Reset a jammed disposal
- Cut the power.Turn off the wall switch, then unplug the unit under the sink or switch off its breaker.
- Look for an object.With a flashlight, check for silverware, bottle caps or bones and remove them with tongs.
- Free the motor.Many disposals have a hex socket in the bottom center. Turning it back and forth with the matching wrench frees a stuck flywheel.
- Press the reset button.A small red button on the bottom of the unit resets the overload. Wait a few minutes first.
- Test with water running.Restore power, run cold water and switch it on. A hum with no spin means it is still jammed or the motor has failed.
What the symptom tells you
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Hums but does not spin | Jammed flywheel or failed motor |
| Nothing at all | Tripped reset, breaker or switch |
| Leaks from the bottom of the unit | Internal seal failure; usually means replacement |
| Sink fills on both sides | Clog in the drain line beyond the disposal |
| Dishwasher water comes up in the sink | Shared drain clogged, or the disposal knockout plug was not removed on a new unit |
How kitchen clogs form
Grease, oil and fat poured down a drain look liquid when warm, then cool and coat the pipe wall. Food particles, coffee grounds and starchy scraps stick to that coating, and the opening narrows a little at a time. A kitchen line that drains slowly for weeks before backing up completely is the classic sign.
In older Brea homes the kitchen drain can run a long way through walls and under the slab before it joins the main line, and older drain pipe can roughen inside, giving grease more to hold on to. If the kitchen clogs repeatedly, the line may need a proper cleaning rather than another quick fix.
Keep it from happening again
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.
- Collect cooking oil in a container and dispose of it with the trash.
- Keep coffee grounds, eggshells, rice and pasta out of the disposal.
- Run plenty of cold water before, during and after using the disposal.
- Avoid chemical drain openers, which can damage older pipe and disposal seals.
Tonight or this week?
- IfOnly the kitchen sink is affectedStop using it and the dishwasher. This can usually wait for a daytime visit.
- IfOther drains in the house are backing up tooIt may be the main line. Stop all water use and treat it as urgent.
- IfWater is leaking under the sink cabinetClose the sink's supply stops and stop using the drain; call a plumber.
- IfThe disposal leaks from its bodyUnplug it and plan for a replacement.
Questions to ask
- Is the clog in the trap, the wall line or further down?
- Does my disposal need a repair or a replacement?
- Would a deeper cleaning of the kitchen line help stop repeat clogs?
- What is your CSLB license number?
Common questions
- Is a plunger safe on a sink with a disposal?
- Yes, with the disposal off. On a double sink, block the other drain so the pressure goes toward the clog.
- Why does my dishwasher drain into the sink?
- Dishwashers often drain through the disposal or sink tailpiece. A clog there pushes the water back up.
- How do I know if the disposal is worth repairing?
- A unit leaking from its body or with a failed motor is usually replaced. A jam or tripped reset usually is not a reason to replace it.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.