Garbage Disposal Won't Run

90% of dead disposals are either jammed (humming sound) or tripped (silent). Both fix in 60 seconds with no electrician.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 5 min Cost: $0
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Never put your hand in the disposalEven unplugged. Use a wooden spoon or the included Allen wrench.

Tools

Materials

  • No materials needed.
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Steps

  1. 1

    If silent — find the reset button

    Look at the bottom of the disposal under the sink. There's a small red button. Press it firmly until it stays in.

  2. 2

    If humming — it's jammed

    Turn the switch OFF. Insert the Allen wrench into the hex socket at the very bottom-center of the disposal. Crank back and forth until it spins freely.

  3. 3

    Clear the obstruction

    With power off, shine a flashlight into the disposal. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to remove whatever was jamming it.

  4. 4

    Run cold water and test

    Switch the disposal on with cold water running. It should spin freely.

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