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Clear the Clog — Free the Jammed Garbage Disposal Motor

Beginner60 mins

Part of project

Fix a Humming Garbage Disposal: Troubleshooting & Repair · Step 2 of 5

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In this video

Insert an Allen wrench into the hole located on the bottom of the garbage disposal and rotate the wrench to try and clear any clogs. Use a pair of broomsticks to turn the flywheel from the top of the disposal.

Goal: Dislodge the clog

Used in this video

  • Allen wrench (brand: Not specified, Allen Wrench Size: Not specified, Material: Metal, Size/Dimension: Not specified, Durability: Medium, Cost: Low, Special Features: None) · optional — Turning the grinding wheel manually
  • Broomsticks (brand: Not specified, Material: Wood, Size/Dimension: Standard broomstick size, Durability: Medium, Cost: Low, Special Features: None) · optional — Turning the flywheel
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FAQs

My garbage disposal is humming but not grinding. What's the very first thing I should do before attempting any repairs?

The absolute first step is to prioritize safety by disconnecting all power sources to the disposal. This includes flipping the circuit breaker, turning off the wall switch, and unplugging it if accessible. This prevents accidental activation while you're working inside the unit.

I don't have a specific 'disposal wrench' or Allen wrench for the bottom hole. Can I use a different tool to free the jam?

While a dedicated disposal wrench or a 1/4-inch hex Allen wrench is ideal for the bottom hole, you can also try turning the grinding plate from the top using a wooden broom handle. For removing debris from the drain opening, long-handled tongs or needle-nose pliers are essential. Never use your hand for this task.

I used the wrench and removed visible debris, but my disposal is still humming after I restore power. What should I do next?

If humming persists after clearing a jam and restoring power, the motor might be overheated. Allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes, then press the red reset button usually found on the bottom of the unit. If it still hums or doesn't turn on, the motor might be seized or burned out, indicating it's time to contact a plumber or consider replacement.

What's the safest way to remove debris from inside the disposal, especially if I can't see it well?

Always ensure power is disconnected before inspecting the disposal's interior. Use a flashlight to illuminate the chamber and then carefully remove any obstructions with long-handled tongs or needle-nose pliers. Never use your bare hands, as the grinding components are sharp, even when not moving.

Transcript
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that wheel most manufacturers provide an allen wrench like this and you can see this shaft see it going all the way to the bottom right at the very bottom there's an allen opening right here that takes this allen wrench so now you put this in and now you'll notice that I can turn this manually back and forth back and forth and if there was something up in here it might clear it now if there was a fork jammed in how would you get that out well you try to clear it with this but but if you couldn't and you could actually look down and see the fork there you'd pull it out or take a needle no pliers and get it out okay sometimes you have to step it up to a higher level of torque many times you'll take a couple of Broomsticks and you put these opposing one another and you'll turn that wheel this way and this is a wrench that I would use as a pro because you can fit it down in through the splash guard it comes down it seats right down on the deck and now you got plenty of torque to spin that

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.