It’s one of the most common kitchen mishaps in the 951: you flip the switch for the garbage disposal, and instead of the usual roar, you hear a low “humming” sound. This usually means the motor is jammed. If you leave it humming too long, you’ll burn out the motor, leading to an avoidable plumbing repair or replacement.
At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you fix the simple stuff. Before you call for a septic service near me, try these three steps to get things spinning again.
1. The Reset Button
When a disposal jams, an internal circuit breaker trips to prevent the motor from burning up. Look under your sink at the very bottom of the disposal unit. You should see a small red button. If it has “popped” out, push it back in. If it stays in, try the switch again. If it pops right back out, you still have a jam.
2. Use the “Allen Wrench” Trick
Most disposals come with a small, offset Allen wrench. If you don’t have one, a 1/4-inch Allen wrench from your toolbox will work.
- Safety First: Ensure the wall switch is OFF.
- The Bottom Socket: Insert the wrench into the hole at the very bottom-center of the unit.
- Manual Crank: Turn the wrench back and forth. This manually rotates the blades to break up the jam (usually a stray bone, fruit pit, or bottle cap). Once it moves freely, you’re good to go.
3. Avoid the “Forbidden” Items
To prevent future jams and septic system design issues, keep these out of your disposal:
- Coffee grounds and eggshells (they create a “sand” that clogs pipes).
- Potato peels and pasta (they turn into a sticky paste).
- Fibrous veggies like celery or onion skins (they tangle around the blades).
Still Stuck? Call the Pros
If your disposal is leaking from the bottom or won’t turn even after these steps, it’s time for a professional look. Davis Plumbing provides fast repair and installation for all kitchen plumbing fixtures in Riverside County.
Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 to get your kitchen back in working order!