Garbage Disposal Jammed or Humming? How to Reset It

Garbage disposal jammed: how to free and reset it

Short answer

If the disposal hums but doesn't spin, something is wedged between the plate and the grind ring. Turn off the power, insert a 1/4-inch hex key into the socket on the bottom center of the unit and work it back and forth until it turns freely, remove the object with tongs, then press the red reset button. If it's silent, check the reset button and breaker.

What does it do when you switch it on?

If Hums, doesn't spin: Jammed. Free it with the hex key (steps below).
If Silent: Overload tripped or no power. Press the reset button on the bottom; check the breaker and, if it plugs in, the outlet.
If Runs, but water doesn't drain: Clog past the disposal, in the trap or line. See sink not draining.
If Leaks from the bottom: The internal seals have failed. That usually means replacement.
If Runs and grinds loudly: Metal is in the chamber, or worn bearings. Turn it off and look.

Freeing a jam

Cut the power
Switch off the disposal and unplug it or turn off its breaker. Never put your hand in the chamber.
Turn the motor by hand
Fit a 1/4-inch hex key (many disposals come with one) into the socket under the unit and rock it back and forth until it rotates a full turn.
Remove the object
With a flashlight and tongs or pliers, take out whatever was jammed: often a bone, fruit pit, or utensil.
Reset and test
Press the red reset button, restore power, run cold water, then switch on.

Caution: If it trips repeatedly or the motor is hot, stop. A failing motor can overheat.

What jams and clogs disposals

Fibrous peels and stalks: celery, corn husks, onion skins.
Bones, fruit pits, shells.
Grease, which hardens further down the line.
Pasta, rice and coffee grounds in quantity; they swell or pack into the trap.

Septic systems and disposals

On a septic system, a disposal adds solids to the tank, so the tank needs pumping more often. Some septic professionals advise against disposals entirely; others recommend a model designed for septic use. If you're on septic and the disposal is heavily used, ask your septic contractor how it changes the pumping schedule.

When to repair or replace

Water leaks from the body of the disposal.
The motor hums even after the hex key turns freely.
The unit is old, loud and jams often. Replacement is usually simpler than repair. See garbage disposal repair and installation.