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Garbage disposal not working
A stuck disposal is often a quick reset. Here's what to do.
Before anything — check these
If any of these are true, stop and get professional help now:
- Burning smell
- Won't spin
- Leaks
Safe checks you can do
Tick what you've checked. Only do homeowner-safe actions.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripped reset button | high | Low | $0 |
| Jammed | high | Low | $0–$50 |
| Clogged drain | medium | Low | $50–$200 |
| Motor failure | low | High | $150–$400 |
Recommended next action
Reset the unit and clear a jam with the hex key. If it won't reset or smells, replace it or call a plumber.
Plan the fix
Once you know roughly what's wrong, size the job and get a cost range:
Kitchen Remodel Planner