The answer to 'why is my garbage disposal' is that there are several common causes for a malfunctioning garbage disposal, including jams, motor failure, and electrical issues. Symptoms may include the disposal not turning on, making strange noises, or leaking water. Solutions can range from simple DIY fixes to more complex repairs that require a professional plumber.
Some common causes and solutions include: Jams - try to manually turn the disposal blades or use a disposal wrench to clear a jam; Motor failure - the motor may need to be replaced if it has burned out; Electrical issues - check the circuit breaker or try resetting the disposal by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit.