How to safely remove foreign objects from a garbage disposal

Whether it’s a spoon, a bottle cap, or a chunk of fruit pit, removing foreign objects from your disposal needs to be done carefully to avoid damage to the unit (or your fingers!). The good news? Most stuck objects can be safely retrieved with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the safest way to remove foreign items from your garbage disposal, prevent damage, and get it back to running smoothly in no time.

The info in this article might not apply to your exact appliance model. We aim to offer helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models and setups can mean different troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s docs for your specific model or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Prioritize safety

Your safety comes first. Garbage disposals are powerful machines designed to grind up food waste using impellers and a grinding ring. Trying to remove objects without proper precautions can lead to serious injuries. Before you do anything else, make sure you’re eliminating any risk by following these steps.

1. First things first, find the garbage disposal switch—it’s usually on the wall or under the sink—and turn it off. You definitely don’t want it starting up while you’re working.
2. Unplug the disposal from the outlet under your sink. The plug is typically beneath the sink basin next to the plumbing.
3. If you can’t reach the plug because it’s hardwired, head over to your electrical panel and flip off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal. Look for the one labeled “kitchen” or “disposal.”
4. Double-check that the disposal is completely off by trying to turn it on and making sure there’s no response.

Gather the right tools

Having the right tools makes the whole process smoother and safer. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flashlight
• Long Needle-Nose Pliers or Tongs 
• Hex Key (Allen Wrench) 
• Wet-Dry Vacuum (Shop Vac) with Hose Attachment 
• Rubber Gloves 

Remove the foreign object

Now that you’re prepped, it’s time to remove the thing causing the jam. Follow these steps carefully to keep things safe and get the job done.

Locate the object

1. Use the flashlight to look into the disposal. Search for any object that doesn’t belong—utensils, bones, jewelry, or other debris.
2. If it’s metal, it might reflect the light, making it easier to spot. Non-metal items might need a closer look.

Remove the object with tools

1. Put on your rubber gloves for extra protection.
2. Carefully insert the needle-nose pliers or tongs into the disposal.
3. Grab the object firmly and gently pull it out. Take your time so you don’t drop it further in.
4. If it’s wedged between the grinding parts, you might need to wiggle it a bit to free it.
5. Avoid sticking your hands directly inside the disposal, even when it’s off. The grinders can be dangerous, and unexpected movements could hurt you.

Special cases: handle glass and small debris

Broken glass and little fragments can be tricky due to their size and sharpness. Here’s how to handle these delicate situations.

Remove broken glass

1. Use pliers to carefully pick out visible glass shards. Be cautious—glass can be slippery and sharp.
2. After getting the bigger pieces, use a wet-dry vacuum with a hose and nozzle attachment to suck out smaller fragments.
3. Make sure your vacuum can handle small, sharp objects and is in good shape to avoid any damage.
4. Be careful not to damage the disposal with the vacuum nozzle. Don’t insert rigid attachments that could scratch or harm the grinders.

Manually turn the grinding plate

1. Insert the hex key into the manual override hole at the bottom center of the disposal.
2. Rotate the hex key back and forth to free any stuck fragments. This helps dislodge small pieces caught between the grinding parts.
3. If you don’t have a hex key, you can use a wooden broom handle inserted through the drain opening to gently move the grinding plate. Press the handle against one of the impellers and try to rotate it back and forth.
4. Never use your hands or metal objects to turn the grinding plate from the top opening.

Use a hex key to unjam the disposal

If the disposal’s still jammed after removing the object, manually turning the grinding plate can help clear it up.

Find the manual override hole

1. Locate the small hexagonal hole at the bottom center of your disposal unit. This hole is meant for manual operation when jams happen.
2. If you’re having trouble finding it, check your disposal’s manual. If you’ve lost it, you might find a digital copy by searching your model number on the manufacturer’s website.
3. Not sure about your appliance’s model number? Check out our guide on How to Find Your Appliance’s Model Number.

Insert and turn the hex key

1. Stick the right-sized hex key into the hole. Make sure it’s all the way in to avoid stripping anything.
2. Turn the key back and forth to manually rotate the grinding plate. You might feel some resistance at first, but keep working it gently.
3. Keep going until you can make a full turn without resistance. That means the jam’s cleared.
4. Sometimes you’ll hear or feel the object come loose during this process.

Restore power and test

After clearing the jam, it’s time to test your disposal to make sure it’s working right.

1. Plug the disposal back into the outlet or flip the circuit breaker back on.
2. Before turning it on, run cold water into the sink. Cold water helps solidify any leftover grease or oils, making them easier to flush out.
3. Turn on the disposal to see if it’s running smoothly. Listen for any weird noises that might mean there’s still debris inside.
4. If it runs without strange sounds or hesitation, you’ve successfully cleared the jam.
5. If you notice any issues, repeat the previous steps to make sure all debris is gone.

Need more help?

If you’re still having issues or need replacement parts, we’re here to help. Sometimes, after lots of use or certain incidents, parts might wear out and need replacing.

Visit our Repair Help section for troubleshooting guides, how-to videos, and expert advice on a wide range of appliances.

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