Garbage Disposal Jammed? Here's How to Unjam it in Minutes

Introduction

A garbage disposal is an electrically powered device installed under the kitchen sink and connected to the drain. It grinds up food waste so it can pass through plumbing without clogging. Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup more convenient by eliminating the need to manually remove food scraps.

However, garbage disposals can jam when too much waste is added at once or the wrong items like bones, fruit pits, or silverware are put down the drain. Jams lead to the disposal stopping mid-cycle, often accompanied by loud noises as the motor strains.

Fixing a jammed garbage disposal is usually a straightforward DIY task. You'll need basic tools like a flashlight, screwdriver, hex wrench, tongs, a small mirror, and thick rubber gloves for safety. Shutting off the power at the breaker and unplugging the disposal are also essential first steps. With some investigation and mechanical troubleshooting, you can often get your garbage disposal grinding smoothly again.

Turn Off Power

The first step when dealing with a jammed garbage disposal is to turn off the power to avoid injury. Locate the wall switch that controls the garbage disposal under the sink. If there is no switch, check the circuit breaker box and flip the breaker controlling the disposal to the off position.

Turning off power to the disposal prevents it from turning on unexpectedly. This protects against cuts, electrical shocks, and other injuries while working on the jammed unit. Always turn off the power prior to sticking your hand in the disposal or using tools to clear jams.

With the power off, you can now safely inspect the unit and clear any jams. Just be sure to turn the power back on and test it after finishing repairs. The disposal should run properly once any stuck objects are removed. If not, additional troubleshooting may be needed.

Check for Jams

Use a flashlight to peer down into the garbage disposal opening and look for any objects that may be jamming the unit. Common culprits include utensils, bottle caps, bones, glass, popcorn kernels, and small toys.

Next, turn off the power and use a pair of tongs or a wooden spoon handle to feel around inside the disposal. Gently poke around to try and dislodge anything that may be stuck. Take care not to cut or injure yourself on any broken glass or sharp objects.

If you can feel an obstruction but can't reach it with the tongs, you may need to keep prodding until it breaks free. Applying gentle pressure from different angles can help loosen jams. Just take care not to knock any objects further down into the unit.

Once you've investigated thoroughly with your eyes and tools, flip the power back on for a moment to see if the jam has cleared. If not, you'll need to move on to the next steps.

Try Resetting

Locate the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. It is usually a red button.

Press the reset button for a few seconds to restart the motor. This can help clear jams by getting the blades moving again.

Resetting the garbage disposal is a simple step to try before taking the unit apart. It takes just a few seconds and can get your disposal working again.

The reset button is designed as a safety mechanism. If the disposal jams, the button pops out and cuts power to the motor. Pressing it back in resets the unit.

By resetting before further troubleshooting, you avoid sticking your hand into a jammed machine. It also saves time and effort if the reset alone fixes the issue.

Remove Splash Guard

Carefully unscrew or twist off the splash guard that sits over the top opening of the garbage disposal unit. This is usually made of plastic or metal and sits loosely over the opening.

Be sure to set the splash guard aside somewhere safe where it won't get damaged. You'll need to replace it once you've finished clearing any jams from the disposal.

Some key tips when removing the splash guard:

• Don't force it if it seems stuck. Try gently wiggling it back and forth while twisting to loosen it up.
• Protect your fingers from any sharp edges. Consider wearing gloves or using a towel.
• Take note of how it was positioned so you can properly realign it later.
• Rinse it off to clear away any gunk after removing.

With the splash guard set safely aside, you'll have full access to the disposal opening to reach in and clear out any stuck objects. Just be sure the power is still switched off at this point!

Clear Objects from Disposal

Use tongs or a hex wrench to try dislodging any objects lodged in the disposal blades. You'll likely need to reach down into the drain opening to do this. Try to hook the object and pull it back up carefully. Small objects may come loose once the disposal is reset. Take care not to cut or injure your hand on the sharp blades inside the disposal drain. You can lay a towel over your hand for protection. Remove any bones, fruit pits, silverware, glass, pennies, screws or other foreign items that may have become jammed. Check the drain openings for any lingering obstructions. It's important to fully clear out the disposal before attempting to reset it. Remaining objects could re-jam the impeller or cause further damage.

Check and Reset Impeller

The impeller blades inside the disposal grind up food waste. Over time, small items like bones, fruit pits, and silverware can get lodged in the impeller and prevent it from spinning.

To check and reset the impeller:

1. Locate the hex key slot on the bottom of the disposal. This is where you insert an Allen wrench to manually turn the impeller blades.
2. Insert an appropriately sized Allen wrench into the hex key slot and turn it back and forth. This will free up any stuck impeller blades.
3. Turn the wrench in both directions several times to ensure the impeller spins freely. You should be able to rotate it a full 360 degrees.
4. If the impeller is still jammed, you may need to insert a wooden broom handle or other long object into the disposal opening. Turn it in a circular motion to dislodge any stuck items.
5. Once the impeller spins freely, remove the Allen wrench. Run water through the disposal to flush out any remaining debris.
6. Test the disposal to ensure the impeller is reset and spins properly when powered on. You should no longer hear grinding noises.

Resetting the impeller blades will realign them so they can properly grind up food waste again. If the disposal still won't run after resetting the impeller, the unit may need repair or replacement.

Replace Splash Guard

After clearing any jams and debris, you'll need to replace the splash guard before turning the disposal back on. The splash guard sits underneath the sink flange and covers the top opening of the garbage disposal unit. It prevents water and food scraps from splashing up and out of the disposal while running.

To replace the splash guard:

• Line up the splash guard so the holes align with the mounting holes under the sink flange. The guard should sit flat and cover the entire opening.
• Screw or twist the guard back into place by attaching it to the mounting holes. Tighten each screw evenly so the guard sits securely and doesn't wobble.
• Take care not to overtighten the screws or you may risk cracking the plastic guard. Only tighten until snug.
• If your model has a slide-on splash guard with no screws, simply slide it back into place around the flange until it clicks.
• Give the guard a final check to ensure it is properly realigned and fully covering the disposal opening.
• You should not have any gaps or parts sticking out beyond the bottom sink flange.

The splash guard is an important safety component, preventing both injury and mess. Be sure it is firmly and correctly re-attached before using the disposal again.

Restore Power and Test

Once you have completed all troubleshooting and repair steps, it's time to turn the power back on and test the garbage disposal.

Follow these steps:

• Locate the switch or circuit breaker controlling power to the garbage disposal under the sink. Double check that it is still in the "off" position after completing repairs.
• Turn the switch or circuit breaker back to the "on" position. This will restore power to the garbage disposal.
• Turn on the cold water tap to a moderate flow. The water should flow down into the disposal.
• Turn on the garbage disposal by flipping the wall switch controlling the disposal if there is one, or inserting a disposal key into the bottom if it lacks a wall switch.
• Listen and feel that the disposal is operating and grinding up the water properly without jamming. Let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Turn off the garbage disposal and water. Check under the sink to confirm there are no leaks.

If the disposal turns on, runs properly grinding up water, and turns off with no issues, the jam has likely been successfully cleared. If it still won't operate or jams, further troubleshooting or a repair may be needed. Contact a professional for assistance.

When to Call a Professional

If your garbage disposal jam persists after trying the troubleshooting steps outlined above, it's best to call in a professional. Continuing to run a jammed disposal can damage the unit and create unsafe conditions.

Signs that you need professional garbage disposal service include:

• The jam won't clear after following all the DIY steps and giving the unit time to rest.
• You hear loud grinding noises even when no food is present.
• The disposal trips the reset button immediately after resetting.
• Water leaks from the bottom of the unit.
• The disposal has an unusual smell, like burning rubber.

Major repairs like replacing the grinding components, motor, or wiring should always be left to a professional. Proper repairs require special tools and knowledge.

Garbage disposal installation is also best done by a pro. They can ensure proper mounting, plumbing connections, wiring, and activation of the batch feed feature if present.

Hiring a professional can save you time, prevent injury, and make sure the job is done right. Their expertise can also determine if replacement is needed instead of continued repairs.

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