How to Un-Jam a Garbage Disposal: A Step-by-Step Guide
A jammed garbage disposal can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of cleaning up after a meal. However, with a few simple tools and a bit of patience, you can often unjam your disposal on your own, avoiding the need for a costly repair call. In this guide, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot and unjam your garbage disposal safely and effectively.
1. Turn Off the Power
Before you begin working on the garbage disposal, it’s critical to ensure your safety. Turn off the power to the disposal to prevent any accidents.
- Unplug the unit: If your disposal has a plug, simply unplug it from the socket.
- Turn off the circuit breaker: If the disposal is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, locate your circuit breaker and flip the switch for the garbage disposal.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure the unit has no power before proceeding.
2. Inspect the Disposal
After cutting off the power, check the disposal to determine the cause of the jam. Common causes of jams include:
- Large or hard objects (such as bones, utensils, or glass)
- Overloading the disposal
- Accumulated debris or food waste
- A stuck flywheel or jammed motor
If you see something visible inside the disposal, remove it with tongs or pliers. Never use your hands to pull out objects, as the disposal’s sharp blades can cause injury even when powered off.
3. Use an Allen Wrench to Manually Turn the Flywheel
Garbage disposals have a flywheel that can get stuck when an object or debris causes a blockage. Many disposals come with a special hex-shaped socket on the bottom of the unit, designed for this very situation.
- Locate the hex socket: Look under your sink for a small hole in the center of the disposal’s bottom. It may be covered by a rubber stopper.
- Insert an Allen wrench: Most disposals come with a 1/4-inch Allen wrench. If you don’t have the original wrench, you can use a similar-sized wrench. Insert it into the socket and turn it back and forth.
- Turn the flywheel: Twist the wrench in both directions, trying to loosen any obstruction or debris that is blocking the flywheel. If it feels like it’s stuck, try moving it gently until it moves freely. This should help dislodge anything causing the jam.
4. Use a Wooden Spoon Handle to Move the Blades
If your disposal doesn’t have a hex socket or if the flywheel isn’t budging, you can use a wooden spoon handle or a similar long, sturdy object.
- Insert the handle into the disposal: Carefully insert the handle into the disposal opening, aiming for the center of the flywheel.
- Push and twist: Gently press and twist the handle to move the flywheel. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as you don’t want to break the blades or damage the motor.
5. Flush with Water
Once you’ve managed to free the flywheel, flush the disposal with cold water to help clear any remaining debris. Turn the power back on, run cold water, and briefly turn the disposal on.
This step will help flush out any small particles or food that might still be stuck inside the system.
6. Check for Leaks
After the disposal is unjammed, it’s a good idea to check for any leaks under the sink. Turn the disposal on again briefly while checking around the connections to ensure that no water is leaking.
If you notice any leaks, it may be necessary to tighten the disposal’s mounting bolts or check the seals for any damage.
7. Prevent Future Jams
To avoid future jams, consider the following preventative measures:
- Run cold water: Always run cold water when using the disposal to help solidify grease and fats, preventing them from sticking to the disposal.
- Avoid hard objects: Never put bones, large food scraps, or non-food items in the disposal. Stick to softer, smaller items like fruit peels and vegetable scraps.
- Regular cleaning: Periodically clean the disposal with ice cubes and a little bit of salt or use a disposal cleaning solution to remove buildup.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a jammed garbage disposal can be a nuisance, but with these steps, you can usually fix the problem without calling a professional. Always remember to turn off the power before attempting to unjam the disposal, and if the problem persists, it may be time to call a plumber or an appliance repair technician. Proper maintenance and avoiding putting inappropriate items into the disposal will help keep it running smoothly for years to come.
If you are hesitant to do it yourself, let the Professionals help! Clearview Renovations has the experience and knowledge to do the job correctly, and safely. Our services include:
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