Flip the switch, hear the hum, nothing happens — garbage disposals fail in predictable ways, and most failures are 15-minute fixes, not replacements. When replacement is needed, installed costs run $200–$600. This section covers the troubleshooting sequence that solves 80% of dead disposals, what the different horsepower ratings actually mean, and installation costs with real 2026 numbers.
The reset button first
The little red reset button on the bottom of the unit plus the hex-key jam wrench solve the large majority of "dead disposal" calls. Our troubleshooting guide runs the full sequence before you spend a dollar.
Horsepower honesty
1/3 HP suits light use; 1/2 HP is the sweet spot for most families; 3/4–1 HP is for heavy use and quieter operation. More power also means finer grinding and fewer jams — worth it if you cook daily.