How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

By Sam · Reviewed by CaseyLast updated July 19, 2026

To unclog a garbage disposal, first turn it off and never put your hand inside it, then use the hex wrench (usually stored underneath the sink or taped to the unit) to manually free the jammed blades from below, and press the small red reset button on the bottom of the unit once it turns freely again. Most jams are cleared this way in about five minutes, without needing a plumber or any chemicals.

Safety first: always turn off the disposal at the wall switch, and unplug it under the sink if you can reach the cord, before putting anything near the drain opening.

Step 1: Turn it off and stop running water

1. Flip off the wall switch that powers the disposal.
2. If you can reach the plug under the sink, unplug it as well for extra safety.
3. Turn off the tap so you’re not working with running water.

Step 2: Look for the jam from above (without your hand inside)

1. Shine a flashlight down into the disposal opening.
2. Look for a visible object — a piece of silverware, a fruit pit, or fibrous food like celery — caught in the blades.
3. If you can see and safely reach an object with long tongs or pliers, remove it now. Never put your fingers or hand down into the disposal, even when it’s off.

Step 3: Free the blades from underneath with the hex wrench

1. Find the small hex-shaped hole in the center of the bottom of the disposal unit, underneath the sink.
2. Insert the hex wrench that came with your disposal (many are stored in a clip on the unit itself, or check your kitchen’s junk drawer).
3. Turn the wrench firmly back and forth in both directions. You should feel it start to move more freely as the jam breaks loose.
4. Once it spins a full rotation smoothly, remove the wrench.

Step 4: Press the reset button

1. Look for a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal unit — this is the reset button that trips when the motor overheats or jams.
2. Push it firmly until you hear or feel a click.
3. Turn the wall switch back on.

Step 5: Test it

1. Turn on cold water at the sink.
2. Turn on the disposal briefly to check that it runs smoothly and quietly.
3. If it still hums but doesn’t spin, turn it off immediately and repeat Steps 2–4 rather than letting it run — this can mean the jam isn’t fully cleared.

If it still won’t clear

If the disposal still hums without spinning, won’t reset, or makes a loud grinding or metallic noise, stop and call a plumber or appliance repair technician rather than continuing to force it — this can indicate a jammed or damaged motor that needs professional tools to fix safely.

How to help prevent future clogs

• Always run cold water while using the disposal and for a few seconds after.
• Avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins), coffee grounds, or grease down the disposal.
• Run it regularly, even briefly, so buildup doesn’t have time to settle.

Frequently asked questions