Have you ever been in the middle of washing dishes and suddenly your garbage disposal gets stuck?
I know the frustration and panic that comes with that situation all too well.
As someone who loves cooking and hosting dinner parties, dealing with a malfunctioning garbage disposal is common in my household.
But fear not, with a few simple steps and some troubleshooting, you can easily fix a stuck garbage disposal and restore peace to your kitchen in no time.
In this post, I will go through a 4 steps process that has saved me countless headaches over the past years.
- Step 1: Unplug the Garbage Disposal Unit
- Step 2: Visually Inspect and Feel Inside the Disposal
- Step 3: Press the Reset Button
- Step 4: Wait for the Reset Button to Pop Out Again
- Post Fixing: Run Cold Water in the Sink
- Post Fixing: Test the Garbage Disposal
- Bonus Method: Insert an Allen Wrench into the Hole Underneath the Disposal
- Final Thoughts
- Helpful Reads
Step 1: Unplug the Garbage Disposal Unit
The first step in fixing a stuck garbage disposal is to unplug the unit – doing so will ensure your safety while working on the disposal.
Simply pull the plug out of the outlet to prevent the disposal from activating accidentally.
It is important to prioritize safety when working with any electrical appliance, especially when fixing a jammed garbage disposal.
Step 2: Visually Inspect and Feel Inside the Disposal
Next, use a flashlight to get a better look inside the unit.
Before attempting any fixes, I would (always) wear a glove and visually inspect and feel inside the garbage disposal.
Feel around the disposal to check for any foreign objects or chunks of food that might have caused the jam.
Remove any obstructions you encounter, being careful not to damage the disposal or injure yourself.
Be sure to proceed with caution and be mindful of any sharp objects or debris that may be present.
If the garbage disposal is still not working after this inspection or the removal of any food or foreign objects, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps below.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
If you locate a red reset button on the underside of the garbage disposal, it may be the solution to fixing the jam.
Press the reset button to see if it fixes the jam right away.
If the reset button sticks out, pushing it back into the unit might solve the issue.
However, if the reset button doesn’t seem to fix the jam, you can move on to other methods that involve manually rotating the grinders.
Step 4: Wait for the Reset Button to Pop Out Again
If the reset button on the garbage disposal keeps popping out after being pressed, it might indicate that the disposal may be overheating.
In this case, it is recommended to wait for about 15 minutes to allow the disposal to cool down.
After the cooling period, press the reset button again.
Repeat this process until the reset button stays in place. If the button still doesn’t stay in place, you might need professional help to fix the jam.
Note: If the reset button continues to pop out after multiple attempts, there may be a more serious issue with your garbage disposal. It is recommended to consult a professional for further troubleshooting and repair.
Post Fixing: Run Cold Water in the Sink
Congratulations – if you manage to fix the jam. 👍
To further unclog your garbage disposal and ensure it is fully functional, have some cold water running in the sink.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Turn on the faucet and make sure the water is cold.
- Allow the cold water to flow into the drain and through the disposal for a minute or two.
- This process helps to clear any remaining debris or food particles that might have contributed to the jam.
- Doing so will help to determine if the disposal is fully unjammed and in proper working condition.
By running cold water, you can effectively flush out any lingering blockages and ensure optimal performance of your garbage disposal.
Post Fixing: Test the Garbage Disposal
After following the previous steps to fix a stuck garbage disposal, it is important to test the unit.
Follow these instructions to test your garbage disposal:
- Plug the disposal back in and make sure it is turned on.
- Listen for any humming sounds coming from the disposal. Humming indicates that the motor is functional.
- Further action may be needed if the motor is humming but the blades are still stuck.
- If the unit is not humming (not working), it may be a sign that the disposal is broken and needs to be replaced.
Bonus Method: Insert an Allen Wrench into the Hole Underneath the Disposal
If the previous methods did not unjam your garbage disposal, you can use an Allen wrench to (manually) rotate the disposal’s motor shaft.
- Start by unplugging the unit to ensure your safety.
- Locate the hexagonal-shaped hole underneath the disposal.
- This hole is designed to accommodate an Allen wrench provided by the manufacturer – if you don’t have the wrench, you should be able to purchase a 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) hex-head Allen wrench from a hardware store.
- Insert the Allen wrench into the hole.
- Use it to rotate the motor shaft in both directions.
- This motion may help dislodge any debris or objects causing the jam.
- Continuously rotate the wrench back and forth until the disposal grinders move freely.
- Once the disposal is unjammed, plug it back in and test the unit by turning it on and listening for any abnormal sounds.
If the disposal functions correctly and the jam is gone, you can resume using it as usual.
However, if the jam persists or the disposal still does not work, it may be necessary to seek professional help or consider replacing the unit.
Benefits of Using an Allen Wrench |
Drawbacks of Using an Allen Wrench |
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Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance of your garbage disposal can help prevent future jams. Avoid disposing of hard or fibrous materials, such as bones or potato peels, and always run cold water while using the disposal.
By following these tips and being proactive with maintenance, you can keep your garbage disposal working efficiently and avoid the hassle of a jammed unit in the future.
Helpful Reads
- https://www.1tomplumber.com/garbage-disposal-jammed/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Jammed-Garbage-Disposal
- https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-fix-a-garbage-disposal/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9085146447
Dave Johnson is a mechanical engineer with over two decades of experience in the semiconductor industry. He’s known for his exceptional ability to fix almost any mechanical and electronic device, from leaking faucets to lawnmowers – he is definitely your go-to neighbor for household maintenance issues. When he’s not elbow-deep in his garage doing household repairs, you’ll find him sharing his expertise on fixing everyday maintenance challenges on this site.
