Garbage disposal makes a clicking or rattling noise but still grinds

Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker before inspecting the disposal.

• Step 1 – Flush chamber: Run cold water and operate the disposal for 30–60 seconds to see if the noise clears on its own.
• Step 2 – Inspect for debris: With power off, shine a flashlight into the chamber and use tongs to remove any visible hard debris such as pits, seeds, or small bones.
• Step 3 – Check impeller play: Use a wooden stick to gently move each swivel impeller. A small amount of play is normal, but they should not be excessively loose or wobbling.
• Step 4 – Listen after clearing: Restore power and test again. If the clicking is minor and the unit grinds normally, it may be safe to continue using.
• Step 5 – Replace if worsening: If the noise becomes louder or is accompanied by vibration or poor grinding, the impeller assembly may be failing and the disposal should be replaced.