Disposal trips the household circuit breaker or GFCI outlet when turned on

Safety first: Leave the breaker off until the fault is identified. Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker.

• Inspect for moisture: Check under the sink for leaks dripping onto the disposal or junction box. Repair any plumbing leaks first.
• Check wiring compartment: With power off, remove the wiring cover on the bottom of the disposal. Inspect for loose wire nuts, exposed copper, or burned insulation. Correct and re-secure connections.
• Examine power cord: For corded models, inspect the entire cord for cuts or crushed sections. Replace the cord if damaged.
• Test on non-GFCI (if code allows): If only the GFCI trips and no moisture is present, the motor may be leaking current to ground. This usually requires disposal replacement.
• If breaker trips immediately on start: Internal motor windings may be shorted. Replace the disposal.