How to Fix Disposals That Won't Drain Food

Garbage disposal units grind food so it fits down the drain.

Garbage disposals can become jammed when you put too much food, or the wrong type of food down the unit, making it unable to drain. It can be tempting to fix the garbage disposal by sticking an item in it to free the jam, but it is actually dangerous to do this and can permanently break your garbage disposal. Fixing the jam the correct way is relatively simple with the proper directions and tools. Regardless of brand or type of garbage disposal, you will be armed with the information to fix all jams on all types of garbage disposals units so they drain food correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal unit. Put the switch to the off position and turn off the circuit breaker to ensure no one turns it on while you are working on the unit.

2. Place the Allen wrench in the slot on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. Move the wrench back and forth until you can move the wrench counter-clockwise. Remove the Allen wrench.

3. Remove the jammed item with the tongs. Put the tongs into the drain and pull out any item that is stuck inside.

4. Turn on the circuit breaker. Turn on the water to full blast. Turn on the switch for the garbage disposal and see if it runs. If it is still jammed, turn off the power again and unjam it again with the Allen wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Never put your fingers or any other item into the drain as you risk cutting your fingers or breaking the teeth of the garbage disposal.

References

• Acme How To: How To Unjam a Garbage Disposer