Waste King
Electrical Short / Ground Fault
Garbage disposal trips the circuit breaker or GFCI outlet whenever it is turned on.
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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
Water intrusion into motor housing, Damaged power cord insulation, Shorted motor windings, Pinched wire in junction box or mounting bracket
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset a breaker or GFCI that trips immediately. Turn OFF power and unplug the disposal.
- Step 1 – Inspect for leaks: Check for any water leaking from the disposal, especially around the bottom housing or electrical compartment. Repair leaks first; a leaking unit often must be replaced.
- Step 2 – Examine power cord: Look for cuts, abrasions, or crushed sections on the cord. Replace the cord if damaged.
- Step 3 – Check junction box wiring: For hardwired units, open the junction box (power OFF) and inspect for loose or pinched wires. Correct any issues and ensure wire nuts are secure.
- Step 4 – Test without load: With leaks resolved and wiring verified, restore power and briefly test. If the breaker or GFCI still trips immediately, the motor windings are likely shorted.
- Step 5 – Replace disposal: Internal electrical faults in the motor are not user-serviceable. Replace the Waste King disposal.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Power Cord Kit
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