WiremanWireman · Dishwasher or disposal won’t run: troubleshooting for electricians · 2023 NEC ·
Dishwasher or disposal won’t run
The disposal’s reset and jam, GFCI and breakers, then power at the outlet or box.
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How it works
A disposal is usually controlled by a wall switch and often plugs into a receptacle under the sink. It has a thermal overload with a red reset button on the bottom, and a hex socket in the bottom center for freeing jams. A dishwasher won’t start unless its door latch switch makes contact. Both are on GFCI protection in many kitchens, so a tripped GFCI, sometimes at another receptacle or the breaker, is a common cause.
Every question and answer in this guide. Tap “Step by step” to walk through it.
- What’s happening?
- Disposal hums, doesn’t spinJammed disposal
- Disposal dead silentSwitch the disposal off, then press the red reset button on its bottom. Does it click, and does it run now?
- Clicked, runs nowThe disposal’s overload had tripped
- No changeCheck for a tripped GFCI receptacle (kitchen counter, under the sink) or a GFCI breaker, and the circuit breaker. Anything tripped?
- Yes, reset it and it worksA tripped GFCI or breaker
- It trips again right awayA ground fault in the appliance or its wiring
- Nothing is trippedTest: Check for power at the applianceExpect: About 120 V.
- About 120 VThe appliance has failed
- 0 VNo power reaching the appliance
- Dishwasher completely deadCheck for a tripped GFCI receptacle (kitchen counter, under the sink) or a GFCI breaker, and the circuit breaker. Anything tripped?
- Yes, reset it and it worksA tripped GFCI or breaker
- It trips again right awayA ground fault in the appliance or its wiring
- Nothing is trippedTest: Check for power at the applianceExpect: About 120 V.
- About 120 VThe appliance has failed
- 0 VNo power reaching the appliance
- Dishwasher has lights, won’t startDoor latch or control