🚿 Plumbing
Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal
⏱️10 min💰$0🟢Beginner⭐4.8 (478 reviews)
The hum-but-no-grind problem is almost always a jam. Clear it yourself in 10 minutes.
Cut the power
Unplug the disposal under the sink, or flip the breaker. Never reach into a disposal with power on.
Find the hex socket underneath
The bottom of every disposal has a 1/4" hex hole. The Allen wrench for it often comes taped to the unit.
Rock the impeller free
Insert the Allen wrench and rotate back and forth. You'll feel the jam release.
Clear debris and reset
Use tongs (never fingers) to remove whatever caused the jam. Press the red reset button on the bottom.
Restore power and test
Plug back in, run cold water, and switch on. Should grind normally.
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