Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes First
A jammed or non-working garbage disposal can be frustrating, but the good news is that most minor issues are easy to fix yourself. Before calling for maintenance, there are a couple of simple things you can try that often get things working again—no plumbing skills required.
Here’s a quick guide to safely checking and resetting your garbage disposal.
1. Make Sure the Power’s Off
Safety first. Before you do anything:
- Turn off the disposal switch under the sink or on the wall.
- Never put your hand inside the disposal—even if it’s turned off.
If you're not 100% sure it's off, unplug the disposal from the outlet under the sink to be extra safe.
2. Check for a Reset Button
Most disposals have a small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit (you may need to crouch or feel around for it).
- If the button is popped out, press it back in firmly.
- Wait a few seconds, then try turning the disposal back on using the wall switch.
Sometimes, this is all it takes to get it working again.
3. Use the Allen Wrench Slot to Manually Clear the Blades
If the reset doesn’t help and you hear a humming noise (or nothing at all), the blades may be jammed. Most disposals come with a small Allen (hex) wrench—usually found under the sink or with your maintenance supplies.
Here’s how to use it:
- Insert the Allen wrench into the small hex-shaped hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal.
- Turn it back and forth a few times. You might feel some resistance at first—this helps loosen whatever’s causing the jam.
- Once it turns freely, remove the wrench, restore power, and try the switch again.
This process safely frees the blades without reaching into the disposal.
4. Still Not Working? Time to Call Us
If these steps don’t fix the issue—or if you’re not comfortable trying them—don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for.
Submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal, or contact us directly:
📞 703-537-3340
📧 hello@mcepm.com
🚨 After-hours emergencies: 703-537-3332
We’ll take care of it as soon as possible.
A Few Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
To avoid future clogs and jams, keep these quick tips in mind:
✅ DO:
- Run cold water while using the disposal
- Let water run for 10–15 seconds after grinding
🚫 DON’T:
- Put grease, eggshells, pasta, or fibrous veggies (like celery) down the disposal
- Overload it with large amounts of food at once
Let us know if you need help or have any questions—it's always better to ask than to guess when it comes to appliances.
