My Garbage Disposal is Jammed. What Do I Do?
A garbage disposal is one of those household appliances you don’t think about until it stops working. When it’s running smoothly, it helps keep your kitchen clean and eliminates food waste efficiently. But when it jams, it can be a frustrating problem. The good news is that unjamming garbage disposal is usually a straightforward process if you follow the right steps.
At Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Hackensack, NJ, and throughout Bergen and Hudson Counties fix their garbage disposals quickly and safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through common causes of garbage disposal jams, prevention tips, and step-by-step solutions to get your disposal working again.
Why Your Garbage Disposal is Jammed
Garbage disposals are powerful machines, but they have limits. Certain items can cause blockages or even damage the unit. Here are some common culprits:
- Fibrous Foods: Celery, corn husks, and banana peels can tangle around the blades and cause jams.
- Grease and Fat: When poured down the drain, grease solidifies and clogs the disposal.
- Hard Objects: Bones, fruit pits, and shellfish shells are too hard for the disposal to break down.
- Starchy Foods: Pasta, rice, and potatoes expand with water, leading to blockages.
- Non-Food Items: Small utensils, bottle caps, and other foreign objects can accidentally fall in and cause jams.
Understanding what not to put down your garbage disposal is the first step to preventing problems.
How to Safely Unjam Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is jammed, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue safely:
1. Turn Off the Power
Before doing anything, make sure the disposal is turned off. Unplug it from the power source or switch off the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of injury.
2. Inspect the Disposal
Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal. If you see a foreign object, use pliers or tongs to remove it—never use your hands!
3. Use an Allen Wrench
Most garbage disposals have a small hex hole at the bottom. Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench into this hole and turn it back and forth to free up any stuck debris.
4. Reset the Disposal
If the disposal is overheated and shut off, locate the red reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it. Wait a few minutes and try turning the disposal back on.
5. Run Cold Water and Restart
Once you’ve cleared the jam, run cold water and turn the disposal back on to flush out any remaining debris.
If your disposal is still jammed or making unusual noises, it may need professional repair or replacement.
Preventing Future Garbage Disposal Jams
To keep your garbage disposal in top condition, follow these best practices:
- Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease, allowing the disposal to break it down before it clogs pipes.
- Cut Large Items: Chop larger food scraps into smaller pieces before tossing them in.
- Avoid Problematic Foods: Keep coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables out of the disposal.
- Clean Regularly: Grind ice cubes, baking soda, and lemon peels to keep your disposal fresh and odor-free.
When to Call a Professional
If your garbage disposal is frequently jamming, leaking, or not turning on at all, it may be time for a repair or replacement. At Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC, we provide expert garbage disposal repair and installation services throughout Hackensack, NJ, Bergen, and Hudson Counties. Our team can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution for your home.
Need Help With Your Garbage Disposal? Call Us Today!
Don’t let a jammed garbage disposal slow down your kitchen. If you need professional repair or replacement, Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is here to help. Call us at 201-343-1414 to schedule a service appointment. Our experienced technicians will have your disposal running smoothly again in no time!
