To fix a garbage disposal, first turn off the power at the wall switch or electrical panel. If it is jammed, use an Allen wrench in the bottom hole to manually rotate the blades. If it is totally unresponsive, push the reset button underneath the unit.
1. Clear a Jammed Disposal
If your disposal makes a low humming sound but won’t spin, it is likely jammed by food or a foreign object. [1, 2, 3]
Turn off power: Flip the wall switch off and unplug the disposal to prevent accidental starting. [1, 2]
Check for objects: Shine a flashlight down the drain. If you see silverware or debris, carefully remove it with a pair of tongs or needle-nose pliers.
Never put your hands inside the disposal. [1, 2]
Manually turn the blades:
- Locate the hexagonal hole in the exact center of the disposal’s underside.
- Insert an Allen wrench (typically \(\frac{1}{4}\) inch, or the wrenchette that came with the unit) into the hole.
- Work the wrench back and forth until the flywheel rotates freely in both directions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Alternative method: If your disposal does not have a bottom hex hole, insert a wooden broom handle down into the top of the drain and pry against the blades to manually force the flywheel to turn. [1]