How to fix a garbage disposal - No Power / Humming / Repair 

9-years later you’re still saving us. Thank you for the post!

Adam, it's 2018. Nearly 4 years ago you posted this video that was destined to help me 4 years later. Thanks for your tips! I didn't even watch the whole video. The first 3 tips (checking the breaker, using the wrench, and pressing the reset button) were enough to fix my problem. This may not seem like a big deal but it is. See, my husband's been in hospitals & rehabs for the last year and I've had to take over everything. Even though we have a home warranty it would cost me $100 to call for a repair. As of 10 minutes ago, with Gods help, I solved the problem for nothing! Thank you.

Videos like this are why the internet is an amazing thing. I know nothing about plumbing. Instead of paying for a plumber to “fix” or replace it, this video saved me as a new homeowner. Thank you so much!

Hey Adam, I usually don't take the time to write reviews, but I felt this was needed. I just want to say that I'm so glad that you took the time to explain this simple repair process. I was having the exact symptom take you went over in the video and after applying your simple methods, my garbage disposal was fixed in a matter of 5 minutes. It felt so good fixing it myself, and it saved me money as well. Thank you for taking the time to show us how to fix these home appliances ourselves, and save money in the process. Best regards and be blessed into 2023. Mike C.

Anyone making a tutorial video on anything should watch this one to see how it's done. So much info delivered with concise precision.

I am now one step closer to achieving my final form, dad

Hi 42 year old mom who just got her garage disposal working! Thank you for the help!!!😊

This is the best video EVER. I have never felt compelled to comment on a DIY video, but man. I was on the verge of calling the number on the garbage disposal when I watched your video. 15 minutes later, I had a working garbage disposal again. Magical. Thank you SO MUCH.

Man, you just made my day. Was tossing out some old moldy macaroni from the back of my fridge, and the disposal hummed for a second but never started spinning, then a moment later no sound. Was trying to think what to tell my landlord when I called them up tomorrow and asked them to send a plumber, and googled it to see how expensive a fix was probably going to be (I figured the motor fried on it or something). Half way through your video, and some awkward crawling around under the sink, and it's working fine now. Almost 7 years later and this video is still helping people. Thanks.

8 years later and this video is still helping people! Thanks, you got me up in running with a few twists of an allen wrench!

You’re a freaking hero. This is way out of my wheelhouse but your calming, encouraging, and clear tone gave me the courage to try it out. And it worked!! I made my husband’s day AND I learned how to use an Allen wrench. Thanks!

I have no idea how to thank you, Even 7 years later, still relevant and VERY helpful. You used a perfect camera and positions to show us to to fix it. I just love to ask us to give you million fold return to you for what you did for us. I wish the world had many of you! Thank you so much. God bless you!

Adam, I don’t know what to say. After watching your vid, I had one of those “I love RU-vid” moments. I accidentally let a shot glass get into disposal and my girlfriend was ready to murder me (quarantine doesn’t help haha). Anyway i did all your steps and finally fixed the problem. Dude, I know it doesn’t mean much coming from some stranger on RU-vid, but you saved my ass!!! Thank you a million times over for your help and uploading this. YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!

Adam thank you so much!!! My husband's salary took a hit during COVID-19 and I had already spent quite a bit of $ fixing my car, and the garage door, so I hesitated fixing the garage disposal until we developed a gnat problem. I have been praying to the LORD about which plumbing company to reach out to, since my elderly mother is with me, right now, and last night I sensed Him say go to RU-vid and fix it yourself. I was led to your video and while watching it over and over again while praying, I, with the LORD'S help, fixed my own garbage disposal. Amazing!!!! My husband was shocked and I feel empowered!!! Thank you Adam for sharing your knowledge. Sharing is caring! God bless!!

I just followed everything you did step-by-step and took apart the whole thing, and sure enough, something prevented it from spinning properly. Now it works perfectly. You're a lifesaver.

Wow, THANK YOU so much!! I am not a DIY person, but I just fixed my disposal by following your simple instructions. THANK YOU!! 🎉

Who needs apartment maintenance when you got RU-vid 😂

We're in quarantine with COVID-19, and I was concerned about having a plumber make a service call to fix a jammed garbage disposal, but I couldn't stand the thought of having to go without one for the next several weeks! I ended up having to take the whole thing apart, but I was able to find and remove the jam thanks to your video. I even managed to get it all back together with no leaks. Thank you so much!

Just followed each and every step, step by step, paused before continuing and doing exactly what you said. It worked perfectly, a dime was stuck in my garbage disposal and took it right out. Saved a good chunk of money. God Bless YOU

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! My property manager blamed me for messing up the disposal, yet it worked fine until they worked on my dishwasher 🤔 I tried all steps and once I pulled it down, found two screws lodged inside. Now it works again! Great video and super easy to follow

I fixed my disposal! Had left my non-functioning disposal alone after trying to clear blockages manually and then doing the allen wench thing to no effect. Then my sink started backing up (unsurprisingly) and something had to be done. Started on the unclog your sink video, then went this one when i couldn't find an obvious clog. Gave me the courage to take my disposal off! There was a lot of corrosion inside and I basically had to chip around the bottom rim to free the main rotating disk. Now it drains well, the disposal works, and everything is back together with no leaks! I suspect I'll need a new disposal soon due to the corrosion, but short term everything is working. And i have the confidence to install a replacement disposal now! Thanks very much, great video.

i’m a 16 year old boy who fix their moms garbage disposal because of you

Hi!! First time home buyer and I just fixed the issue! Or should I say you helped me fix the issue!! I had to remove and find that stuck object!! I appreciate the help and clear direction! 8 years later and this video is still a hit!!

I know this video is old but it’s the first one that popped up for me when i searched how to repair a garbage disposal. This made it easy for me. Found a coin lodged in it! Thank you!

Your last step saved me a trip to Lowe’s...there was tiny screw stuck in my disposal. I love my kids, I love my kids.

You, sir, are a scholar and a gentleman. Amazing video. Saved me a plumber visit, and made me feel satisfyingly handy after it started working again (turns out my mother dropped her wooden chopsticks in the sink, when she was at my house; nor harm, no foul, now thanks to you). Wish I could like this video 5 more times.

THANK YOU!! You just saved us so much time, money and hassle! We appreciate you taking the time out to explain this. Had it fixed in a matter of 10 minutes! Thank you again!!

This was the best tutorial out there to fix a disposal. Other videos only addressed the reset switch and the clean out on the bottom. I had broken pyrex in two different spots which was stopping the wheel inside from turning. Once I cleared the jam which was not easy and got the wheel spinning again, it was working better than it did before. The thorough cleaning may have helped too. Thank you for the in-depth look at troubleshooting a disposal. Saved me $80 and gave me a sense of satisfaction.

I just wanted to tell you thank you for making this video! I had that “uh oh”moment where my garbage disposal stopped working. I followed your instructions and was blown away by how easy it is to remove a disposal. I did your troubleshooting, then reconnected it, plugged it back in, turned on the switch & viola!!! It’s works now!! I’m so happy that I don’t have to buy a new garbage disposal! Thanks again! 😎😊

I never leave reviews! But my garbage disposal was not working and I saw how much a new one costs! Turns out, you're video has helped me out in the past and it's helped me out once again. Thank You so much for this step by step troubleshooting video.

Through the power of living, I have conquered the universe and repaired a garbage disposal

Thank you. I have little confidence in my DIY skills. However, your video was simple, clear, and very informative. I was dreading putting in a new disposal or paying someone to do it. Instead, I followed your steps and used the allen wrench to dislodge the item. Now the disposal works like a charm, and i didn't have to pay anybody.

New home owner here and this video helped me fix my disposal in under 20 minutes. Very high quality tutorial!

Thank you Adam, so far you are two for two with my garbage disposal problems. Hopefully I never have to get past your first two quick fixes, thank you!

I’m so glad you put this video together! I just fixed our jammed disposal without having to have anyone come out. My sink, dishes, and I thank you.

Thank you for this!! I was dreading telling my hubby I broke our disposal and now I'm excited that I figured it out myself! Well, with your help haha. Thanks again!!

Thanks Adam! Very helpful “how to”. The whole process for me took under 30 minutes, including clean up! It’s nice having “fixing a garbage disposal” in my repertoire of skills! 10/10

Great Job Adam. I took the garbage disposal apart to remove a plastic label from a loaf of bread. Your guidance helped and saved me $$$. AND I am not handy, so your straightforward and simple to follow instructions were perfect for me. Thank you!

I’m so glad you said to test the wall plug first. That is where my problem was…no power in the plug. Saved me headaches of having to take it apart when not needed. Thank you so much. No nonsense excellent video.

Thanks, Adam! It was the reset button after all, I could't see it because it was hidden underneath. You've saved me the cost of a plumber's call and boosted my self-confidence a bit. Of course I'll be checking out your other videos. Thumbs up!

Super helpful and featuring a very clear explanation. Love people who can explain things in such a concise way--no wasted time. Had to take my disposal apart to find the jam (which was a dime). I was able to open it up and close back w/ little effort thanks to your video. Bravo!

Thank you thank you for this video! I couldn't figure out what size Allen wrench I needed, but when I found it, it took less than 1 minute to fix. You save me the hassle of calling for maintenance for my apartment building. Thank you so much!

Thank you! My garbage disposal hasn't been working for a while, making it so I couldn't use my dishwasher without risking my sink overflowing, and the second trick fixed it! Saved me a ton of time and dealing with my useless apartment complex maintenance!

I’m a stay at home mom and my husband works very long hours. Our garbage disposal often has problems and this video has helped me to fix every single one of them. Thanks for explaining things well and making it easy for the user!

Thank you! I have "unstuck" many a disposal but for some reason this one I have kept jamming. Unplugged it, used the key to wrench it around, and followed your suggestion that something hard must be in there. Reached my hand in and found a very chewed up quarter! Works fine now!

Reset & Allen wrench done did it! Who'da'thunk? Mine sputtered to no noise whatsoever. Thought I was done for. Did steps 1 and 2; check power supply is functioning and press reset button. After reset (which it needed!), got the hum sound back, but not the grinding. Step 3 - nudge/nudge with the Allen wrench and got the churning/turning I was after! SOOO happy I didn't have to go beyond Step 3. Lucky, indeed! Thought FOR SURE my unit was just dead - but your simple fix has given it new life. Liked and subscribed! Thanks!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the video! This morning my garbage disposal "died". While my hubby went to the gym, I watched your video, tried the things you suggested (check power, check trip switch, pushed the red button on the bottom) - it started making humming noise, but still not working... Then I jiggled in the hole on the bottom with the wrench - viola, it's working! My hubby will be very proud of me!😁

Thank you man, only in the past year have I decided to stop hiring people to do small repairs. all it takes is a couple of repairmen who are just as educated as me, to convince me to find a brother like you to get me on the right track to repair the problem. Thank You Brother! 1minute repair=$150.00 saved!!!

Thank you for this video! Seriously! Was convinced my 17 year old disposal was done for...turns out there was a very small piece of plastic wedged between the wall and the spinning disc that had jammed it up. It required me taking apart most of it, but I wouldn't have known how to do it or what to look for without this video.

This is the best video. I had a plastic tablespoon measurement lodged under a blade. Took the disposal off the sink and fixed it in 10 minutes. Thank you so much!

Hi Adam, I just wanted to thank you so much for this video. My garbage disposal wasn't working for a couple months until I finally decided to check on RU-vid for some help! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It feels so great to save money and fix it myself!

You just saved me $400 dollars! Awesome video. I repaired it myself in less than 10 min.

You have saved me on two separate occasions sir, can't thank you enough for solid, straightforward advice!

Thank you! Of the many RU-vid DIY's I've watched over the years, this actually worked! I won't lie, getting the disposal back on wasn't the easiest but it worked! 😊

Hi Adam, I know this almost a decade after you posted this video but thank you so much. My husband and I are in an apartment and have been trying to find a solution for weeks. Though the reassembly was a little tricky we now have a functioning, not smelly garbage disposal. Thank you thank you thank you!

Wife now thinks I'm an appliance repairman so easy cheers

Bingo! I followed the process to the letter and it worked. I still have no idea what the heck the thing that jammed the garbage disposal up but now it's back to purring like a kitten. A kitten that will eat your hand... but a happy kitten all the same.

I followed your instructions and was able to get my disposal working. Thanks so much. I’m sure you saved me a $160 service call and time from work!😊

Thank you so much! My husband told me the disposal wasn’t working. He didn’t tell me he broke a Coffee mug that lodged under the blades. Your underneath wrench fix worked-yay! Since I have the flu, it was nice to have an easy fix to something 👍🏼👍🏼

It worked. Thank you. I was literally ordering another one and decided to check RU-vid before I checked out. I just hit the reset button and it works!!!

Thank you!! I thought this was going to be a daunting task and you made it super simple! I fixed my garbage disposal in 2 seconds. You were extremely informative and to the point! Thanks again!

I know you did this a long time ago, but your video is so clear (visually and explanation-wise), you're so calm--and I fixed it! Thank you so much!

Adam thanks for this I followed the check list of tests and now my disposal is working again. I appreciate you sharing this information. I was 2-mins from buying a new unit,

Thanks so much! I was able to fix my garbage disposal in less than 2 minutes of the video!👏🤗

Thank you so much, Adam, for taking the time to help us with this problem. You are so kind and should be commended for your helpfulness. God bless you, sir.

21 yr old gal here and I just used ur tutorial to unclog my families sink! Found a piece of metal lodged between the moving plate and success!!! Thank you so much for explaining it quick and straight to the point!

I figured I had a jam and looked inside to see a piece of plastic wedged. I couldn’t grip it with my short needle nose. I turned to RU-vid to figure how to manually turn the disposal. Your link was great. You took it step by step for most common issues and built upon it. I found the Allen wrench and a barely effort twist and pop it went. Plucked out the plastic and plugged the unit in and it purred like a kitten. Thanks!!

This helped me clear my disposal. I thought I was going to have to replace it. Turns out it was just jammed up. Super helpful, thanks for making this.

Many thanks, Adam. This was a no-brainier, and thanks for making it easy. I managed to fix mine by jiggling the blade from underneath with a wrench. Plumber had come in and attempted to charge $725 for an unnecessary replacement.

I used this video to help me not too long ago and I’m really thankful it exists because it saved me time and money for something so simple that I had no idea what to do. I followed the steps and it works!!! Thank you!!!!!!

Thanks!!! I just Fix my waste disposal just following this steps… my husband wanted to purchase a new one… and I said wait a minute let me check on RU-vid.. glad I did!!!!

This content is still helping people after 8 years. I just fixed my disposal with this content. Thank you!

Oh that feeling when a 1/4 turn of an Allen wrench saves you from calling a pro or buying a replacement! You are a steely-eyed missile man Adam. Cheers!

You are the man. You saved my day. I swear, the disposal unit was all working, and all of sudden, it stopped working. We have only 2 days before moving out and when it wasn't working. I thought I was gonna lose my brain. .😅😂😂I turned to Uncle RU-vid, and found your video and it was so easy to follow. So, thanks heaps. You receive one follower.

Very helpful - all in one video!! Thank you so much. I’m an 81 year old woman and I believe I can do this🙏🏼 Shalom

Sweet! Thank you so much Adam! I was able to fix my garbage disposal in about 2 minutes after watching your video. (And my kids said I wouldn't find a video on RU-vid that would help! Ha!)

Nice, I just fixed mine because of your info. Didn't even know I was capable, thank you a ton!!!!!

Adam! Thank you so much for this video. I am a feminine woman who did not grow up doing these kind of things. Default was to always call someone to come out to fix stuff, as needed. I decided I was tired of spending the money on something I can do myself. When my disposal was jammed and the usual stuff wasn’t working I googled how to fix a garbage disposal and found your video. I took the unit apart and was able to fix the issue. I’m thrilled to save money but more importantly prove to myself that I am absolutely capable of doing these kinds of things on my own. New fan and subscriber here. Again, thanks!!

Thank you very much for this video. You save me at least $250 calling a plumber. I tried all of the small steps and none worked and finally I had to pull out the garbage disposal and finally found a small screw, inside which was preventing it from spinning. Mentioning about the removing rubber part on top of the disposal was the key point for me to find the screw. Thank you again!

thanks put the allen key in the bottom twisted back and forth a few times. working perfectly. actually better than before it locked up. much appreciated

This video is perfect. I heard my family squacking upstairs and quickly clicked on the first video I found. This got straight to the points (10/10) and I was able to fix things before the blame game escalated any further. Peace has been regained, thank you. It was a can tab for anyone curious... Got jammed on the side.

A video from 8 years ago, saved my day! took me about 1 minute to solve my problem.Thank you so very much!

YAY. I got mine fixed. Thanks. The electric outlet was DEAD on top but bottom one with dishwasher plugged in worked. No blown fuse. Reset button did nothing so I found the hex wrench and three turns did it. Thank you so much for your easy to understand video. Once again I can say, I DID IT AND I DIDN'T NEED A MAN TO FIX IT.....well, except for your video.

Thanks to your video I was confident about diagnosing the problem without a handyman. And it all worked! Trickiest part was rebooking up the the disposal to the sink. It was a balancing act until I got one of my kids to help twist while I held in the right place. Thank you, Adam!

I thank you Adam. My wife told me the disposal wasn't working last night and I have been dreading calling a $120 per hr plumber. I just watch your video and fixed it in less than 30 mins.i took it apart like u did and not a single leak!!!!! Thanks again

Great video AdamDIY! You stepped me directly through the problem and less than 30 min later my disposal was fixed and I had a better understanding of how the unit functions. You saved me a $200 minimum house call, thank you!

Hitting the trip switch worked a treat! You just saved me from having to call my grumpy maintenance guy ever again in regards to this matter. A million thanks Sir, truly a helpful video indeed. Liked and subscribed.

Thank you so much. I thought it was broken your tips helped me thoroughly! Im a single mom and you're an angel☺

Dude this was awesome. I had the humming noise so knew I had power and the blade was jammed. Reset button did nothing but after 3 attempts making 5-6 turns with the Allen wrench it spun smooth & far quieter than it ever had. I wish everything in life had a 6 minute how to video. Thanks

Thank YOU Adam! It works! I did it with your help. I tried the trip switch first. That allowed the hum, & later I used the tool at the bottom and turned it a few times & that dislodged whatever was in there. Now it works again. 😊

Thank you for saving me money with this quick fix. All I had to do was use the wrench at the bottom of the unit to clear the debris and the disposal started working again.

This was so helpful! I had a soda can tab jamming my disposal up. I was able to fix it myself with the help of this video! THANK YOU!!!

Thank you for this video! I was able to fix my disposal on my own. The hardest part was trying to get the ring to hook back onto the bottom of the sink, but I eventually got it. 🙌🏼

Perfect video. Started my disposal, but it just made a noise without spinning and shutoff. Breaker didn’t trip, but the disposal trip switch did. I reset it and moved onto the Allen wrench step. Not sure what was in there, but the wrench dislodged whatever it was and it perked right up. Thanks for saving me a call to the plumber! 👍

I thought mine was dead for weeks. I figured I'd see if it was fixable. Thanks to you I got whatever dislodged. Greatly appreciated. Now I figure out how to fix my refrigerator.

Thank you, Adam! Can’t believe I disassembled and fixed my disposal. 🙌

Great video. Probably the easiest and quickest appliance in the house to switch out! That special wrench you used to turn the motor works great for attaching and removing the disposal. It fits perfectly in the slot and the angle of the wrench is by no accident. It's what it's made for.

You just saved me! I thought it was completely broken. Started looking up new ones on the internet. Sure enough it was a small plastic bottle cap that made it stop. Thank you!

You are a champ! All I needed was a nudge with a 1/4" allen wrench and my garbage disposal is working again! Thank you!

I’m a 48 year old woman and I just installed my new garbage disposal. Thank you