Garbage Disposal Has No Power

Last updated
Save as PDF

This article explains the reasons that a garbage disposal has no power.

This article reviews the most common reasons a Moen garbage disposal won't get power.

Confirm Which Activation Method Is Being Used

Moen garbage disposals can be powered on by a variety of activation methods. The following are the most common:

Wall Switch

wall switch.png

A switch on the wall that you can flip on and off to operate the garbage disposal. It is generally located on the wall behind or near the sink. the switch needs to be wired to a dedicated outlet.

Batch Feed

batch feed.png

Is the stopper being used to turn on the garbage disposal? The stopper activates an internal cherry switch that is built into the side wall of the housing. If the cherry switch gets stuck or breaks the unit will not turn on.

Fiber Optic Switch

fiber optic switch.png

This type of switch looks like a sink hole cover that you press to activate the garbage disposal. There is a fiber optic cable that runs from the above deck switch to the outlet below. Confirm that it is connected and not damaged. Fiber optic switches had a one year warranty and are obsolete. It is recommended that they be replaced with an air switch (ARC-4200 and AS-4201-finish).

Air Switch

air switch.png

This type of switch has a visible button in the center that is pressed to activate the garbage disposal. There is a tube that runs from the above deck air switch button to the outlet below. Confirm that it is connected and not damaged. Reconnect or replace if necessary.

Solutions

Red Reset Button

red reset button.png

The red arrow indicates the reset button

Solution 1: Check Power Source

Test the outlet to make sure that it is getting power. Plug another electrical device (ex: hairdryer, lamp, or cell phone charger) into the outlet to see if it works. Does the electrical device get power?

Yes it does: Plug the garbage disposal back in and push the red reset button. The reset button is located on opposite side of the power cord. Test the garbage disposal to see if it works. If the garbage disposal does not turn on it may need to be replaced.

No it does not:

Examine the electrical service panel for the house. Depending on the style of the box, a breaker may have tripped or a fuse may need to be replaced.
Re-test the outlet with another electrical device (ex: hairdryer, lamp, or cell phone charger) to see if it now works. Does the electrical device get power?
- Yes it does, plug the garbage disposal in and push the red reset button (located on opposite side of the power cord). Test the garbage disposal to see if it works. If the garbage disposal does not turn on it may need to be replaced.
- No it does not, the outlet is broken which may require an electrician to replace it.

Solution 2: Motor Reset

Moen garbage disposals have a reset button that can be used if the internal breaker has been tripped.

To reset the internal breaker:

Push the red reset button. The reset button is located on the opposite side of the power cord. If the garbage disposal does not turn on, it may need to be replaced

Solution 3: Garbage Disposal Is Jammed

See article How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal.

For a comprehensive guide, visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of garbage disposal you are repairing. The garbage disposal guide will contain specific information associated with that style of product.

Still Not Finding What You're Looking For?

Non US? Moen Canada | Other International Sites