Manually Turn the Motor to Unjam — Free the Jammed Motor (If Necessary)
Part of project
Garbage Disposal Won't Turn On: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide · Step 3 of 3
In this video
If the disposal is humming, it is jammed. To fix this, take the garbage disposal wrench (often called a renchette) that came with the unit, or a correctly sized Allen wrench. Insert the end of the wrench into the hexagonal hole located in the very center of the bottom of the disposal. Gently turn the wrench back and forth. This manual rotation will move the grinding plates, helping to dislodge whatever is causing the jam. Do not use excessive force.
Goal: Dislodge the object causing the jam
- Do not force the wrench, as you could bend or break something inside the disposal, causing permanent damage.
- If you can't get it to move with gentle back-and-forth motions, call a professional.
Used in this video
- Garbage Disposal Wrench (brand: InSinkerator, Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly) — Manually turning the garbage disposal motor to free a jam.
- Allen Wrench Set (brand: N/A, Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly) · optional — An alternative to the manufacturer-provided wrench for turning the motor.
3.6M subscribers
FAQs
What's the absolute first and most critical safety step I need to take before troubleshooting my garbage disposal?
Always turn off the power to the disposal at your home's main electrical breaker box first. This prevents accidental electrocution or injury while you are working near electrical components and moving parts. After turning off the breaker, it's also a good practice to unplug the disposal if accessible.
What specific tools are essential for troubleshooting a garbage disposal that won't turn on?
You will primarily need an Allen wrench, often a 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch, which usually comes with the disposal unit. This is crucial for freeing a jammed motor by inserting it into the center hole at the bottom of the disposal and rotating it. No other specialized tools are typically required for these basic troubleshooting steps.
I pressed the reset button, but it just pops right back out. What does that mean?
If the reset button immediately pops back out, it typically indicates that the motor is still overloaded or a jam persists. Do not force it back in. You likely have a jammed motor that needs to be cleared first using the Allen wrench from the bottom of the disposal before the reset button will stay in.
How can I tell if the motor is jammed, and what if I don't have the specific Allen wrench?
A humming sound from the disposal without the blades turning is a strong indicator of a jam. To clear it, insert the Allen wrench into the center hole on the bottom of the disposal and rotate it back and forth to free the impellers. If you don't have the original wrench, a correctly sized hex wrench from a standard set will work, or you can purchase one at a hardware store.
Manually Turn the Motor to Unjam — Free the Jammed Motor (If Necessary)
Part of project
Garbage Disposal Won't Turn On: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide · Step 3 of 3
In this video
If the disposal is humming, it is jammed. To fix this, take the garbage disposal wrench (often called a renchette) that came with the unit, or a correctly sized Allen wrench. Insert the end of the wrench into the hexagonal hole located in the very center of the bottom of the disposal. Gently turn the wrench back and forth. This manual rotation will move the grinding plates, helping to dislodge whatever is causing the jam. Do not use excessive force.
Goal: Dislodge the object causing the jam
- Do not force the wrench, as you could bend or break something inside the disposal, causing permanent damage.
- If you can't get it to move with gentle back-and-forth motions, call a professional.
Used in this video
- Garbage Disposal Wrench (brand: InSinkerator, Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly) — Manually turning the garbage disposal motor to free a jam.
- Allen Wrench Set (brand: N/A, Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly) · optional — An alternative to the manufacturer-provided wrench for turning the motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the absolute first and most critical safety step I need to take before troubleshooting my garbage disposal?
Always turn off the power to the disposal at your home's main electrical breaker box first. This prevents accidental electrocution or injury while you are working near electrical components and moving parts. After turning off the breaker, it's also a good practice to unplug the disposal if accessible.
What specific tools are essential for troubleshooting a garbage disposal that won't turn on?
You will primarily need an Allen wrench, often a 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch, which usually comes with the disposal unit. This is crucial for freeing a jammed motor by inserting it into the center hole at the bottom of the disposal and rotating it. No other specialized tools are typically required for these basic troubleshooting steps.
I pressed the reset button, but it just pops right back out. What does that mean?
If the reset button immediately pops back out, it typically indicates that the motor is still overloaded or a jam persists. Do not force it back in. You likely have a jammed motor that needs to be cleared first using the Allen wrench from the bottom of the disposal before the reset button will stay in.
How can I tell if the motor is jammed, and what if I don't have the specific Allen wrench?
A humming sound from the disposal without the blades turning is a strong indicator of a jam. To clear it, insert the Allen wrench into the center hole on the bottom of the disposal and rotate it back and forth to free the impellers. If you don't have the original wrench, a correctly sized hex wrench from a standard set will work, or you can purchase one at a hardware store.