How To Unjam Insinkerator Garbage Disposal May 2026

Once the wrench turns freely, use tongs or pliers (not your fingers) to remove the loosened debris. For deep jams, try a wooden spoon handle to rotate the blades from above.

On the bottom of the unit, press the red reset button. If tripped, it will click back in. how to unjam insinkerator garbage disposal

Plug the disposal back in or flip the breaker. Run cold water, then turn on the disposal. It should spin freely. Listen for any remaining grinding. Once the wrench turns freely, use tongs or

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide you can use or share: If tripped, it will click back in

Never pour grease or fibrous foods (celery, corn husks) down the disposal – they cause most jams over time.

Shine a flashlight into the disposal. Look for foreign objects: broken glass, small bones, fruit pits, or metal (like a spoon or bottle cap). Do NOT reach in yet.

Try rotating the wrench more firmly. If it won’t budge, the motor might be seized – call a pro. For metal jams (e.g., a coin), you may need to remove the disposal.