Unjam from the Bottom with a Wrench — Attempt to Free the Jam from Above (If Necessary)
Part of project
How to Fix a Humming or Jammed Garbage Disposal · Step 4 of 7
In this video
Locate the small hexagonal hole in the center of the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. Insert the garbage disposal wrench key (or a correctly sized Allen wrench) into this hole. Firmly grasp the wrench and work it back and forth, rotating it in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This manual rotation will move the motor and grinding plates, dislodging whatever object is causing the jam. Continue this motion until the motor can spin freely for a full 360-degree rotation.
Goal: Manually rotate the disposal's motor to free the jam.
- A flashlight will be very helpful for locating the hole and reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- If the wrench key is difficult to turn, apply steady pressure. Do not force it so hard that you strip the socket or break the wrench.
Used in this video
- Garbage Disposal Wrench Key (Tool Type: Allen Wrench) — To manually turn the garbage disposal motor from the bottom of the unit.
- Flashlight (Flashlight_Type: Handheld) · optional — To illuminate the work area under the sink.
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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.
Unjam from the Bottom with a Wrench — Attempt to Free the Jam from Above (If Necessary)
Part of project
How to Fix a Humming or Jammed Garbage Disposal · Step 4 of 7
In this video
Locate the small hexagonal hole in the center of the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. Insert the garbage disposal wrench key (or a correctly sized Allen wrench) into this hole. Firmly grasp the wrench and work it back and forth, rotating it in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This manual rotation will move the motor and grinding plates, dislodging whatever object is causing the jam. Continue this motion until the motor can spin freely for a full 360-degree rotation.
Goal: Manually rotate the disposal's motor to free the jam.
- A flashlight will be very helpful for locating the hole and reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- If the wrench key is difficult to turn, apply steady pressure. Do not force it so hard that you strip the socket or break the wrench.
Used in this video
- Garbage Disposal Wrench Key (Tool Type: Allen Wrench) — To manually turn the garbage disposal motor from the bottom of the unit.
- Flashlight (Flashlight_Type: Handheld) · optional — To illuminate the work area under the sink.
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.