How To Unjam Insinkerator Garbage Disposal May 2026

A humming sound but no spinning? That usually means your InSinkErator is jammed, not broken. Follow these steps to safely clear the jam.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide you can use or share: how to unjam insinkerator garbage disposal

Plug the disposal back in or flip the breaker. Run cold water, then turn on the disposal. It should spin freely. Listen for any remaining grinding. A humming sound but no spinning

Locate the small hex hole in the center of the disposal’s bottom (under the sink). Insert the Allen wrench. Work it back and forth like a crank – this manually turns the impeller plate and should free the jam. You’ll feel resistance first, then it loosens. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide you can use

Never pour grease or fibrous foods (celery, corn husks) down the disposal – they cause most jams over time.

On the bottom of the unit, press the red reset button. If tripped, it will click back in.

Shine a flashlight into the disposal. Look for foreign objects: broken glass, small bones, fruit pits, or metal (like a spoon or bottle cap). Do NOT reach in yet.