Garbage disposal runs intermittently; sometimes starts, sometimes does nothing
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker before opening any electrical boxes.
- Check wiring compartment: Remove the cover on the Project Source disposal's wiring box and tighten all wire nuts and the strain relief.
- Inspect wall switch: Replace a suspect switch that feels loose or warm.
- Secure plug: For corded models, ensure the plug fits tightly in the receptacle; replace a worn outlet if needed.
If electrical connections are solid and the unit still runs only sporadically, the internal motor or protector is failing and the disposal should be replaced.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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