench
Most units include a hex-hole on the bottom for a manual crank to free a jammed flywheel. Never put your hand inside the disposal.
🔌 Check the Power
Confirm it's plugged in and check the breaker — disposals are common victims of a tripped GFCI outlet under the sink.
Signs It's Time to Replace, Not Repair
- The unit hums but the blades won't spin (motor failure)
- Leaking from the bottom of the unit — usually a cracked housing, not fixable
- Needs the reset button pressed on a weekly basis
- The unit is 8-12+ years old and increasingly loud or slow
- Persistent odors that cleaning won't resolve
If you're seeing any of these, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repeated repair calls — and takes under an hour for us to install same-day.