When you have a jammed InSinkErator brand garbage disposal, here is some repair tips.
Watch & Learn
This 1-minute video shows you how to fix and repair a garbage disposal that’s jammed, humming, stuck, or has stopped working.
Every disposal is installed with a self-service wrench taped to one of the pipes under the kitchen sink. The wrench is silver colored, and shaped like a little crank, about four inches long. If you cannot find the wrench, you can use a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench.
1. Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal.
The hole is located under the sink at the bottom of the garbage disposal, dead center, facing the floor. Use the wrench like a crank.
2. Work the wrench back and forth in both directions.
If the wrench will not turn easily, it is OK to use some force. The wrench is designed to bend before any damage is done to the garbage disposal.
3. Continue working with the wrench.
Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.
4. Check the overload protector.
The overload protector is located under the sink, on the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. It is a small square red button. If the overload protector has tripped, you will see the red button dropped down about a quarter of an inch (5mm). Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait ten minutes and try again.
5. Check inside garbage disposal’s grinding chamber.
Look down into the garbage disposal using a flashlight. Do not place your hand into the garbage disposal. Pay special attention to the area around the outer edge of the garbage disposal’s shredding disk where you see the little teeth. If you see anything in the garbage disposal, remove it using tongs or pliers.
6. Turn on the water, then the garbage disposal.
The garbage disposal should now run. If it jams again, use the wrench again. You may need to repeat the process several times.
If the garbage disposal still isn’t working, please give us a call so we can schedule a service technician to come evaluate the disposal and repair options.