How to Fix a Jammed or Leaking Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are workhorses that often go unnoticed until they decide to stop working or start puddling on your cabinet floor. When the motor hums but nothing moves, you are dealing with a physical obstruction in the grinding chamber. A well-maintained disposal should run quietly; if it is making a grinding or screeching sound, or if you see water pooling under the sink, it is telling you it needs immediate attention before the moisture damages your cabinetry. Dealing with these units requires a bit of patience and respect for the mechanics involved. Most jams are caused by fibrous foods or hard objects wedged between the impellers and the sidewall, while leaks usually stem from loose connections due to vibration over time. Follow these steps to restore order under your sink without needing to call a professional for a simple mechanical fix.

  1. Kill the power first. Unplug the disposal unit from the wall outlet beneath the sink. If your disposal is hardwired, flip the corresponding circuit breaker off at your main panel.
  2. Free the impellers manually. Locate the hex-shaped hole in the center of the underside of the disposal. Insert an Allen wrench into the hole and rotate it back and forth to manually force the grinding plate to turn until it moves freely.
  3. Fish out hidden objects. Use a flashlight to look down the drain opening. Use heavy-duty pliers—never your fingers—to extract any objects like silverware, bones, or large fruit pits.
  4. Restore power and test. Once the impellers move freely, press the small red 'Reset' button typically located on the bottom of the unit. Plug the disposal back in or flip the circuit breaker back to 'On'.
  5. Secure the seal tightly. If the unit is leaking from where it attaches to the sink, use a mounting wrench or pliers to tighten the three bolts on the mounting ring. Ensure the ring is seated firmly against the sink flange.
  6. Replace worn gaskets. If the leak persists, check the discharge pipe connected to the side of the unit. Unscrew the pipe flange, inspect the rubber gasket for cracks, replace it if necessary, and re-tighten.