Garbage Disposal Jammed? What to Do (Lynn, MA Guide)

A garbage disposal that hums but won't spin is almost always jammed rather than broken outright, and there's a safe way to check it yourself before calling for repair.

First, always turn off power at the switch or breaker — never reach into a disposal that's plugged in. Most disposals have a small hex-shaped hole on the underside of the unit; an Allen wrench inserted there and turned back and forth can often free a jammed impeller.

You can also try the red reset button on the bottom of the unit, which trips automatically when the motor overheats from a jam. Give it a few minutes to cool down first.

What not to do: never put your hand inside the disposal, even with the power off, and avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the disposal's internal seals and rubber gaskets.

If the hex wrench and reset button don't get it spinning again, the impeller blades, motor bearings, or wiring may need professional attention.

This applies whether you're in Lynn, Lynnfield and Melrose, or anywhere nearby on the North Shore — the troubleshooting steps are the same everywhere.