Garbage Disposal Makes Grinding Noise But Doesn't Grind

A disposal that hums or grinds but does not actually process food is almost always jammed — a hard object (pit, bone fragment, coin, utensil) has lodged between the grinding plate and the shredder ring. This is a straightforward fix that requires no tools other than an Allen wrench.

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn off and unplug the disposal

   Never reach into a disposal while it has power. Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit from the outlet under the sink (or turn off the circuit breaker if it is hardwired). This is not optional — even a jammed disposal can start unexpectedly.

2. 2

   Step 2: Use the hex wrench to free the plate

   Find the hex socket at the very bottom centre of the disposal unit (outside, under the sink). Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench into this socket. Turn it back and forth — it manually rotates the grinding plate. Work it in both directions until the jam clears and the plate turns freely. Most disposals come with a dedicated hex wrench attached to the bottom of the unit with a clip.

3. 3

   Step 3: Remove the jamming object

   Use a flashlight to look down into the disposal from above (with power still off). Use long tongs, a wooden spoon handle, or a bent wire to retrieve the object causing the jam. Never use your fingers. Common culprits: fruit pits, bottle caps, bones, small utensils, and glass.

4. 4

   Step 4: Reset the disposal and test

   Once the plate turns freely and the obstruction is removed, plug the disposal back in. The red reset button on the bottom of the unit may have tripped during the jam — press it firmly until you feel it click. Turn on the cold water, then flip the wall switch to test. If the disposal hums but does not turn after resetting, the motor may have failed.