How To Unjam Insinkerator Garbage Disposal [2026 Edition]

Never pour grease or fibrous foods (celery, corn husks) down the disposal – they cause most jams over time.

A humming sound but no spinning? That usually means your InSinkErator is jammed, not broken. Follow these steps to safely clear the jam. how to unjam insinkerator garbage disposal

Try rotating the wrench more firmly. If it won’t budge, the motor might be seized – call a pro. For metal jams (e.g., a coin), you may need to remove the disposal. Never pour grease or fibrous foods (celery, corn

Locate the small hex hole in the center of the disposal’s bottom (under the sink). Insert the Allen wrench. Work it back and forth like a crank – this manually turns the impeller plate and should free the jam. You’ll feel resistance first, then it loosens. then it loosens.