Stuck garbage disposal: Warning signs and quick fixes

A stuck garbage disposal can be a frustrating problem, but the good news is it’s usually easy to identify and fix. When your disposal is jammed or not working properly, it can cause clogs, strange noises, or even unpleasant odors. The key is recognizing the signs early and taking the right steps to get things running smoothly again. We’ll go over the common symptoms of a stuck garbage disposal and how you can troubleshoot and fix it yourself.

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. We recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model for the most accurate guidance.

How to tell if your garbage disposal is jammed

If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly, there are a few telltale signs that it might be stuck. Here’s what to look for:

• • Humming sound: When you turn on the disposal, the motor hums, but the blades aren’t moving. This usually means something is jammed inside.
  • Silence when switched on: If there’s no noise at all, the disposal might not be getting power, or the motor may have tripped due to a jam.
  • Water backing up: If water pools in the sink and drains slowly or not at all, the disposal might be clogged or unable to grind properly.
  • Unpleasant odors: Food particles trapped in the disposal can start to smell if they aren’t cleared out.
  • Reset button popped out: The red reset button on the bottom of the disposal may pop out when the motor is overloaded or jammed.

Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

Why garbage disposals get jammed

• Food gunk build-up. Over time, grease, fat, and food bits can build up inside the disposal. This gunk can harden, causing the blades to stick or the drain to clog. Keeping up with regular cleaning can help nip this in the bud.
• Something’s stuck (that’s not food). Occasionally, stuff like silverware or small utensils accidentally slips into the disposal. These items can wedge between the blades, stopping them from spinning. Always double-check what’s going down there to prevent this hassle.
• Overloading it. Dumping too much food waste in at once can overwhelm the motor. Trying to grind big amounts without a break can cause a jam. Feeding scraps gradually keeps things running smoothly.
• Clogged pipes. Food chunks and grease can also clog up the drain lines and P-trap under your sink. These clogs don’t just mess with the disposal, they can lead to bigger plumbing headaches if you don’t tackle them soon.

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

How to unjam your garbage disposal

Safety first!

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• • 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.

Steps to fix the jam

Method 1: Reset button

1. Find the reset button on the bottom or side of your disposal.
2. Press it firmly, you might hear a click.
3. Plug the disposal back in and flip it on to test.

Method 2: Allen key

Most disposals come with a special wrench, but a regular hex-head Allen wrench works too:

1. Stick the wrench into the hole in the center underneath the disposal.
2. Turn it back and forth to manually spin the blades and free any jams.

Method 3: Check the drain

If clogs are still a problem, the blockage might be in the drain line:

1. Detach the P-trap under your sink using adjustable pliers.
2. Use a drain snake to reach into the pipe and clear out any blockages.
3. Securely reattach the P-trap before testing the disposal again.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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