Turn off the power first, then remove the jam by hand or with a tool
A jammed garbage disposal usually stops because something solid — a bone, a fruit pit, a piece of glass, or a utensil — is wedged between the impeller blades and the chamber wall. The fix depends on what's stuck and where. Before you touch anything inside, switch off the disposal at the wall switch and unplug it from the outlet under the sink. Do not rely on the switch alone; the disposal can restart if someone flips it while your hand is inside.
Once power is off, look down into the drain with a flashlight. If you can see the object, use needle-nose pliers or tongs to pull it straight up and out. Do not reach in with your bare hand — the blades are sharp even when still. If the object is not visible or you cannot reach it, you will need to free the impeller first.
The impeller is the spinning part inside the disposal. When it is jammed, it will not turn by hand. You can sometimes free it by inserting an Allen wrench or hex key into the hole at the bottom of the disposal (under the sink, on the chamber itself) and turning it gently back and forth — not with force. This rocks the impeller and may dislodge the jam. Once it moves freely, remove the wrench, look inside again, and pull out whatever was blocking it.
Key Takeaways
- Always turn off the disposal at the wall switch and unplug it before putting your hand or any tool inside.
- Use a flashlight to see what is stuck, then remove it with pliers or tongs — never with your bare hand.
- If the impeller will not turn, use an Allen wrench in the bottom hole to rock it gently back and forth until it moves freely.
- Once the jam is cleared, run cold water and test the disposal on low speed before returning to normal use.
- Bones, fruit pits, and fibrous vegetables cause most jams; avoid putting these down the drain in the future.
Use an Allen wrench to free a stuck impeller
Most garbage disposals have a hole on the bottom of the chamber (the part bolted under the sink) that accepts a hex key or Allen wrench. This hole connects directly to the impeller shaft. When the impeller is jammed and will not budge, inserting the correct size wrench and turning it gently can rock the impeller back and forth enough to break the jam.
Insert the wrench into the hole and turn it clockwise, then counterclockwise, using steady pressure — not sudden jerks. You should feel resistance, then a slight give as the impeller moves. Do this several times. The goal is to shift whatever is stuck just enough that it falls free or shifts position. Once the impeller spins easily by hand (turn the wrench and feel it rotate smoothly), remove the wrench and check inside with the flashlight again.
If the wrench does not fit or you do not have the right size, stop. Forcing the wrong tool can damage the shaft. Move to the next step instead.
Remove the jam with pliers if you can see it
Once the impeller is free or if you can see the object from above, use needle-nose pliers or kitchen tongs to grab and pull it straight up. Angle the pliers or tongs to grip the object firmly, then pull steadily upward. Do not twist or jab — you want a straight pull to avoid dropping the object back into the chamber or damaging the blades.
Common jams include chicken bones, avocado pits, fruit pits, hard plastic, glass, and silverware. Bones and pits are the most frequent culprits. Once you have removed the object, set it aside and look inside again with the flashlight to make sure nothing else is lodged in there.
Test the disposal carefully after clearing the jam
Before you run the disposal at full speed, plug it back in and turn it on for just a second or two at low speed with cold water running. Listen and feel for any grinding or unusual noise. If it sounds normal, run it for a few more seconds. If you hear grinding or the impeller does not spin freely, turn it off when ready and check again — something may still be stuck.
Once you are confident the jam is cleared and the disposal runs smoothly, you can return to normal use. Always run cold water while the disposal is on and for a few seconds after you turn it off; this flushes debris down the drain.
What not to put down a garbage disposal
The best way to avoid future jams is to know what the disposal cannot handle. Bones, fruit pits, and hard seeds jam the impeller. Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and onion skins wrap around the blades and cause clogs. Grease and oil solidify in the pipes downstream and cause backups. Eggshells, coffee grounds, and starchy foods like rice and pasta expand and clog the drain.
Throw these items in the trash or compost instead. The disposal is designed for soft food scraps — vegetable peels, cooked meat without bone, and leftover food that is already soft. When in doubt, throw it in the trash.
When to call a plumber
If the impeller will not turn even after you have tried the Allen wrench method, or if you cannot see or reach the jam, the blockage may be deeper in the drain line or the disposal itself may be damaged. Stop trying and call a plumber. Forcing the disposal or using chemical drain cleaners can make the problem worse and may damage the unit.
Also call a plumber if the disposal leaks from the bottom or sides after you have cleared the jam. A leak means the seal is broken, and the unit will need to be replaced or professionally repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a plunger on a garbage disposal?
A plunger can sometimes help if the jam is in the drain line below the disposal rather than inside the disposal itself. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, place the plunger over the drain, and plunge firmly several times. If the water drains, the clog may have moved. If nothing happens, the jam is likely inside the disposal and you will need to use the methods above.
Is it safe to put my hand in the disposal if I turn it off?
No. Even with the power off, the blades are sharp and can cut you. Use pliers, tongs, or an Allen wrench instead. The only exception is if you are straightforward reaching in to pull out something you can see and grab when ready — but pliers are still safer.
What should I do if the disposal smells bad after I clear the jam?
Run cold water and the disposal for 30 seconds. If the smell persists, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run cold water and the disposal again. This breaks down buildup and odor-causing bacteria.
Can I use drain cleaner to dissolve a jam?
No. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal and the pipes, and they will not dissolve bones or pits. Stick to the mechanical methods — pliers, the Allen wrench, and your hands with pliers.
How do I know if my disposal is broken and needs replacement?
If the impeller will not turn at all even with an Allen wrench, if the disposal leaks, or if it makes a loud grinding or squealing noise that does not stop after you clear the jam, the disposal likely needs replacement. A plumber can confirm this and install a new unit if needed.