How to Fix a Stuck Rotor in a Garbage Disposal

Although your garbage disposal can handle most foods, some items can cause it to jam. Some food, such as banana peels or artichoke leaves, are too fibrous for the blades to cut. Hard items, such as metal, bone or fruit pits, will stop the rotors from turning. Fix stuck rotors in your garbage disposal unit yourself, saving an expensive visit from a service professional.

Things You'll Need

• Hex wrench
• Short broomstick
• Tongs or pliers

Instructions

1. Unplug your garbage disposal. If your unit does not plug in under the sink, trip the circuit breaker so that there is no power flowing to the garbage disposal as you work. Make sure that the disposal's power switch is turned off.

2. Place a hex wrench in the hexagonal hole at the bottom of the unit hole and turn the hex wrench back and forth, moving the rotors back and forth, releasing the item preventing the rotors from moving. If your disposal doesn't have a hexagonal hole, stick a short broom handle into the disposal and try to move the blades.

3. Retrieve the problem item from the disposal with pliers or tongs.

4. Plug the garbage disposal back in, or restore power at the circuit breaker when you have removed all obstructions and the rotors can move freely.

Tips & Warnings

• The hex wrench that fits your garbage disposal may be attached to the unit.

• Do not stick your hand in the garbage disposal unit to retrieve items.

• Don't try to force stuck rotors to move by turning on the garbage disposal. Running the unit when the rotors are stuck can burn out the motor.

References

• Home Tips: Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn't Grind
• Bob Vila: Fixing a Garbage Disposer