Waste Maid Intermittent Power / Faulty Switch or Loose Connection

Garbage disposal turns on and off intermittently when the wall switch is left in the ON position

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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

Worn wall switch contacts, Loose wire nuts in junction box, Damaged power cord, Loose internal wire connections at Waste Maid terminal box

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Turn OFF the breaker before opening any electrical boxes. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.

  • Inspect the wall switch: Remove the switch cover and gently tug each wire. Tighten any loose terminal screws. If the switch feels hot or crackles, replace it.
  • Check junction box connections: Under the sink, open the electrical junction box or cord connection. Ensure all wire nuts are tight and wires are not scorched.
  • Examine the power cord: For corded Waste Maid models, inspect the cord for cuts, kinks, or crushed sections. Replace the cord if damaged.
  • Internal connections: If accessible, remove the disposal's small wiring cover and verify the internal wire connections are secure (power OFF).
  • Test operation: Restore power and run the disposal. If intermittent operation persists after switch and wiring checks, the internal motor or overload may be failing and the unit should be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Wall Switch
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