Garbage Disposal Wont Turn Off (Why & Fixing)

Having a garbage disposal wont turn off can be extremely frustrating, especially when it’s stuck on and running constantly.

Garbage disposals are essential kitchen appliances, used to break down food waste and help make cleanup easier. But when yours won’t turn off, it can be a nightmare.

Fortunately, you don’t have to call an expensive repair person right away; there are several ways to troubleshoot the problem yourself that may get your disposed working again in no time.

Why Garbage Disposal Wont Turn Off

Garbage disposals are a handy kitchen tool. They make it easy to get rid of food waste. But, sometimes they won’t turn off. Here are some reasons why:

1. Electrical issue

The most common cause of this problem is due to improper wiring or installation.

If the switch installed inside the wall has become loose or disconnected from its electrical source, then it will not power the motor properly and will not turn off when expected.

In addition, worn-out wires in the switch could be preventing current from flowing freely and enabling the motor to continue running after being switched off.

2. Jammed or stuck

In most cases, a jammed or stuck garbage disposal can be fixed without calling a plumber.

The first step is to identify the cause of the problem and then take appropriate action. For instance, if the disposal blades are jammed with food scraps, objects like forks, or other hard items that have been put down the sink drain, these need to be removed before anything else can happen.

In some cases, simply unplugging and re-plugging the power cord may reset the system and allow it to operate normally again.

You can also use this shower drain cover types for replacement to protect your other drain.

3. Faulty or broken parts

When a garbage disposal stops working, it is usually due to something simple like an improperly installed power cord, a faulty switch, or a worn out motor.

Other times, however, it can be because of more serious issues such as clogs in the drain line or even loose connections between components. Whatever the cause may be, understanding how all these things work together is essential for troubleshooting and fixing the problem.

The first step in diagnosing why your garbage disposal won’t turn off is to check if it has been plugged in correctly and the switch is not damaged.

4. Tripped circuit breaker

Tripped circuit breaker can be frustrating to troubleshoot, particularly when it is unclear why the garbage disposal won’t turn off.

A tripped breaker is caused by a sudden surge of electricity that overwhelms the wiring in your home, and can happen for a variety of reasons.

If you suspect that your circuit breaker has been tripped due to your garbage disposal not shutting off, it is important to take immediate action as this could pose a serious fire hazard.

How to fix Garbage Disposal Wont Turn Off

If your kitchen drain isn’t functioning, it could be due to various causes. Often, something is caught in the blades: food particles, grease, or items like bottle caps or string.

This can jam the motor and prevent it from turning off. Here are a few methods to get it running again:

1. Turn off power

Start by turning off the power to the unit at its breaker in the circuit box. It’s important to make sure that no electricity is going to the unit or you could get shocked or cause further damage.

2. Remove debris

First and foremost, check for debris that may have gotten stuck in the blades of your garbage disposal.

To remove the debris, use pliers to carefully dislodge whatever is blocking its movement. Once the clog has been cleared away, re-test your garbage disposal to determine if this was indeed the source of the problem.

3. Reset the disposal

Once unplugged, use a flat-head screwdriver or an Allen wrench to manually rotate the flywheel mounted inside the garbage disposal. This will help break any stuck material such as food particles that could be blocking its rotation.

Next, insert an Allen key into one of three holes located at bottom of your garbage disposer unit and rotate it clockwise until you hear a click sound.

4. Check the Switch & Wiring

Inspect the switch first – this is located at the bottom of the unit near the power cord. Make sure all parts look secure, including wire connections and switches.

If anything looks loose or broken, replace them with new ones from your local home improvement store.

In addition to checking for physical damage, make sure that nothing has been lodged inside the switch which could cause it not to operate properly.

5. Inspect the motor

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, there may be an issue with the motor.

The first step is to inspect the motor of your disposal unit. Check for any loose wires, as these could be causing a short circuit which keeps the motor running even after you’ve flipped the switch off.

If all wiring appears secure, check if there is an overload protector installed on your disposal unit – this could be tripped due to too much strain being placed on it while in use and will need resetting before normal operation resumes.

Inspect the motor and look for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replace the motor or other internal parts.

What is Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?

Insinkerator garbage disposals are one of the most popular and reliable options for getting rid of food waste in the kitchen.

An Insinkerator is a device that fits beneath your kitchen sink and grinds up excess food waste into tiny pieces, making it easier to dispose of without clogging pipes or septic tanks.

It not only makes disposing of food scraps more convenient, but it can also help reduce the amount of organic material entering landfills.

Many models feature stainless steel construction for durability, while others offer noise reduction technology so you won’t disturb people in other rooms.

Some models even feature multi-stage grinding systems that break down tough food wastes like bones or fruit pits into smaller pieces for quicker grinding and less time spent dealing with disposal issues.

How does the air switch work on an Insinkerator?

Insinkerator garbage disposals use an air switch. It’s connected to the motor and motor housing. Safety-wise, you can use the button to turn off the disposer. Pressing the button disconnects power to the disposer.

The air switch has a dual-outlet button. It creates an airtight seal around two copper tubes. Inside is an adjustable diaphragm. One tube is connected to the power source. The other tube leads back to the wall-mounted control switch near the disposal.

Depressing either side of the button causes small fans to push air in or out of the tubes. This moves the adjustable diaphragm.

It contacts one of two electrical contacts. This connects or disconnects power from either side. In the end, your garbage disposal turns off for safety!

Why Insinkerator air switch won’t turn off?

The Insinkerator air switch is great for getting rid of food waste. However, it may not turn off automatically at times. This can be due to various reasons.

1. Faulty switch mechanism

The most likely cause is a broken or faulty switch mechanism. This consists of the main power button and the secondary housing unit.

In this unit, there is a spring mechanism which engages when the power button is pressed. If this is faulty, the switch will stay in the “on” state despite being switched off manually. A visual inspection or using a multimeter can help to identify any damage.

2. Blockage in the drain line

Another potential cause could be a blockage in the drain line. If your Insinkerator is connected to a household drain line, check if there are any blockages. Small debris may need cleaning out from time to time. Flushing hot water down the drain can help to keep it clear.

3. Electrical problems

Sometimes, electrical problems like shorts or overloads can also cause an Insinkerator to not function properly. An electrician should inspect the wiring and connections to identify any issues before re-installing the air switch.

Fixing Insinkerator air switch won’t turn off

Your Insinkerator air switch not turning off? It could be a faulty air switch, a disconnected safety guard, or clogged internal parts.

Those are easy to fix though. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Check power cord connection and make sure it’s plugged in well;
Remove the insulated plate on the switch;
Check the safety guard for gaps or disconnection and make sure it’s secure;
Stick a flashlight in the drain slot and tap the exterior body;
If you see any build-ups or clogs in the blades (DON’T remove them yourself – call a pro!), get them removed;
Double check that everything is connected correctly; if not, talk to a Waste King or InSinkErator specialist.

Fixing batch feed garbage disposal won’t turn off

A batch feed garbage disposal is a type of waste disposal unit. It only works when the lid is pressed and held down over the top. This offers improved safety, and reduces noise. But, sometimes it won’t turn off after installation.

Here are some tips to fix it:

Check the electrical outlet by plugging in another device. Reset or replace the GFCI if power isn’t getting through.
Check for stuck buttons/switches and disconnect power before manipulating them. Empty out debris from the unit by turning it upside down.
Look for misalignment in the parts of your unit, and reattach any installed pieces with screws and bolts.
It could be an issue with the motor or wiring. If so, call an electrician familiar with waste disposers.

Fixing Garbage Disposal Not Working no sound

If your garbage disposal isn’t turning off, you may have a connection issue. It’s possible that the power cord or the wall socket has a loose connection. Try unplugging and re-plugging the cord to fix the issue.

If that doesn’t work, check for a stuck object inside the disposer. Turn off the circuit breaker and unscrew and remove any objects. Also inspect under the sink. Once the obstructions are gone, plug it back in and turn on the circuit breaker.

If there’s no sound coming from the unit when it’s on, there may be an electrical or mechanical problem. In this case, you need a qualified professional service personnel with test equipment like a voltage tester or an oscilloscope. They can diagnose the motor assembly and determine what kind of repair job needs to be done.

Garbage Disposal Start Switch Replacement

If your garbage disposal won’t turn off, it’s likely a worn-out or broken switch. It could be electrical though, and need more work.

To replace the switch:

Unplug the disposal from the wall.
Remove the screws that hold down the cover plate. Lift away the plate and other covers to expose the motor and wiring.
Find the rod that connects to the switch. Pry out the white gasket. Disconnect the wire nut that connects the power cord.
Buy a disposer/mounting hardware kit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Get a plastic mounting bracket with screws and washers. Get a gasket for sealing the power cord. Use silver and plastic instead of stainless steel. Follow the NFPA 70: Art 7 Electrical Code thirteenth edition.

Where is garbage disposal reset button?

The reset button of a garbage disposer is usually placed on its bottom or side.

It could also be behind a plate that is near the center of the unit.

To reset, find a red and/or black triangle-shaped button on its underside. If no reset button, check if there is a power cord. If not plugged in, plug it and try turning it on.

If unable to locate a button, or if it does not work, use an owner’s manual or contact a plumbing expert. Safety is important when working with electricity and water, so call an expert whenever possible!

How long does InSinkErator last?

InSinkErator, a top garbage disposal maker, claims their products have a 12-15 year life span. This may vary based on usage and care.

To get the longest life, it’s important to install it properly. Plus, maintain it and use it for less than two minutes each time. Power surges can decrease the life span.

How do I know if my InSinkErator is Broken?

If your InSinkErator garbage disposal won’t turn off, it might be because of a few causes. If the reset doesn’t work, 3 main reasons are: motor overload, broken switch, or stuck flywheel.

To check for motor overload, first look at the breaker box. If the power is off, manually reset the appliance with a wrench. If it still won’t turn off, you may need to replace your motor.
If the above steps don’t work, check for a broken switch or stuck flywheel.

Make sure the switch is securely switched on and all connections are intact. Clear away any debris in front of the wheel. If the InSinkErator still runs when switched off, professional repair or replacement is needed.