How to Un-Jam a Garbage Disposal Using an Allen Wrench

How to Un-Jam a Garbage Disposal Using an Allen Wrench

A garbage disposal that hums but does not spin has a jammed grinding plate — the motor is running but the plate is stuck. This is one of the few appliance service tasks that does not require an electrician, as it involves mechanical unjamming rather than electrical work. However, you must disconnect power before putting your hand near the grinding chamber.

Steps to Unjam the Disposal

• Turn off the power at the disposal’s wall switch and at the circuit breaker — do not rely only on the wall switch
• Do not put your hand into the grinding chamber, even with power off — use tongs or needle-nose pliers to remove any debris that may be jamming the plate
• Locate the hex socket on the bottom centre of the disposal unit — most units take a 1/4 inch hex key (Allen wrench)
• Insert the Allen wrench and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the grinding plate and free the jam
• Once the plate turns freely, press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit — this resets the thermal overload protector that tripped when the motor stalled
• Restore power and test the disposal with water running

When the Disposal Needs Replacement

If the disposal trips its reset button repeatedly, the motor is failing. If the unit leaks from the bottom seal, the internal seal has failed and the unit should be replaced. Replacing a hardwired garbage disposal requires de-energizing the circuit and reconnecting the new unit’s wiring — this is straightforward electrical work but does require confirming the circuit is off. EZSMART handles garbage disposal circuit installation and replacement across Ontario.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp