One of the more common requests we receive from tenants is to fix a jammed garbage disposal.  We hear things like “it’s broken”; “it’s jammed and is humming”; “my sink is clogged and my disposal won’t run.”  In nearly all cases what has actually occurred is that the tenant has something lodged in the disposal and the motor has stopped running.

Unjamming a garbage disposal is a situation that comes inherent with the appliance. They all have a function to shut off, much like a circuit breaker, when they are jammed to the point of completely stalling the motor. This is to prevent motor burn out. They also are designed so anyone can dislodge whatever is inhibiting operation. Underneath every unit is a hex-head slot and all units should come with a wrench to match the slot.

If you misplaced the wrench that came with the unit, an Allen key will work just as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 minutes

What You Need:

• Flashlight
• Hex-head wrench or Allen key

Here’s How:

1. First, find the circuit breaker and turn off the breaker switch that goes to the disposal.
2. Unplug the unit and locate the slot; it is located in the center of the underside of the unit.
3. Next, fit the wrench into the slot and work it back and forth so the blades move. Continue doing this until the unit is spinning without resistance.
4. Look down into the drain with a flashlight and see if you can locate what jammed the teeth of the disposal and remove the object or food.
5. Is everything clear and does the disposal seems to be moving clearly back and forth?  If yes, plug the disposal back in and turn the circuit breaker switch into the on position.
6. With all hands and objects away from the disposal and the unit is spinning freely, press the reset button, located near the hex head slot (allen screw) on the bottom of the disposal.
7. Test the unit while running a lot of water.

If it’s still not working, or you feel uneasy about trying these steps, contact our maintenance team to repair it: https://www.hendersonproperties.com/maintenance-service-request/ or 704-970-4154