The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Garbage disposer trips breaker or reset button are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
The shredding plate might be jammed or worn out. Most disposers have an opening at the bottom of the housing. If the shredding plate is stuck, insert either a disposer wrench or a ¼ inch Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposer and wiggle the shredding plate back and forth until it moves freely. If the disposer does not have an opening at the bottom, insert a broom handle into the drain opening and try to wiggle the plate.
This indicates that the motor is defective or that the motor bearings are worn out. The disposer motor is not replaceable—if the disposer motor is defective or worn out, you must replace the entire disposer.
