These devices work by using fast-spinning impellers to push food waste against a stationary grind ring, breaking it down so it can wash down the drain.
However, they can get jammed if the wrong items are introduced. In this post, Doug the Plumber walks you through common causes of garbage disposal jams and what you can do to safely fix the problem.
If your garbage disposal is humming but not spinning, it’s likely jammed. This typically means one of the impellers is stuck, preventing the motor from turning the spinning plate. The key is to act quickly—running a jammed disposal for more than a few seconds can overheat and destroy the motor, which isn’t repairable. That means full replacement.
If you’re comfortable, you can usually clear a jam yourself. But if getting under the sink is difficult or you’d rather leave it to the pros, a plumber can typically fix the issue in minutes.
Step 1: Cut the Power
First, shut off the disposal. Then unplug the unit or flip the breaker switch if it’s hardwired. This step is crucial, especially if you need to reach inside the disposal to remove the blockage. With the power off, you won’t risk accidentally turning it on and damaging the unit—or yourself.
Step 2: Look for Obstructions
Use a flashlight to peer into the drain and check for visible obstructions. If you see something stuck—like a utensil or piece of food—you can often remove it with needle-nose pliers. The grinding mechanism doesn’t contain blades, so it’s usually safe to reach in by hand (once the power is off). If you can’t see or remove the blockage, the next step is to manually rotate the impellers.
Step 3: Manually Turn the Disposal
Most disposals come with a hex key or Allen wrench designed for manual unjamming. Insert the wrench into the slot on the bottom of the unit and twist it back and forth a few times. This forces the impellers to move and often loosens whatever’s stuck.
No key? A standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench usually fits.
Step 4: Test the Unit
Once the impellers spin freely, look again for the object and remove it if visible. Then restore power and run cold water before switching the disposal back on. Cold water helps cool the motor and lubricate the grinding process. If everything sounds normal and the impellers are spinning, your disposal is back in action.
If the unit still won’t spin or hums again, it may be worn out and require replacement. Call a plumber to inspect the issue.
Common Causes of Disposal Jams
Most jams occur when the wrong items are sent down the drain. Here’s what to avoid:
- Hard items: Fruit pits, seafood shells, bones from pork or beef, and nut shells are too dense and can wedge between the impellers and grind ring.
- Fibrous foods: Celery, banana peels, corn husks, asparagus, and artichokes contain stringy fibers that can wrap around the impellers and stop them from spinning.
- Raw meat: Like fibrous veggies, raw meat can bind up the impellers due to its texture.
Some items may not jam the disposal but can still clog your pipes:
- Grease, oil, and fat: These cool and harden, leading to buildup and blockages.
- Eggshells and coffee grounds: These break into fine particles that can accumulate in the drain line.
- Starches like pasta, rice, and potatoes: These expand and create a sticky paste that clogs your pipes.
Avoiding these problem items helps prevent jams and extends the life of your garbage disposal.
If your garbage disposal is jammed and you’re not sure how to fix it—or if it just won’t work properly anymore—Doug the Plumber is here to help.
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