Garbage disposal causes the lights in the kitchen to dim significantly when starting.

Safety warning: Electrical circuit evaluation should follow local codes; consult an electrician if unsure.

• Step 1 – Identify circuit loads: Determine what else is on the same circuit (lights, outlets, appliances). Heavy combined loads can cause dimming.
• Step 2 – Observe behavior: Brief, slight dimming at startup can be normal. Prolonged or severe dimming suggests an issue.
• Step 3 – Test disposal alone: Turn off other loads on the circuit and start the disposal. If dimming remains severe, the motor may be failing.
• Step 4 – Have wiring evaluated: An electrician can verify wire gauge, breaker size, and voltage drop. A dedicated circuit may be recommended.
• Step 5 – Replace disposal if motor is suspect: If the motor draws excessive current, replacing the unit can reduce the startup load.