Is your garbage disposal not working? For instance, maybe it’s making weird noises or refusing to turn on. But don’t worry—because a jammed garbage disposal is one of the easiest home repairs you can tackle yourself. So, you don’t need to call a plumber or wait for someone else to save the day. Plus, with just a few basic tools and a little effort, you can master DIY garbage disposal repair fast and then get back to your routine. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to fixing a jammed garbage disposal—perfect for beginners or anyone eager to nail garbage disposal repair.
garbage Disposal not working? the Parts You’ll Need!
- Garbage disposal wrench (hex key or Allen wrench) – Pick one up here . Most disposals use a 1/4-inch size, but double-check your model. Some even include one for free—look under your sink!
- A broom handle or wooden spoon (optional, for backup).
- A flashlight (your phone works fine).
- Cost? Around $10 if you need the wrench. Time? About 20 minutes. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Safety comes first! So, before you begin any garbage disposal repair, always disconnect the power. First, unplug it from the outlet under your sink. But if there’s no plug, then head to your breaker box and switch off the kitchen circuit. Next, test the disposal switch to confirm it’s off—nothing should happen. As a result, this ensures a safe garbage disposal fix while you work on your DIY disposal repair.
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Step 2: Check the Problem inside the garbage disposal
Grab a flashlight and look inside the disposal. What’s causing the jam? It could be a small object like a spoon, a fruit pit, or built-up food waste. Don’t reach in with your hands yet—we’ll handle that safely later. Identifying the issue now helps you plan your fix.
Step 3: Use the Garbage Disposal Wrench
Take your garbage disposal wrench and locate the hex-shaped slot on the bottom of the unit, under the sink. Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth—clockwise, then counterclockwise. This manually rotates the blades to loosen the jam. Keep going until it spins smoothly. This is the key step to un-jamming most disposals!
Step 4: Reset The garbage disposal
Locate the reset button on the disposal—usually a small red or black button on the bottom of the unit. Press it firmly until it clicks. This resets the system after a jam and preps it to run again. It’s a simple step that’s easy to miss but super important.
Step 5: Test The garbage disposal
Reconnect the power by plugging it in or flipping the breaker back on. Flip the disposal switch. If it runs smoothly, you’ve nailed it—you fixed your jammed garbage disposal! If it’s still acting up, double-check the reset or repeat steps 3-5 to finish your garbage disposal repair.
There you have it—you’ve just learned how to fix a jammed garbage disposal like a pro! It’s a quick, satisfying win for any home repair beginner. Share your success with us at repairboom.com or drop a question below—we’re here to help. Enjoy your working kitchen and the pride of a DIY job well done.
Bonus Tips: Prevent Future Jams
Keep your garbage disposal happy by avoiding bones, fibrous foods (like celery), or grease. Run cold water during and after use to flush it out, and grind ice cubes occasionally to clean the blades. Small habits, big results.