How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal

In today’s modern kitchen, garbage disposal has become essential. If it works, everybody ignores it, but when it gets jammed or stuck, that’s when problems begin. Wondering how to unjam a garbage disposal? Then you are in the right place. This 5 step guide will guide you on everything you need to know in case your garbage disposal stops working.

How do you know if your garbage disposal is stuck?

Before jumping directly to a solution, let’s confirm the issue. There are some signs that show something stuck in garbage disposal. For example, when you come into the kitchen and turn on your food disposal, it starts humming but not grinding; also if you notice that water is flowing back or there is smoke or smell, these are the signs of your garburator stuck. Moreover, during winter, your frozen food items might be the cause of your frozen garbage disposal.

Causes of garbage disposal jam

The following are the reasons why your garbage disposal was seized

Wiry food items such as celery, artichokes, and corn husks

Raw materials like bones and pits of fruits

Grease and fat can also make your garbage disposal jammed

Excess quantity of food that overloads the motor can make your food disposal stuck

Accidental falling of objects such as caps inside the garburator

Safety precautions before starting any fixes

Do not put your hand directly into the garbage disposal

Always cut off the power supply before applying any procedure

Make sure to have a tool kit that contains an Allen wrench, tongs or wooden spoon handle

Use a flashlight to see any object stuck, such as a spoon, bone, husk or other solid item

How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal Step by step

In order to fix food waste disposer, follow these easy steps to make it work again.

1. Use an Allen or disposal wrench

Garburators usually have a tiny hex-shaped hole connected to the disposal base. Put an Allen wrench in it and rotate it side-by-side. This movement would help release the stuck impellers located inside the garbage disposal, and they would start moving freely.

2. Press the Reset Button

Search for a tiny red or black button at the base of the disposal unit. It is the reset knob. Press this button to reset your device. If your garbage disposal seized due to overheating or overloading, this reset trial would fix it.

3. Manually clear stuck objects 

Turn on the flashlight to locate objects. Clean out any obstructions within the unit using pliers or tongs.

4. Use a wooden spoon handle

Use a wooden spoon handle to manually rotate the impeller through the drain opening. It is quite an old but useful solution to move the stuck food waste disposer.

5. Test the disposal

Please turn on the switch at your disposal and run cold water through it. If the water starts moving freely with the usual grind sounds, do thank me because your disposer is fixed.

What If Your Garbage Disposal Is Still Jammed?

Despite applying the above procedure, if your disposal is still stuck, follow deep fixes such as

Disassemble garbage disposal if you are confident enough to open the unit easily and move the impeller or are good at electricity

Call a professional if your motor is completely dead

Tips to prevent future jams

Do not put any tough objects such as bones, eggshells, and fibrous food items into the disposal

After using the disposer, make sure to run cold water through it

Do not overload your disposal and prefer small pieces of food

Clean out the impellers by using ground ice cubes and lemon peel at least once a month

Conclusion

Don’t let your garbage disposal ruin your mood. Follow the easy steps with the simple tools mentioned above and unjam your disposal in no time. After applying all DIY and the problem is still present, call a professional garbage disposal plumber for timely repair.

FAQs

Why is my garbage disposal humming but not grinding?

Usually a humming sound is produced when your garbage disposal has something stuck in it, and its flywheels are not moving. Humming means your disposal is jam not broken.

Can I use hot water for frozen disposal?

Never use boiling water for cleaning as it damages your old PVC lines. However, you can use warm water to clean your garbage disposal.

Can I use another tool instead of an Allen wrench?

If you don’t have a wrench, you can gently move the flywheel with a wooden stick or pliers. 

Can I use a drain cleaner to unjam garbage disposal?

Avoid chemical-based cleaners because they can destroy your plumbing and corrode internal parts of your disposal. Use natural remedies or mechanical tools to clean them.