The answer to 'what causes garbage disposal' is that a garbage disposal can stop working for several reasons, including a jammed or clogged impeller, a worn or damaged motor, or a problem with the electrical connection. Garbage disposals are designed to grind up food waste, but they can become overloaded or clogged with the wrong types of items, leading to issues.
Over time, the impeller blades inside the disposal can become dull or worn down, preventing the unit from properly grinding up waste. Electrical problems, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty switch, can also cause the disposal to stop working. With proper maintenance and care, however, a garbage disposal can typically last for many years.