How to free your jammed garbage disposal: simple tricks for a smooth spin

A jammed garbage disposal can be a major inconvenience, especially when you’re in the middle of cleaning up after a meal. But don’t worry, resetting a jammed garbage disposal is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to reset jammed garbage disposal, as well as provide some tips on how to prevent future jams.

Understanding the Problem

Before you can reset your garbage disposal, you need to understand what caused it to jam in the first place. Common causes of jammed garbage disposals include:

• Overloading the disposal: Putting too much food waste in the disposal at once can cause it to jam.
• Putting non-food items in the disposal: Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste only. Putting non-food items, such as plastic, metal, or glass, in the disposal can damage it and cause it to jam.
• Clogged drain: If the drain line that connects the garbage disposal to the sewer is clogged, it can cause the disposal to back up and jam.

How to Reset Jammed Garbage Disposal

1. Turn off the power: Before you do anything else, turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the circuit breaker. This will prevent you from getting shocked while you’re working on it.

2. Clear the jam: Use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove any food waste or other objects that are jammed in the disposal. Be careful not to damage the disposal blades.

3. Reset the disposal: Once you’ve cleared the jam, reset the disposal by pressing the reset button. The reset button is usually located on the bottom of the disposal.

4. Turn the power back on: Once the disposal has been reset, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.

5. Test the disposal: Run some water through the disposal to make sure it’s working properly.

Tips to Prevent Future Jams

• Don’t overload the disposal: Only put small amounts of food waste in the disposal at a time.
• Don’t put non-food items in the disposal: Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste only. Putting non-food items, such as plastic, metal, or glass, in the disposal can damage it and cause it to jam.
• Run cold water while using the disposal: Running cold water while using the disposal helps to flush food waste down the drain and prevent jams.
• Use a garbage disposal cleaner: Garbage disposal cleaners can help to break down food waste and prevent clogs.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• The disposal won’t reset: If the disposal won’t reset, it may be because the reset button is jammed. Try pressing the reset button several times. If the disposal still won’t reset, you may need to call a plumber.
• The disposal is making a loud noise: If the disposal is making a loud noise, it may be because there is something stuck in the blades. Turn off the power to the disposal and use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove the object.
• The disposal is leaking: If the disposal is leaking, it may be because the drain line is clogged. You can try to unclog the drain line yourself using a drain snake. If you’re not able to unclog the drain line yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

A: You should clean your garbage disposal every few months, or more often if you use it frequently.

Q: What is the best way to clean a garbage disposal?

A: The best way to clean a garbage disposal is to run a mixture of vinegar and baking soda through it.

Q: Can I put ice cubes in my garbage disposal?

A: Yes, you can put ice cubes in your garbage disposal. Ice cubes can help to sharpen the blades and remove food waste that may be stuck in the disposal.