How to fix 5 causes of a garbage disposal that keeps jamming

If your garbage disposal keeps jamming, it can feel like an endless cycle of frustration. But don’t worry, this is a common issue with straightforward solutions. We’ll break down the reasons your disposal might be jamming and how you can get it back to working smoothly in no time.

Heads up: The info in this article might not match your specific appliance model. While we’re aiming to give you helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, differences in models can mean the troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, etc., might not align perfectly. For the best guidance, it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you have any questions.

Cause 1: Hard or large food items

Garbage disposals are tough, but they have their limits. Hard foods like bones, fruit pits, or thick vegetable peels can be too much for the blades to handle. Similarly, large chunks of food can overwhelm the disposal, causing it to jam and stop functioning.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the breaker to prevent accidental activation.
2. Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal and locate the hard or large item causing the jam.
3. Carefully use tongs or pliers to extract the item. Never use your hands, even if the power is off.
4. Plug it back in and turn it on while running cold water. Check if the unit is working properly again.

How to prevent it:

• Avoid putting hard items like bones, seeds, or pits into the disposal.
• Break large pieces of food into smaller bits before feeding them into the disposal.
• Compost tough items like fruit pits or dispose of them in the trash instead of the disposal.

Read more: How to prep your garbage disposal for Thanksgiving and other holiday events

Cause 2: Fibrous foods

Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, asparagus, and onion skins might seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. Their stringy texture can wrap around the blades and motor, causing the disposal to slow down or completely jam.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug it or flip the circuit breaker to make sure the unit can’t turn on accidentally.
2. Shine a flashlight into the disposal to locate any tangled fibers.
3. Use pliers or scissors to carefully pull out or cut away the fibers wrapped around the blades.
4. If the fibers are stubborn, rotate the disposal’s flywheel manually using an Allen wrench in the socket under the unit (consult your disposal’s manual for guidance).
5. Plug it back in, run cold water, and turn it on to ensure it’s working normally.

How to prevent it:

• Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks into the disposal altogether. Compost these items or throw them in the trash.
• If you do need to dispose of small amounts of fibrous food, cut them into smaller pieces and feed them slowly into the disposal with plenty of cold water running.

Read more: How To Quickly And Easily Unclog Your Kitchen Double Sink With A Garbage Disposal

Cause 3: Foreign objects

Things like utensils, bottle caps, or small pieces of plastic can easily find their way into the garbage disposal, especially in busy kitchens. The garbage disposal is designed for food waste only. A foreign object entering the disposal can block the spinning mechanism or get stuck between the blades.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the breaker to eliminate any risk of accidental activation.
2. Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the inside of the disposal. Look for shiny objects or anything that doesn’t belong there.
3. Use pliers or tongs to retrieve the item. Avoid using your hands, even if the disposal is powered off, as the blades can still be sharp.
4. If the object is wedged tightly, try turning the flywheel manually using an Allen wrench in the socket at the bottom of the disposal.
5. Once the object is removed, plug the disposal back in and test it by running water and turning it on.

How to prevent it:

• Use a sink strainer to cover the drain and catch non-food items before they can fall into the disposal.
• Double-check the sink for utensils, bottle caps, or small tools before turning on the disposal.
• Teach household members, especially kids, to avoid putting anything other than food waste in the disposal.

Read more: Maximizing Your Kitchen Efficiency: Can You Run the Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher Together?

Cause 4: Insufficient water use

Food waste needs a steady flow of water to help flush it through the disposal and into the pipes. Without enough water, food waste can’t flow properly through the disposal and pipes, leading to clogs and jams. Over time, leftover particles accumulate, making it harder for the disposal to do its job. Grease and fat can solidify without sufficient cold water, creating a sticky barrier that clogs the system.

How to fix it:

1. Turn on cold water and let it run for at least 30 seconds before and after using the disposal.
2. While the water is running, turn on the disposal to help flush out any debris.
3. If water isn’t flowing well, pour a mixture of half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot (not boiling) water.
4. If particles are stuck, turn off the disposal, inspect it with a flashlight, and carefully remove debris with tongs or pliers.
5. If slow drainage persists, remove the U-shaped pipe (trap) under the sink to look for clogs and clean them out.

How to prevent it:

• Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Let the water run for an extra 15–30 seconds after turning off the unit to flush out any leftover food waste.
• Use cold water instead of hot water during operation to solidify grease and fats, making them easier to grind and flush away.
• Periodically clean the disposal with baking soda and vinegar or grind ice cubes to remove buildup.

Cause 5: Dull or damaged blades

Regular use naturally wears down the sharpness of the blades, especially if hard items are processed frequently. This can lead to frequent jams. Damage can also occur if non-food items like utensils or hard plastic accidentally get caught in the disposal, bending or dulling the blades.

How to fix it:

1. Turn on the disposal and run a handful of ice cubes through it with cold water.
2. The grinding action of the ice can help sharpen the blades and knock off debris stuck to them.
3. Follow the ice with a few citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to remove odors and loosen any remaining buildup.
4. Turn off the power to the disposal and use a flashlight to check the blades. If they’re bent or broken, they’ll need to be repaired or replaced.
5. If the unit is old, replacing it might be more cost-effective.

How to prevent it:

• Avoid grinding overly hard items like bones, fruit pits, or metal utensils.
• Regularly grind ice cubes to help maintain the sharpness of the blades.
• Use cold water during operation to reduce the chances of grease buildup that can hinder blade performance.
• Never use chemical cleaners in the disposal, as they can corrode the blades over time.

Find your appliance’s model number

Knowing your garbage disposal’s model number can be really helpful when you’re looking for parts or extra support. If you need help finding it, check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number. It’s usually on a sticker or plate on the underside or side of the unit.

Need more repair help?

If you’re looking for more detailed repair guides and troubleshooting tips, swing by our repair help section. We’ve got step-by-step instructions, videos, and diagrams to help you with your appliance repairs.

At AppliancePartsPros.com, we’re here to help with all your appliance repair needs. Whether you need replacement parts or advice on fixing your garbage disposal, we’ve got your back.

Stay connected with us on social media for more tips and updates:

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

If you need a hand or have questions, please contact us. We’re always happy to help.