How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal
Short answer: Turn the disposal switch off (unplug it or shut the breaker if you can), insert the 1/4 inch hex wrench into the socket in the center of the bottom of the unit, and work it back and forth until it turns freely. Remove the loosened object with tongs, let the motor cool, press the red reset button on the bottom, and test with cold water running.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
A disposal that hums but does not spin is jammed, usually by a bone, fruit pit, utensil or bottle cap wedged between the turntable and grind ring. A disposal that is silent has usually tripped its thermal overload (the red reset button) or lost power at the switch, outlet or breaker.
Tools and materials
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Tools
- 1/4 inch hex (Allen) wrench or the disposal's jam wrenchInSinkErator ships a wrench with each unitCheck price on Amazon
- FlashlightCheck price on Amazon
- Long kitchen tongs or pliersNever use your handCheck price on Amazon
Materials
How do you fix a jammed garbage disposal? Step by step
Turn it off
Switch the disposal off. If it plugs into an outlet under the sink, unplug it; otherwise turn off its breaker. InSinkErator says to make certain the switch is off and never put your hand in the disposal.
Free the jam from below
Insert the hex wrench into the center hole on the bottom of the disposal. Work it back and forth in both directions until it turns freely in complete circles. InSinkErator notes the wrench is designed to bend before the disposal is damaged, so some force is OK.
Remove the object
Look into the drain opening with a flashlight and remove the loosened object with tongs or pliers.
Let it cool and press reset
Let the motor cool for a few minutes. Find the small red button on the bottom of the unit. If it has popped out, press it gently. If it will not stay in, wait about 10 minutes and try again. Never strike it with a tool.
Test with cold water
Restore power, run cold water, and turn the disposal on. If it jams again, repeat the wrench step.
Check power if it is silent
If it is still silent, check the breaker, a GFCI outlet that may feed it, and that it is plugged in.
Safety notes
- Never put your hand into a disposal, even with the power off.
- Do not use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal.
- Keep fibrous, hard and non-food items out of the disposal, per the owner's manual.
When should you call a pro?
- It still hums and will not turn after the wrench frees it.
- The reset button trips every time you run it.
- Water leaks from the bottom of the unit, which usually means the disposal needs replacing.
- Hardwired disposals with damaged wiring or a faulty switch need an electrician.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
InSinkErator places a small red button on the bottom of the unit, facing the floor. Some commercial models put it on the front electrical cover.
What if I lost the disposal wrench?
A standard 1/4 inch Allen wrench fits most InSinkErator models.
Why does my disposal hum but not spin?
The motor has power but the grinding plate is jammed. Free it with the hex wrench before running it again, or the overload will trip.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.