Unjam a Stuck Kitchen Garbage Disposal Safely
Having a jammed garbage disposal is a common kitchen nuisance. If your disposal starts making loud humming noises or doesn't turn on at all, chances are it's stuck with trapped food particles. While calling a plumber is an option, there are several safe DIY methods you can try first to get your garbage disposal grinding properly again.
We'll also provide tips to help prevent future clogs and jams.
Why Your Garbage Disposal Gets Jammed
There are a few common culprits that can lead to a stuck kitchen garbage disposal:
Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Jams
Putting fibrous or hard foods down the disposal is one of the biggest reasons disposals jam. Materials like corn husks, celery, banana peels, eggshells, and bones don't break down well and can get tangled in the blades. Over time, small particles accumulate and cause clogs.
Grease and fat buildup is another major disposal clogger. Letting fats, oils, and grease wash down the drain sticks to the insides. This can gradually block water flow and allow food debris to accumulate.
Overloading the disposal with too much waste at one time doesn't give it a chance to grind properly. Feeding waste in small batches gives the disposal time to work through particles.
Finally, not running enough water while the disposal is on can lead to jams. Water helps move particles down the drain. Skimping on water results in a buildup of debris inside the disposal unit.
Signs Your Disposal is Jammed
A jammed disposal often hums loudly when turned on but the blades don't actually spin. You may also notice a complete lack of power - the disposal doesn't turn on at all when flipped on.
In some cases, a jammed disposal will grind very slowly and make straining noises as it tries unsuccessfully to chop up debris. The blades may even spin in reverse.
How to Unjam a Stuck Garbage Disposal
Before taking any measures to unclog a stuck disposal, always unplug the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker controlling it. Here are the easiest ways to get your clogged disposal working again.
Reset the Garbage Disposal
Many disposals have a reset button on the bottom of the unit. Locate this button and push it in, then wait 10-15 minutes before trying again. This resets the garbage disposal and lets any jammed debris settle.
Just be aware that resetting may temporarily fix the issue but clogs can still reoccur shortly after if particles remain lodged in the blades.
Use a Garbage Disposal Wrench
Every disposal comes with an Allen wrench that fits in a socket in the bottom center. Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the disposal blades.
Forcing the blades to turn can break up or dislodge debris. Work the wrench in both directions for 30 seconds at a time until you're able to freely spin the unit.
Dislodge Debris from Top
Carefully insert a wooden spoon handle or long dowel rod into the disposal opening. Slowly rotate it around the inside perimeter to loosen particles stuck to the sides.
You can also try poking to dislodge debris directly clogging the grind ring. Use gentle pressure and be cautious not to scratch the metal components.
Flush Out Debris
Place a bucket or pan under the trap to catch any freed particles. With a gloved hand, reach into the disposal entrance and remove any large debris you can grasp. Next, plug in the disposal and turn it on and off in short 5-10 second bursts while running cold water.
This creates added pressure that pushes through and rinses away smaller loosened clogs. Repeat until water runs clear and your disposal sounds normal when turned on.
When to Call a Professional
While many jams can be fixed with some elbow grease, certain issues do require a garbage disposal repair professional:
Signs You Need a Plumber
If your disposal is completely unresponsive even after pressing reset and using the Allen wrench, the internal motor may need replacement. A disposal that leaks from the bottom seals or has visible cracks also requires professional repair.
If you notice a pervasive bad smell coming from the disposal, there may be built up food debris or a blockage deeper in the plumbing pipes. Continued use could result in a full clog.
In these cases, it's best to call a pro rather than attempting complex DIY fixes that could worsen issues or result in a shocking electrical hazard.
Tips to Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Jams
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your food waste disposal clog-free for years. Here are some easy habits to practice:
Maintain Your Disposal
To help clean the inside of your disposal naturally, grind up ice cubes, citrus peels, or short vinegar ice cubes once a week. You can also pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar to react with grease buildup.
Installing a drain strainer or stopper prevents large food particles from even entering the disposal. Use this when rinsing dishes to catch scraps.
Use Properly
Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding food waste. Cold water keeps fats from sticking and creates a fluid environment for particles to wash away.
Turn the faucet on first, then turn on the disposal. Feed food waste gradually while flushing with plenty of water. Let the disposal run for 30 seconds after grinding to clear all debris.
Avoid putting fibrous or starchy items down drains. Compost or trash eggshells, corn husks, coffee grounds, rice, and pasta instead.
Dealing with a jammed garbage disposal can be a smelly, unpleasant chore. Luckily, in many cases you can reset the disposal or manually remove stuck debris to get it working again. Just be sure to unplug the unit first and exercise caution when inserting hands in the drain.
Prevention is also key - maintaining your disposal properly and using care when running it can help avoid clogs in the first place. If all else fails, don't hesitate to call a professional for repairs. But hopefully these tips will get your disposal back up and running smoothly on its own.