How to Fix My Jammed Garbage Disposal?

How to Identify a Jammed Garbage Disposal?

Before you try garbage disposal jammed fixes, it’s a good idea to confirm what’s going on. Here are some common signs the blades might be jammed:

• Loud humming noise: This is the classic giveaway. The motor’s getting power and trying to turn, but something’s blocking the blades.
• Total silence: Flip the switch and hear nothing? The unit might’ve overheated and tripped its circuit breaker or there could be an electrical issue.
• Weird noises: If it’s running but making loud clanking sounds, it could be trying to grind up something it shouldn’t, like glass or metal. Turn it off immediately to avoid more damage.
• Starts but stops: If it runs for a second and shuts off, the overload protection might be kicking in to save the motor.

Tools You Will Need to Fix a Garbage Disposal

First off, having the right Insinkerator jam tools makes this whole job way easier. No need for a huge toolbox, just grab these essentials:

• Flashlight: You'll definitely want a bright one to peer into that dark grinding chamber.
• Tongs or Pliers: Long-handled tongs or needle-nose pliers are perfect for safely fishing out whatever's stuck in there.
• Allen Wrench (Hex Key): Your disposal probably came with a special "garbage disposal jam buster" wrench. Can't find it? A standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench usually does the trick.
• Bucket: Useful for catching any water or gunk if you have to mess with the drain pipes.
• Wooden Spoon or Dowel: You can try using one of these from above to gently nudge the blades, but using the wrench from below is really the way to go.

Spotting these signs early can save you from getting your garbage disposal jammed up in the future! The safest choice is to call a professional garbage disposal repair service in London to get it sorted.

How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal?

Got your tools and safety gear? Great! Let's learn how to get that garbage disposal un-jammed. Here’s what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1 - Safety First, Always

Before you do anything, cut the power to your garbage disposal at the circuit breaker. This is super important to avoid any accidents.

Step 2 - Look for Obvious Blockages

Grab a flashlight and peek down into the drain. Can you see anything that shouldn't be there, like a stray bone, fruit pit, or fork? If so, use a pair of tongs or pliers to pull it out. Don't use your hands!

Step 3 - Use an Allen Wrench to Loosen Things Up

If you can't see anything but it's still stuck, look for a small hexagonal hole on the bottom of the disposal unit. Stick a 1/4-inch Allen wrench in there and crank it back and forth. This will manually move the blades and should help free up whatever's causing the jam.

Step 4 - Clear Out the Debris

Once the garbage disposal wrench can turn freely, take it out. Use your tongs or pliers again to reach in and remove the object that was causing the trouble. Make sure you get everything out so it doesn't just get jammed again.

Step 5 - Hit the Reset Button

Jams often cause the motor to trip. Look for a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal and press it firmly until it clicks. If it doesn't stay in, the motor might need to cool down. Wait about 10-15 minutes and try again.

Step 6 - Test It Out

Now for the moment of truth! Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Run some cold water into the sink and then flip the disposal switch. Hopefully, it runs smoothly. If you hear any weird noises, you might need to investigate a bit more.

Want to know more? Read our blog on noisy garbage disposal for causes and solutions.

Common Causes of a Jammed Garbage Disposal

The best way to fix issues like garbage disposal blades jamming is by preventing them from happening in the first place. Knowing what causes clogs can help you avoid them. Here’s a list of things you should never put down your garbage disposal:

Grease, Oil, and Fats

Ever notice how grease hardens when it cools? It does the same thing in your pipes! These liquids can cling to your drains, creating nasty clogs that can block your whole system.

Fibrous Vegetables and Starchy Expandable Food

Fibrous veggies like celery can get tangled in your garbage disposal, and starchy foods like pasta and rice swell up with water, creating clogs that can block your pipes and drains.

Hard Materials

Bones, fruit pits, seafood, and eggshells can be too tough for it to handle. Trying to grind them can really damage the blades and lead to some serious blockages.

Non-Food Items

Items like metal, glass, plastic, paper, or utensils like a fork stuck in a garbage disposal can be too hard to handle. They can damage and lead to a garbage disposal jammed with metal or even totally destroy your disposal unit.

Coffee Grounds

You might think they're fine, but coffee grounds are sneaky! They clump together in your pipes over time, building up into frustrating, stubborn clogs. Better to toss them in the bin.

Electrical issues

Electrical problems, like a wonky switch, damaged wires or a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, can suddenly kill the power to your garbage disposal. When it stops mid-grind like that, it's no surprise it gets jammed up with food waste.

Preventive Measures to Keep Your Disposal Running Smoothly

Want your garbage disposal to last longer and avoid those annoying jams? Here are some easy tips to avoid issues like a garbage disposal stuck with glass.

• Always Go Cold: Before, during, and for about 15 seconds after using your disposal, let a strong stream of cold water run. Why cold? It helps keep grease and fats solid so they get chopped up and washed away. Hot water can actually melt them, which lets them stick to your pipes.
• Chop It Up: Give your disposal a hand by cutting larger food scraps into smaller, more manageable pieces before tossing them in.
• Don't Overload: Instead of dumping everything in at once, feed food waste into the disposal gradually. It'll thank you!
• Clean & Freshen: Once a month, you can clean and even sharpen the blades by grinding up a tray of ice cubes. For a fresh scent, toss in some citrus peels like lemon, lime, or orange.

Discover practical advice in our blog: Tips for Keeping Your Insinkerator Running Smoothly.

How Long Do Waste Disposal Units Last?

So, how long can your garbage disposal actually last? Typically, a good quality one can stick around for 8 to 15 years. But a few things play a role in that:

• The Unit's Quality: A fancy model with stainless steel parts and a stronger motor is probably going to outlive a cheaper one.
• How Often You Use It: If you're using it all the time, it's naturally going to wear out a bit faster.
• Maintenance: Giving it a good clean now and then, and using it properly, really helps it last longer.
• What You Put Down It: Avoid hard or stringy stuff, and that'll add years to its life!

Cost of Repair vs. Replacement in London

If you're a London homeowner, you might be wondering if it's better to try for a jammed garbage disposal fix or just get a new one.

The answer really comes down to how old your unit is, what's actually wrong with it, and how much a repair will cost.

How Much to Fix Broken Garbage Disposal?

So, how much does it cost to fix that broken garbage disposal? Well, it really depends. If it's just a simple jam that a professional can clear in a flash, you're probably looking at a standard call-out fee plus the first hour of labour. In London, it usually runs anywhere from £75 to £150.

How Much to Replace Broken Garbage Disposal?

If your unit is leaky or broken, replacement is your best bet. A new garbage disposal in London costs between £200 and £500, including installation. While it's a bigger upfront cost, you'll get a long-term solution with a new warranty.

Want to know why repairing your Insinkerator is worth it? Read our blog on the Benefits of Insinkerator Repair in London.

Your Trusted Partner in Insinkerator Repairs London

A jammed garbage disposal can be annoying. The good news is, with a little know-how, you can often fix it yourself. Just follow the safety tips and steps we've laid out in this guide, and you'll have your kitchen back in action!

If your garbage disposal is humming but not jammed, take steps to prevent any further damage. Give Serviceteam a shout today for some expert help!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is general waste disposed of?

In London, your local council picks it up and usually takes it to an “energy-from-waste” (EfW) plant. They burn it there to make electricity for homes and businesses, which means less stuff goes to landfills and we get some renewable energy too!

How to free a jammed garbage disposal?

First, switch off the power at your fuse box. Then, grab an Allen key or a garbage disposal wrench if you have one, and manually turn the blades from the bottom. Once it spins freely, use some tongs to pull out whatever was causing the blockage.

What causes a garbage disposal to jam?

Usually, it’s because of things that shouldn’t go down there! Think fibrous foods like banana peels and celery, hard stuff like bones or fruit pits, and even starchy things like potato peels and pasta, as they can all cause a real mess.

What should I avoid putting in my garbage disposal?

Definitely avoid fats, oils, and grease (FOG) as they’ll just solidify and clog your pipes. Also, steer clear of hard things like bones, stringy veggies like celery, coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods like pasta and potato peels.

What if my garbage disposal still doesn’t work after clearing the jam?

Check for the reset button. It’s usually a small red or black button on the bottom of the unit. If it’s popped out, push it back in to reset the motor. Still no luck? Then it might be time to call a plumber or electrician.