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Moen Solutions

How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal

This article explains how to fix a Moen garbage disposal that is no longer grinding. Follow the steps below to safely service the garbage disposal.
Tools Needed:
  • Tongs (Needle Nose Pliers)
  • Needle Nose Pliers (Tongs)
  • Flashlight
  • Wooden Spoon (Un-jamming Wrench)
  • Un-jamming Wrench Moen Part #1037- sold separately and available at most online retailers including Moen.com (or wooden spoon).

DISCONNECT POWER- Unplug the garbage disposal or if the garbage disposal is hardwired, turn the power off at the electrical box. Never place your hand in the disposal. Always use tongs or needle nose pliers to remove an object.

1. Remove Splash Guard

If your garbage disposal has a removable splash guard, remove it now. 

unjam step 1.png
2. Clear Foreign Objects

Using a flashlight, check for any foreign objects lodged between the turntable and grind ring. Before proceeding, verify that the power is off. Using tongs or needle nose pliers, remove the foreign object(s).

3. Check For Restrictions In Movement

Once the foreign object(s) has been eliminated, use a wooden spoon or un-jamming wrench, Moen Part #1037, up against a swivel impeller and begin to push. The motion of pushing the swivel impeller should allow the entire turntable to be rotated manually. Continue this rotation until you are able to rotate the turntable clockwise or counter-clockwise a full revolution insuring it has released.

Swivel impellers:

impellers.png

Turntable:

turntable.png

4. Reset Motor

Continually attempting to power on may cause the reset button to trip. Before starting the garbage disposal, push the reset button. This is found in the opening towards the bottom of the garbage disposal, opposite the side the power cord comes out. Depending on the garbage disposal, the reset button may be set back slightly and may require a screwdriver to push it. For additional troubleshooting read "My Disposal Has No Power".

reset button.png

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