Waste Maid
Ground Fault / Short Circuit in Disposal
Garbage disposal trips the GFCI outlet or breaker 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
Moisture inside motor housing from internal leak, Damaged power cord insulation, Shorted motor windings, Pinched wire at mounting or junction box
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Do not repeatedly reset a tripping GFCI or breaker. Turn OFF power and unplug the disposal if possible.
- Inspect for leaks: Check for water dripping from the bottom or sides of the Waste Maid unit. Any internal leak can cause ground faults.
- Check the power cord: Look for cuts, abrasions, or crushed sections. Replace the cord if damaged.
- Dry the area: If there has been a recent leak, allow the area and unit to dry completely for 24 hours, then test again.
- Test on a known-good circuit: If corded, temporarily plug the disposal into another GFCI-protected outlet (using a safe extension only if necessary) to rule out a bad GFCI device.
- Replace if fault persists: Persistent tripping indicates internal electrical damage. Replace the Waste Maid disposal; internal motor and wiring repairs are not recommended.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Power Cord Kit
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