How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals are one of those appliances you don’t think much about until they stop working. One moment, it’s grinding food waste with ease, and the next, you’re faced with a jammed unit that refuses to budge. Fortunately, a jammed garbage disposal doesn’t always mean it’s time to call in a professional or replace the unit. In many cases, you can fix it yourself with just a few tools and a little know-how. 

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Why Do Garbage Disposals Get Jammed?

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Before diving into the solution, it’s helpful to understand why garbage disposals jam in the first place. The primary reason is often improper use. Disposals are built to handle soft food waste, but certain items can create problems. Bones, fibrous vegetables like celery, and starchy foods like potato peels are common culprits. Over time, these items can get lodged between the impeller blades and the grinding chamber, causing the unit to seize up.

Sometimes, even small objects like utensils, bottle caps, or fruit pits can accidentally fall in, jamming the mechanism. Other times, wear and tear or a buildup of grease and debris may cause the disposal to slow down or stop altogether.

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Steps to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal

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1. Turn off the power.

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Safety first! Before you do anything, ensure the garbage disposal is completely turned off. Unplug the unit from under the sink or, if it’s hardwired, switch off the circuit breaker that powers it. You never want the disposal to accidentally turn on while you’re working on it.

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2. Check for visible obstructions.

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Once the power is off, use a flashlight to peer into the disposal chamber. Look for any obvious obstructions like a spoon or a bottle cap. If you spot anything, grab a pair of tongs or pliers to carefully remove the object. Never use your hands, as the blades can be sharp, and you could get hurt.

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3. Use the reset button.

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Most garbage disposals have a reset button located at the bottom of the unit. If the disposal overheats or jams, this button may pop out. After clearing visible obstructions, press the reset button to see if it resolves the issue. If the button stays in and the unit still doesn’t work, proceed to the next step.

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4. Manually rotate the blades.

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If pressing the reset button didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to manually rotate the blades to dislodge whatever is jamming the disposal.

Look under the sink and find the hex-shaped socket at the bottom center of the disposal. Most units come with a hex key or Allen wrench designed for this purpose. Insert the hex key into the socket and turn it back and forth. This should manually rotate the impeller blades and help free up any stuck debris.

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If you don’t have the original hex key, any appropriately sized Allen wrench will work. Keep turning until you feel the jam loosen and the blades move freely.

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5. Try the wooden spoon trick.

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If your disposal doesn’t have a hex socket or you don’t have a suitable wrench on hand, you can try using a wooden spoon. Insert the handle of the spoon into the disposal through the sink opening and gently push it against one of the impeller blades. Try to rotate the blades manually by applying pressure. Be patient, as this method may take a little longer to dislodge the jam.

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6. Flush it out.

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Once you’ve managed to free the blades, run cold water through the disposal for a minute. Turn the power back on, and with the water running, try turning on the disposal. If it hums and grinds smoothly, you’ve successfully fixed the jam.

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Preventing Future Jams

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Now that your garbage disposal is back in action, it’s a good idea to adopt some habits to prevent future jams. Here are a few simple tips to keep your unit running smoothly:

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• Mind what you put in. Avoid disposing of hard, fibrous, or starchy foods in the garbage disposal. Instead, throw them in the trash or compost pile.
• Run cold water while using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to grind and flush it down the drain. Hot water, on the other hand, can melt fats and create clogs further down the line.
• Cut large scraps into smaller pieces. While garbage disposals are powerful, they work best when food waste is in smaller chunks. Cutting large scraps into smaller pieces before putting them in can reduce the risk of jamming.
• Clean it regularly. Every few weeks, clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes and a handful of rock salt. This will help remove grease buildup and sharpen the blades slightly. You can also grind citrus peels for a fresh scent.

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When to Call a Professional

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While most jams can be fixed with these simple steps, there are times when it’s best to call a plumber. If your disposal still doesn’t work after manually freeing the blades and pressing the reset button, there may be a deeper electrical or mechanical issue at play. Additionally, if your unit frequently jams despite careful use, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Other signs you might need professional help include leaks from the disposal unit, strange noises that persist even after clearing jams, or foul odors that won’t go away despite thorough cleaning. In such cases, a professional plumber can diagnose and fix the problem quickly, saving you from potential water damage or costly replacements.

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Final Thoughts

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Fixing a jammed garbage disposal isn’t as daunting as it may seem. With a little patience and the right approach, most homeowners can handle the task themselves. Remember, safety always comes first, so make sure to turn off the power before attempting any repair. Once you’ve cleared the jam and got the unit running again, take steps to prevent future problems by being mindful of what you put in the disposal and keeping it clean. However, if the problem persists or seems beyond your control, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. After all, a fully functioning garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup so much easier!

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Reliable 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services

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At 24/7 Plumbing Co., we understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time—day or night. That’s why we’re committed to providing fast, reliable, and professional service whenever you need it. Whether it’s a sudden gas leak, a burst pipe, or a clogged drain, our experienced team is ready to respond promptly and ensure your home’s safety and comfort. Equipped with the latest tools and years of expertise, we handle everything from urgent repairs to preventive maintenance. Trust us to be there when it matters most, because at 24/7 Plumbing Co., your peace of mind is our priority.

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