F5
KitchenAid
Intermittent Power or Switch Contact Failure
Garbage disposal turns on and off intermittently when the wall switch is left in the ON position.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Worn wall switch contacts, Loose wire connection at junction box, Loose quick-connect terminals on disposal
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Turn OFF the circuit breaker before working on any electrical connections.
Step-by-step:
- 1. Inspect the wall switch: Remove the switch cover plate and gently pull out the switch (with power OFF). Check for loose wires or backstab connections. Tighten terminal screws or re-terminate as needed.
- 2. Check under-sink junction box: If the KitchenAid disposal is hard-wired, open the junction box cover and inspect wire nuts for secure connections. Re-twist and secure with new wire connectors if any are loose or corroded.
- 3. Inspect disposal terminals: On corded models, ensure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. On hard-wired models, remove the disposal's electrical cover plate and verify that the wire connections to the unit's leads are tight.
- 4. Replace faulty switch: If the switch feels hot, crackles, or is visibly worn, replace it with a new 15A or 20A single-pole switch rated for motor loads.
- 5. Test operation: Restore power and test the disposal several times to confirm stable operation.
When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable working with household wiring or if the breaker itself is tripping intermittently, contact a licensed electrician.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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