How to Troubleshoot Loose Blades in a Garbage Disposal

by Laurie Reeves Google
Periodically clean the garbage disposal by grinding up a lemon slice.

Periodically clean the garbage disposal by grinding up a lemon slice.

Garbage disposals make a lot of noise when in use. But a garbage disposal with loose blades sounds like it's ready to fly apart. Garbage disposal blades are held in place by rivets against an impeller plate that spins. Most homeowners don't have the experience to repair or replace loose blades in a garbage disposal, as it requires taking the disposal apart to get at the plate and blades. When the blades begin to loosen on a garbage disposal, it's often more cost-effective to purchase and install a new unit.


Unplug the garbage disposal before working on it. As you will need to insert your hand inside it, you want to make sure that the unit doesn't come on with your hand in it. The plug for the garbage disposal is usually under the sink. Follow the cord from the disposal to the wall and remove the plug.


Verify the power is off to the garbage disposal before beginning work on it. Turn on the wall switch to test if the garbage disposal has power.


Check to ensure objects aren't stuck under the garbage disposal blades. When objects are stuck, the garbage disposal won't grind. With safety gloves on and the unit unplugged, reach inside the garbage disposal and feel for the blades. The blades should move from side to side on their rivets, but not up and down on their rivets. Attempt to turn the impeller plate by hand. If the blades or impeller plates do not move, something is lodged between the plate and wall of the garbage disposal or underneath the blades. If food waste continually becomes lodged underneath the blades, the garbage disposal blades are loose.


Remove any stuck objects and discard. For hard-to-remove objects, insert the end of a broom handle into the garbage disposal and lever it against the side of one of the blades. Push on the broom handle to remove lodged items.


Plug in the unit underneath the sink and turn the water on. Flip the wall switch on and test the disposal. Do not exert so much force that it damages the plumbing or other sink parts.


Grab the lip of one blade and lift up while the unit is unplugged. If there is little to no vertical movement, the blade is securely held against the impeller plate by the rivet. If the blade moves vertically on the rivet, chances are the rivets are loose. You can have the garbage disposal repaired by a professional, which will require replacement of the impeller plate and blades or purchase a new unit. Costs to replace the impeller plate and loose blades are often as much, if not more, than purchasing a new unit.


Inspect the inside of the garbage disposal to ensure it is grinding properly. Use a flashlight to shine inside the garbage disposal. One sure sign of loose blades is the garbage disposal's efficiency reduces. If you continue to find whole food waste inside the garbage disposal, the blades are loose or broken. Replace or have the unit repaired.


Check the garbage disposal for proper drainage. Loose or broken blades don't grind food waste and can cause the sink drain to become clogged. Replace the garbage disposal or have it repaired by professional.

Things You Will Need

  • Broom with wooden handle
  • Safety gloves
  • Flashlight


  • Keep your garbage disposal clean. Never overload it or grind up a lot of potato peels all at once. The starch from potato peels congeals and causes drain blockages. Never run grease through your garbage disposal or into any drain in your home. Grease hardens when cold and causes plumbing blockages. Do not attempt to repair a garbage disposal if you have little to no mechanical aptitude.


  • Never insert your hand into a garbage disposal without ensuring that it is unplugged and cannot turn on, or you could severely injure yourself.

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