Disposer Jams

No, these are not recipes for marmalade. This is where you can learn how to fix your food waste disposer if it gets jammed. Like when you lose a dish rag down the disposer, or when you try to grind up a piece of your silverware, or even when you just shoved too much garbage in it at once (see Do's and Don'ts). But don't worry, we've all done these things a few times.

To fix a jammed disposer:

1. TURN OFF DISPOSER! It is very important that the electrical on/off switch is OFF.
2. Turn off the water, if it's still running.
3. Get your Self Service Wrench (it came with your disposer - if you lost it, contact us and we'll replace it free). You can also use a 1/4 inch allen wrench.
4. Look at the bottom of your disposer. Locate the hole in the center of the disposer.
5. Insert the wrench into the hole and work it back and forth in both directions until it turns freely in complete circles.
6. Remove whatever was jammed in the disposer by using a pair of tongs to reach down into your disposer. DO NOT stick your hand in there.
7. Now locate the red reset button on the bottom of the disposer. It should be flush with the bottom of the disposer. If it isn't, press the button in.
8. OK, you should be back in business. Give it a try.

Still jammed? Sometimes metal objects, like paper clips, thumb tacks, and silverware can be too tough for the wrench to handle. In these situations, contact us electronically or call us at 1-800-558-5700 to find the nearest In-Sink-Erator Factory Authorized Service Center.

Motor unexpectedly stops

This can happen if you overload the disposer.

To fix a stopped motor:

1. TURN OFF DISPOSER! It is very important that the electrical on/off switch is OFF.
2. Turn off the water, if it's still running.
3. Remove the food waste or foreign object using a pair of tongs. Don't stick your hand in there.
4. Press the red reset button located on the bottom of your disposer.
5. Give it a try. If it still doesn't work see Disposer Doesn't Run
6. You can contact us electronically or call us at 1-800-558-5700 to find the nearest In-Sink-Erator Factory Authorized Service Center.

Water drains slowly

Water draining slowly is usually caused by a partial blockage in the drain line. Do NOT reduce the amount of water to accommodate for slow drainage. This isn't good for the disposer and it could force the water back out at you.

It may be that a simple suction cup plunger will clear up the problem. Place the suction cup plunger over the mouth of the disposer and pump up and down a few times. If this doesn't clear the blockage, use a drain auger. Do not use chemical drain cleaners, mechanical snakes, etc. The drain line for the disposer is not receptive to these items. See Do's and Don'ts.

Disposer Doesn't Run

If your disposer doesn't make any noise when it's turned on, fixing it may be as simple as pressing the reset button. Follow these steps:

To reset the disposer:

1. TURN OFF DISPOSER! It is very important that the electrical on/off switch is OFF.
2. Turn off the water, if it is still running.
3. Check to make sure a household fuse is not blown or a circuit breaker is not tripped.
4. Check the red reset button on the bottom of your disposer. It is supposed to be flush with the unit. If it has popped out, push it in and try the unit again.