How to Safely Unjam a Garbage Disposal and Avoid Costly Plumbing Repairs
If there's one kitchen appliance I see homeowners accidentally damage more than almost any other, it's the garbage disposal.
Over the past 20-plus years working as a plumber throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area, I've seen everything from silverware and golf tees to bottle caps and chicken bones jam disposals beyond repair.
The good news is that many garbage disposal problems are actually simple to fix.
The bad news is that many homeowners make the problem worse by trying the wrong solution.
Before you assume your garbage disposal needs to be replaced, here are a few safe troubleshooting steps I recommend—and a few things I strongly advise against.
First Things First: Safety Comes Before Repairs
Never Put Your Hand Inside the Disposal
This may sound obvious, but it's worth repeating.
Never reach inside a garbage disposal, even if you believe it's turned off.
Garbage disposals contain sharp grinding components, and the unit can unexpectedly move if power is restored.
Before inspecting anything:
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Turn the disposal off.
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Unplug the unit if possible.
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If it's hardwired, switch off the breaker supplying power.
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Use a flashlight—not your hand—to look inside.
If something is lodged inside, use needle-nose pliers or kitchen tongs to remove it.
What Happens When a Garbage Disposal Hums but Doesn't Spin?
The Motor Is Trying to Work
One of the most common service calls I receive is:
"Jake, my disposal just hums."
Usually, this means the motor is receiving power but can't turn because something is jammed.
Common causes include:
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Silverware
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Fruit pits
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Bones
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Glass
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Metal objects
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Fibrous vegetables
Fortunately, many of these jams can be cleared without replacing the disposal.
How to Use an Allen Wrench to Unjam Your Disposal
Most Garbage Disposals Include a Manual Override
Many modern garbage disposals have a small hex-shaped opening on the bottom of the unit.
This is designed specifically for clearing jams.
Here's how to do it safely:
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Always disconnect electrical power before attempting any repair.
Step 2: Insert the Allen Wrench
Most disposals include the proper-sized Allen wrench.
Insert it into the opening underneath the disposal.
Step 3: Rotate Back and Forth
Slowly move the wrench back and forth.
You'll often feel the grinding plate loosen as the obstruction breaks free.
Don't force it.
Steady pressure is all that's needed.
4: Remove the Obstruction
Using pliers or tongs, carefully remove any visible object from inside the disposal.
Never use your fingers.
Step 5: Press the Reset Button
Most garbage disposals have a small red reset button located underneath the unit.
Press it once.
Restore power and briefly test the disposal using running cold water.
If it operates normally, you've likely solved the problem.
What Should Never Go Down a Garbage Disposal?
Your Disposal Isn't a Trash Can
One of the biggest misconceptions is that garbage disposals are designed to grind anything.
They're not.
Here are some of the most common items I remove from clogged plumbing systems.
Grease, Oil, and Fat
This is the number one offender.
Grease may be liquid when it's hot, but once it cools inside your plumbing, it hardens.
Eventually it collects food debris and creates stubborn drain clogs.
Instead, allow grease to cool and dispose of it in the trash.
Fibrous Vegetables
Certain vegetables don't grind well.
Examples include:
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Celery
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Corn husks
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Onion skins
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Asparagus
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Artichokes
Their long fibers can wrap around the disposal's grinding components and contribute to clogs.
Bones
Despite popular myths, garbage disposals aren't designed to grind large bones.
Small fish bones may occasionally pass through, but chicken bones, beef bones, and pork bones should always go into the trash.
Coffee Grounds
Many homeowners believe coffee grounds are harmless.
Unfortunately, they tend to settle inside drain pipes where they combine with grease and soap residue to form thick sludge.
Dispose of used coffee grounds in the trash or compost instead.
Eggshells
This one surprises people.
While opinions vary, I've found eggshells often contribute to drain buildup.
The membrane inside the shell can wrap around disposal components, while crushed shells may settle inside plumbing.
It's usually better to throw them away.
Pasta, Rice, and Bread
These foods continue expanding after they absorb water.
Inside your plumbing, they can quickly become thick masses that restrict drainage.
Fruit Pits
Peach pits, avocado pits, mango pits, and similar items are simply too hard for residential garbage disposals.
Trying to grind them can damage the motor.
Cold Water Is Your Friend
Always Run Water Before, During, and After Use
Whenever you operate the disposal:
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Start cold water first.
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Turn on the disposal.
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Feed food waste gradually.
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Continue running water for 15 to 30 seconds after turning the disposal off.
Cold water helps solidify grease so it can move through the system rather than coating your pipes.
Keep Your Disposal Clean
Odors Usually Come from Food Residue
If your disposal smells unpleasant, trapped food particles are often the cause.
A few safe cleaning methods include:
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Grinding ice cubes to help remove buildup.
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Running cold water while grinding small citrus peels like lemon or lime (occasionally for freshening—not large amounts).
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Using a mild dish soap followed by plenty of cold water.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage plumbing components and seals.
When Troubleshooting Isn't Enough
Some Problems Require Professional Repairs
Sometimes the disposal itself isn't the problem.
You should contact a plumber if:
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The disposal leaks.
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It trips the breaker repeatedly.
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It won't reset.
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It makes loud grinding noises.
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Water backs up into the sink.
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It continues jamming after being cleared.
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It's more than 10 to 15 years old and frequently malfunctions.
In many cases, repairing or replacing the disposal is more cost-effective than continuing to troubleshoot recurring issues.
Jake's Advice After More Than 20 Years
If there's one piece of advice I give homeowners, it's this:
Treat your garbage disposal like a helper—not a garbage can.
It was designed to handle small amounts of soft food waste that remain on plates after scraping them into the trash.
When homeowners try to grind everything from turkey bones to bacon grease, the disposal—and eventually the plumbing—usually lets them know that wasn't a good idea.
Using the disposal properly is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Most garbage disposal problems are preventable.
By avoiding grease, fibrous foods, bones, and other problem materials, you'll reduce the chances of clogs while extending the life of both your disposal and your plumbing system.
If your disposal does become jammed, remember to disconnect the power first and use the built-in Allen wrench feature rather than forcing the unit to run.
Hometown Hero's Plumbing Is Here to Help
If your garbage disposal won't start, keeps jamming, is leaking, or you're simply not sure whether it can be repaired, Hometown Hero's Plumbing is here to help.
With more than 20 years of plumbing experience, I've repaired and replaced garbage disposals throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area. My goal is always to recommend the solution that makes the most sense for your home—whether that's a simple repair, clearing a jam, or installing a dependable new disposal.
If your kitchen plumbing isn't working the way it should, give Hometown Hero's Plumbing a call. We'll get things flowing again with honest advice, quality workmanship, and hometown service you can count on.
About The Author
Jake Foley, Hometown Hero's Plumbing owner, has 20+ years providing reliable, quality plumbing services to residents and business owners throughout the Tampa, FL, area.