A humming but not grinding garbage disposal is one of the most frequent calls we get from Woodbridge, Dumfries, Lake Ridge, and Montclair kitchens. At All Year Appliance & HVAC Services, we clear hundreds of jammed disposals every year—and 95 % are caused by the same preventable items.
Here are the real reasons it jams and the exact safe way to fix it.
Top 5 Things That Jam Disposals in Prince William County Homes
- Potato peels, onion skins, and celery – fibrous and starchy items wrap around the impeller
- Chicken bones, steak bones, and fruit pits – too hard for most ⅓–¾ HP units
- Grease and cooking oil – cools and hardens inside the drain line
- Rice, pasta, and coffee grounds – expand with water and create cement-like clogs
- Non-food items – hair ties, twist ties, rubber bands, and bottle caps that fall in accidentally
Safe Step-by-Step Fix (Never Put Your Hand Inside)
- Turn off power
- Flip the wall switch OFF
- Or unplug under the sink
- Or turn off the breaker if hard-wired
- Look inside with a flashlight (never your fingers)
- You will usually see the offending item stuck between the impeller and shredder ring.
- Use the correct tool
- Insert the ¼-inch Allen wrench (usually supplied with the unit) into the hex hole on the very bottom center of the disposal.
- Turn back and forth firmly to free the impeller.
- If no wrench, use the wooden broom handle method: insert handle into the top and push against one of the impellers to rotate.
- Remove the object
- Once it spins freely, use tongs or pliers to pull out the blockage from the top.
- Press the red reset button
- Located on the bottom or side of the unit. It pops out when the motor overheats.
- Test
- Turn water on full cold, then switch on the disposal. It should run smoothly and quietly.
When It’s Still Jammed After These Steps
- Broken impeller or seized motor bearings
- Foreign object (spoon, ring, glass) wedged inside
- Failed overload switch
These require removal of the unit or internal repair.
Prevention Habits That Actually Work
- Run cold water 30 seconds before and after using
- Grind only small amounts at a time
- Never put grease or oil down the drain
- Cut fibrous foods into 1-inch pieces
- Run citrus peels once a month to clean and deodorize
A properly used and maintained disposal should last 10–15 years without trouble.
Need a jammed disposal cleared tonight or a humming unit replaced tomorrow? Contact All Year Appliance & HVAC Services at 703-955-4135. We serve Woodbridge, Dumfries, Montclair, Lake Ridge, and all Northern Virginia 24 hours a day.
All Year Appliance & HVAC Services Your kitchen will be back to normal in no time.