Free guides / Plumbing
How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal
A disposal that hums is jammed; one that is silent has usually tripped its built-in reset button. Both are quick fixes with a 1/4 in. Allen wrench.
Safety first
- Switch the disposal off and unplug it or turn off its breaker before anything goes near the opening.
- Never put your hand inside the disposal. Use tongs.
Tools
- 1/4 in. Allen wrench (often taped to the disposal)
- Flashlight
- Tongs or pliers
- Broom handle (optional)
Parts
- None for a jam; a new disposal matched to your horsepower and mounting type if the motor is burned out
Step by step
Kill the power
Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit under the sink or switch off its breaker.
Remove the debris
Shine a light into the drain and pull out any bones, pits, utensils or glass with tongs.
Free the flywheel
Insert the Allen wrench into the hex socket on the bottom center of the unit and work it back and forth until it turns a full circle freely.
Press reset
Push the small red reset button on the bottom of the disposal. Wait 10 minutes if it won't stay in, so the motor cools.
Test with water
Restore power, run cold water, and switch it on. It should spin freely without humming.
When to call a pro
Replace the disposal or call a plumber if it leaks from the bottom of the unit, trips the breaker every time, or hums even after the flywheel turns freely.
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