A jammed garbage disposal almost always clears with two safe, tool-based steps: pressing the reset button on the underside of the unit, and if that does not work, turning the flywheel manually from underneath with an Allen wrench. Never put your hand inside the disposal at any point in this process, even with the power confirmed off.
Cut the power first
Unplug the unit if it runs off a cord and outlet, or switch it off at the circuit breaker if it is hardwired. Do not place your hand inside the disposal at any point during troubleshooting — use tools (a flashlight, tongs, an Allen wrench) for every step below.
Try the reset button
- Locate the reset button
A small red button on the underside of most disposal units.
- Wait about 15 minutes before pressing it
This gives the internal motor time to cool down if it tripped from overheating.
- Press it firmly
You should feel or hear a distinct click when it engages.
- Restore power and test
Run cold water and turn the disposal on to see if it now runs normally.
Use the Allen wrench method
If the reset button alone does not resolve it, most disposal models have a hex-shaped hole in the center of the bottom of the unit designed specifically for this. With power confirmed off, insert an Allen wrench into that hole and turn it back and forth firmly — you are manually rotating the flywheel to break whatever is jamming it. Once you feel the resistance give way and the wrench can complete a full rotation, the jam has likely cleared.
Inspect for the actual blockage
| Tool | What to do |
|---|---|
| Flashlight | Look down into the disposal chamber, paying attention to the area around the grinding teeth at the edge |
| Tongs or pliers | Remove any visible object — never your fingers, even with power confirmed off |
| Reset + retest | After removing anything visible, press reset again and test with water running before assuming it is fully clear |
Preventing future jams
- Run cold water while the disposal is operating and for a few seconds after — this helps carry ground waste fully through the drain line.
- Stick to soft, grind-friendly food scraps. Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks), grease, and hard items like bones or fruit pits are common jam-causers.
- Avoid grease and oil entirely. These solidify inside the drain line rather than washing through, contributing to both jams and clogs further downstream.
- Run it regularly, even briefly, to keep the internal components from sitting unused and seizing up over time.
When to call a plumber
If the flywheel will not turn at all with the Allen wrench, or the unit hums but does not spin even after a successful reset, the motor itself or an internal component may have failed — a garbage disposal repair or replacement is generally straightforward for a plumber, and continued forcing at that point risks further damage.
