Dealing with a Stuck Garbage Disposer

When a disposer stops working, it’s usually because the grinding mechanism has jammed. Bits of food, glass, metal, plastic, or rubber can get caught between the spinning flywheel and the stationary grind ring, causing the motor to overheat and cut off. This may also happen if you pack the unit too tightly. Before starting to work on the disposer, check for a blown fuse or for a tripped circuit breaker at the main electrical panel.

Resetting the motor.

If the motor doesn’t hum at all, reach into the disposer and feel around for any objects that may be jamming it. Let the motor cool down for 15 minutes, then switch on the power at the main panel and gently push the reset button on the bottom of the unit until you hear it click.

If the suggestions below don’t fix the problem, the disposer should be replaced because repairs will probably cost as much as a new unit. Check your warranty; most run from 3 to 7 years and cover repairs or replacement.

CAUTION---Always turn off the power at the main panel or unplug the disposer—if it’s an outlet unit— be fore reaching into it.

Freeing the grind ring.

If the motor hums but the disposer doesn’t grind, take a 0.25” hex wrench (or the wrench that came with the disposer) and insert one end into the hole on the bottom of the disposer. Turn the wrench back and forth to rotate the motor shaft until it moves freely.

Un-jamming the works with a broom handle.

If you are unable to clear the jam by using a hex wrench, stick a broom handle into the disposer and wedge it against one of the impeller blades on the flywheel. Apply force until the wheel begins to turn freely, then work the wheel back and forth until it moves easily in both directions.