Use the Unjamming Tool to Free the Turntable — Attempt to Free the Jam from Below
Part of project
How to Fix a Humming or Jammed Garbage Disposal · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Locate the garbage disposal unjamming tool, which is a specially shaped Allen wrench. Go under the sink and find the hexagonal receptacle located in the exact center of the bottom of the disposal unit. Insert the tool into this receptacle. Apply leverage to the tool, rotating it back and forth in both directions. This action manually turns the motor and the internal turntable, which should dislodge whatever is causing the jam. Continue this motion until the turntable moves freely through a full rotation.
Goal: Manually rotate the motor to dislodge the jam
- Store the unjamming tool under the sink for easy access.
- Be careful not to apply excessive force, which could damage the disposal's mounting.
Used in this video
- Unjamming Tool (brand: InSinkErator (implied), Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly, Handle Length: Short) — To manually rotate the disposal's motor from the bottom of the unit.
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FAQs
What is the most crucial safety step before I start, and why?
The most crucial safety step is to ALWAYS disconnect power to the garbage disposal at your home's circuit breaker before performing any work. This prevents the unit from accidentally turning on, which could lead to severe injury while your hands or tools are inside the disposal.
My disposal is humming but not grinding; does this mean it's jammed, and how is that different from a complete jam?
Yes, a humming disposal almost always indicates it's jammed. The motor is receiving power but cannot turn the grinding plates due to an obstruction. A 'complete jam' means the motor isn't even humming, often indicating the reset button has tripped due to overload.
Do I need all the specific tools listed, like the specialized wrench, or are there alternatives for clearing a jam?
While the project lists a general wrench and a precision screwdriver, the most critical tool for freeing a jam from below is a 1/4-inch hex key or Allen wrench, which often comes with new disposals. A strong flashlight like the Panther Vision FLATEYE is highly recommended for visibility, and tongs or pliers are great for removing items from above instead of your hand.
I've pressed the reset button, but my disposal still won't work or just hums again. What should I do next?
If the reset button immediately trips again or the disposal hums but doesn't spin, it likely means the obstruction hasn't been fully cleared, or there's a more serious electrical issue. Go back to step 3 to thoroughly ensure no items are obstructing the grinding plates and try manually turning the flywheel again with the hex key. If problems persist, it might be time to call a plumber.
Use the Unjamming Tool to Free the Turntable — Attempt to Free the Jam from Below
Part of project
How to Fix a Humming or Jammed Garbage Disposal · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Locate the garbage disposal unjamming tool, which is a specially shaped Allen wrench. Go under the sink and find the hexagonal receptacle located in the exact center of the bottom of the disposal unit. Insert the tool into this receptacle. Apply leverage to the tool, rotating it back and forth in both directions. This action manually turns the motor and the internal turntable, which should dislodge whatever is causing the jam. Continue this motion until the turntable moves freely through a full rotation.
Goal: Manually rotate the motor to dislodge the jam
- Store the unjamming tool under the sink for easy access.
- Be careful not to apply excessive force, which could damage the disposal's mounting.
Used in this video
- Unjamming Tool (brand: InSinkErator (implied), Tool Type: Allen wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Size: Small, Specific Use: Disassembly, Handle Length: Short) — To manually rotate the disposal's motor from the bottom of the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most crucial safety step before I start, and why?
The most crucial safety step is to ALWAYS disconnect power to the garbage disposal at your home's circuit breaker before performing any work. This prevents the unit from accidentally turning on, which could lead to severe injury while your hands or tools are inside the disposal.
My disposal is humming but not grinding; does this mean it's jammed, and how is that different from a complete jam?
Yes, a humming disposal almost always indicates it's jammed. The motor is receiving power but cannot turn the grinding plates due to an obstruction. A 'complete jam' means the motor isn't even humming, often indicating the reset button has tripped due to overload.
Do I need all the specific tools listed, like the specialized wrench, or are there alternatives for clearing a jam?
While the project lists a general wrench and a precision screwdriver, the most critical tool for freeing a jam from below is a 1/4-inch hex key or Allen wrench, which often comes with new disposals. A strong flashlight like the Panther Vision FLATEYE is highly recommended for visibility, and tongs or pliers are great for removing items from above instead of your hand.
I've pressed the reset button, but my disposal still won't work or just hums again. What should I do next?
If the reset button immediately trips again or the disposal hums but doesn't spin, it likely means the obstruction hasn't been fully cleared, or there's a more serious electrical issue. Go back to step 3 to thoroughly ensure no items are obstructing the grinding plates and try manually turning the flywheel again with the hex key. If problems persist, it might be time to call a plumber.