Garbage disposal turns on by itself intermittently or runs when the switch is off.

Safety first: Turn off the breaker immediately if the disposal runs unexpectedly. Treat this as a serious safety issue.

• Inspect the wall or air switch: Replace any switch that feels loose, sticks, or shows signs of moisture or corrosion.
• Check for moisture: For air switch systems, inspect the air tube and button for water. Dry or replace components as needed.
• Verify wiring: Confirm that the disposal is wired through the switch and not directly to line power. Correct any miswiring according to Maxmatic diagrams.
• Control relay check: If the unit is a digital model and still runs with the switch off, the internal relay on the control board may be welded closed.

Do not continue using a disposal that starts on its own; replace the faulty switch or Maxmatic control module promptly.