Clear The Jam
If the unit is sound, freeing the obstruction and resetting it may restore normal operation.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL / JAMMED UNIT
Jammed Garbage Disposal
HUMMING BUT NOT TURNING?
A humming disposal that will not spin is usually jammed. There are a few safe checks you can make with the power off. If they do not work, we can free the unit or tell you if it needs replacing.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL SERVICES / SPECIALTY SERVICE
UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE
Jammed Garbage Disposal: When To Call A Plumber
Turn the disposal off at the switch, and at the breaker if you can do so safely. Never put a hand into the unit. On many models, a hex socket on the bottom lets you turn the motor by hand with the hex key that came with the unit, which can free a jam. A reset button on the bottom may also need pressing once the motor is free. Common causes include bones, fruit pits, fibrous scraps, eggshells, and utensils dropped into the chamber.
WHAT WE'LL CHECK
Your Jammed Garbage Disposal Options
With power off, we check what is wedged in the chamber, free the motor, and check the reset, mounting, and connections. If the jam keeps returning or the motor is failing, we explain whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Replace A Failing Unit
If the motor is damaged or the unit keeps jamming, replacement may be the practical answer.
ESTIMATE DETAILS
Jammed Garbage Disposal:
Cost Factors.
Jammed disposal service depends on what is found. Factors include:
Request a free estimateThe Obstruction
A visible object is different from a jam deeper in the grinding chamber.
Motor Condition
A motor damaged by repeated jams may not be worth repairing.
Drain Condition
If the drain beyond the unit is also clogged, that may need separate cleaning.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What To Expect
From Jammed Garbage Disposal.
We'll explain what we found, what the work involves, and the price before you decide. An online request starts the conversation; we'll confirm the appointment with you.
- 01
Turn The Power Off
Shut the unit off at the switch and keep hands out of it.
- 02
Try The Safe Checks
Use the hex key from below and the reset button, if your unit has them.
- 03
Call If It Persists
We free the jam or explain repair and replacement options.
GOOD TO KNOW
Jammed Garbage Disposal
Questions Answered.
Have a question about your plumbing? These answers cover what we’re often asked.
Can I use my hand to clear the jam?
No. Never put your hand in a disposal, even with the switch off. Use the hex key from below, or tongs for a visible object with the power off.
I don’t have the hex key. What now?
Do not improvise with tools inside the chamber. Leave the unit off and call; we can free it safely.
Why does my disposal keep jamming?
Frequent jams can come from hard or fibrous items, a worn grinding chamber, or a weak motor. We check the unit and explain the cause.
Do you serve homes outside Sylmar?
Best Quality Plumbing is based in Sylmar and serves 22 nearby communities across the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Glendale, and nearby foothills. Call (818) 282-5846 to confirm your address.
EXPLORE THE FULL SERVICE
Back to Garbage Disposal Services Garbage Disposal Services
Learn more about this service and where we work.
CLOSE TO HOME
Plumbing Service
Areas We Cover.
Based in Sylmar and serving homes and businesses across 22 nearby communities.
SYLMAR BASED23 COMMUNITIESAPPROX. 30-MILE RADIUS
SYLMAR, CAOur office
SYLMAR OFFICE SERVED COMMUNITY
View on Google Maps ↗Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
THE NEIGHBORHOODS WE SERVE01 — 22
San Fernando Valley
Santa Clarita Valley
Glendale & The Foothills
The circle is an approximate 30-mile guide from our Sylmar office, not a precise service boundary. Call to confirm service at your address.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Request Your Free
Plumbing Estimate.
Share a few details with our team and we’ll contact you to discuss the next step. Sending a request does not confirm an appointment.
FREE ESTIMATE REQUEST
Form not loading? Call (818) 282-5846 or open our contact page.