How to Unjam a Humming Garbage Disposal in 5 Minutes
Time required: 10-15 mins · Difficulty 1/5
Est. DIY Parts: $0 - $15 · Pro Service: $150 - $250 · Est. Savings: $135 - $250
* Estimates based on regional/national contractor rate benchmarks. Actual part prices vary by brand and retailer.
Parts & Tools You'll Need
- Universal Garbage Disposal Wrench (1/4 in. Hex)
- InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
- Disposal Cleaner & Deodorizer Drops
- Flashlight
- Long Tongs or Pliers (Never your hands!)
Step-by-Step Manual
- Turn OFF the wall switch and unplug the unit Flip the wall switch off and unplug the power cord under the sink (or turn off the disposal circuit breaker).
- Insert 1/4-inch hex wrench into the bottom center Look at the underside center of the disposal underneath the sink. Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench directly into the central breaker socket.
- Crank back and forth to break the jam Forcefully rotate the wrench back and forth in both directions until the internal flywheel spins 360 degrees smoothly with zero resistance.
- Remove the foreign object using tongs Shine a flashlight into the sink drain and use kitchen tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull out the dislodged coin, bone, or avocado seed.
- Press the red thermal overload reset button Feel along the bottom or lower side of the unit for the small red square reset button. Press it firmly until it clicks back in.
- Run cold water and test Plug the unit back in, turn on cold running tap water, and flip the wall switch. The motor will spin with a clean, smooth hum.