How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal
Updated February 20, 2026
Clear a jammed disposal safely using the Allen wrench port, remove what is stuck, and get it running again without burning out the motor.
Overview
Flip the switch and hear humming? Motor is trying to spin but something is stuck. Hear nothing? The thermal overload already tripped. The jam is almost always something hard or fibrous wedged between the impeller and grinding ring -- bone, fruit pit, utensil, bottle cap, or a wad of celery or corn husks. Every disposal has a hex socket on the bottom for a 1/4-inch Allen wrench. Insert, turn back and forth, free the impeller. Five minutes, no plumbing knowledge needed.
What You'll Need
Safety First
- Hands and fingers never go inside. Even with power off, the impellers are sharp. Tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon handle only.
- Unplug the disposal or kill the breaker before clearing a jam. Hardwired (no plug)? Breaker off. Eliminate any chance of it activating while you work.
- Humming when you flip the switch? Do not leave it running. Motor is energized but stuck -- it will overheat and burn out. Off immediately, then clear the jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Turn Off Power to the Disposal
Wall switch off. Then unplug from the outlet under the sink (most disposals plug into an outlet inside the cabinet). Hardwired? Breaker off at the panel. Verify by trying the switch -- should hear nothing. Critical step before reaching near the opening or working underneath.
Tip: Not sure if it is plugged in or hardwired? Flashlight under the sink. Plug-in: cord running to a cabinet outlet. Hardwired: conduit or cable running directly into the bottom of the unit. -
Use the Allen Wrench from Below
Bottom center of the unit: hex socket, 1/4-inch Allen wrench size. Insert and turn back and forth -- clockwise, counterclockwise, quarter turns. You will feel resistance where it is stuck. Work it back and forth, gradually increasing range of motion until the obstruction breaks free and the impeller rotates a full revolution. This is the primary method and it works on virtually every jam.
Tip: Lost the Allen wrench that came with it? Any 1/4-inch hex key works. Keep a dedicated one attached to the unit (zip tie to the power cord) so it is always within reach. -
Remove the Object Causing the Jam
Flashlight into the chamber from above. Find what caused the jam -- bone fragment, fruit pit, glass, utensil, fibrous wad against the grinding ring or under the impeller. Long tongs, needle-nose pliers, or a wooden spoon handle to remove it. Not your fingers. Get any other loose debris while you are in there. Cannot see the object? Rotate the impeller again from below and check if anything falls loose.
Warning: Glass or ceramic broke inside? Remove as many pieces as you can with tongs. Small fragments will grind up, but larger pieces jam it again. Take your time. -
Reset the Overload and Test
Check the reset button on the bottom (small red or black). Popped out? Press firmly until it clicks flush. Restore power. Cold water on, flip the switch. Should start and run smoothly. Let it run 15-20 seconds to flush debris. Hums but does not spin? Jam is not fully cleared -- off immediately, repeat the Allen wrench. No response at all? Check reset button and breaker.
Tip: After clearing a jam, drop a few ice cubes into the running disposal. Cleans the grinding surfaces and knocks loose small debris. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Good monthly maintenance habit too.
Pro Tips
- InSinkErator includes a silver Jam-Buster wrench. Lost it? Any 1/4-inch Allen wrench. Zip-tie one to the power cord so it is always there.
- No Allen wrench at all? Wooden broom handle or thick spoon handle from above, lever against the impeller to rotate it. Less effective but works in a pinch.
- Avoid these: bones (especially chicken and fish that splinter), fruit pits, corn cobs, artichoke leaves, large quantities of shrimp shells, and any non-food items.
- Run the disposal regularly even with nothing to grind. Cold water, 10 seconds, every few days. Prevents seizing from corrosion or dried buildup. A disposal that sits idle for weeks jams more easily.
- Jamming frequently with normal use? Grinding components may be worn. Disposals last 8-12 years. Constant jams on soft food means it is nearing end of life.
When to Call a Pro
Unjamming is always DIY. Call a plumber if the disposal leaks from the bottom (cracked housing -- needs replacement), if the motor is completely dead after resetting and verifying power, if you smell burning (motor winding failure), or if the whole unit needs replacing.