Garbage disposal turns on by itself or will not turn off unless breaker is flipped
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: Immediately turn off the circuit breaker feeding the Project Source disposal. Do not use the sink until the issue is corrected.
- Inspect wall switch: Remove the switch cover and check for moisture or corrosion. If the switch feels loose or gritty, replace it.
- Check wiring: Ensure hot and load wires are correctly connected and that no bare wires are touching.
- Air switch systems: If your disposal uses a countertop air switch, inspect the air tubing for water and ensure the air button is not stuck depressed.
If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, contact a licensed electrician. The disposal unit itself is rarely the cause of this symptom.