How to fix loose impeller blades in your garbage disposal

Is your garbage disposal making a weird rattling noise or not grinding up food scraps like it used to? You might be dealing with loose blades—or, to be exact, loose impellers. But hey, no need to panic. In this guide, we’ll show you how to figure out and fix loose impellers in your garbage disposal, so you can get things back to normal in no time.

The info in this article might not match your specific appliance model. We aim to provide helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance repairs, but different models can have variations in troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, we recommend checking your manufacturer’s documentation or finding your appliance’s model number and reaching out if you have any questions.

Why do impellers get loose?

Garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades like a blender. Instead, they use impellers (small, swiveling metal pieces) that help push food waste against a shredder ring to break it down. These impellers are designed to be slightly loose so they can move freely, but if they become too loose, you may start noticing problems like excessive noise or reduced grinding efficiency. Knowing the difference between normal movement and a real issue can help you decide whether a fix is needed.

So why might your impellers be extra loose? A couple of reasons:

• Normal wear and tear: Over time, regular use can cause parts to wear out.
• Misuse: Grinding up hard stuff like bones or accidentally dropping metal utensils can strain the impellers.

What to look out for:

• Rattling sounds: Loud or unusual noises when the disposal’s running.
• Poor grinding: Food waste isn’t getting broken down effectively, leading to clogs.

Safety first: get ready 

Before you start poking around, let’s make sure you’re staying safe. Here’s how to prep:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Grab your tools

Having the right gear makes things easier:

• Protective gloves
• Flashlight
• Broom handle or wooden stick

Steps to fixing loose impellers

Step 1: check for anything stuck under the impellers

Sometimes, debris can get lodged under the impellers.

1. Disconnect power to the disposal.
2. Shine a flashlight into the disposal.
3. Carefully insert a broom handle or wooden stick to gently move the impellers.
4. If they don’t move freely, there might be something stuck underneath.
5. Gently remove any visible obstructions.

Step 2: test the impellers

After clearing any debris, check how the impellers move:

1. Gently try to move each impeller up and down on its pivot point.
2. A little movement is normal, but if they move a lot vertically, they might be too loose.

Step 3: check for wear and tear

If the impellers have a lot of vertical play, they might be worn out from long-term use or damage. In most disposals, the impellers are riveted or fixed in place and can’t be tightened by hand.

If you notice excessive looseness:

1. Look at the manufacturer’s manual to see if the impellers can be serviced or replaced.
2. If they’re worn out, you might need to think about replacing the whole unit.

Note: Trying to fix or modify the impellers yourself can cause more damage and might be dangerous.

Step 4: give the garbage disposal a good clean

Regular cleaning can boost performance and cut down on noise:

1. Toss a handful of ice cubes into the disposal.
2. Add half a cup of kosher salt.
3. Run cold water and turn on the disposal for a bit.
4. This helps clean out the shredder ring and get rid of debris.

Step 5: put it back together and test

Once you’ve gone through the steps:

1. Plug the garbage disposal back in or turn the power back on.
2. Run water and switch on the disposal to see how it’s working.
3. Listen for any weird noises and check if it’s grinding properly.

Need a hand?

If you’re still having trouble or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at AppliancePartsPros.com is here with expert advice and a bunch of repair help resources. We’re all about making your DIY repair journey as smooth as possible.

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If you’ve got any questions or need personalized assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you keep your appliances running great.