Is Your Garbage Disposal Jammed? Here’s What to Do Before Calling a Plumber

A jammed garbage disposal is one of the most common kitchen issues homeowners face. It can be frustrating when your disposal isn’t working, and the thought of needing a plumber may add to the stress. But before you reach for the phone, you can take a few steps to troubleshoot the problem on your own. At BlueBird Plumbing, we specialize in garbage disposal repair. While we’re always here to help, we want to give you a few tips on resolving jammed disposal before calling us for professional assistance.

Is the Garbage Disposal Completely Unresponsive?

Before jumping into repairs, check if your garbage disposal is getting power. If the unit is entirely unresponsive—no noise, no movement—this might indicate an electrical issue. First, make sure the disposal is plugged in. Then, look for the small red reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal unit. Pressing the reset button often solves the jammed or overloaded garbage disposal issue. If the reset doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If you’re still experiencing issues after these checks, it may be time to contact BlueBird Plumbing for professional garbage disposal repair services.

Is Your Garbage Disposal Making a Humming Noise?

If your garbage disposal is humming but not grinding, it’s a sign that the motor is powered on, but something inside the unit prevents the blades from turning. This is a classic case of a garbage disposal jam. To resolve this, you’ll need to carefully remove the jam. Start by turning off the power to the disposal by unplugging it or shutting off the breaker. Next, grab an Allen wrench (many disposals come with one) and insert it into the bottom of the disposal unit, where you’ll find a hex-shaped hole. Turn the wrench back and forth to manually free the jammed blades. After doing this, restore power and check if the disposal is working again. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need a professional garbage disposal repair from BlueBird Plumbing to resolve the problem safely.

Are You Trying to Grind the Wrong Items in Your Garbage Disposal?

It’s important to remember that not everything should go down your garbage disposal. Items like bones, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables (such as celery or potato peels), and grease can cause serious clogs and jams. If your garbage disposal jammed after trying to grind one of these items, you must remove them manually. Turn off the power to the unit and use tongs or pliers to extract any large pieces from the disposal. Never use your hands, as the blades are sharp, even when not operating. Regularly avoiding these items will help prevent future garbage disposal repair needs. BlueBird Plumbing can help with expert cleaning or repair services for persistent clogs or repeated jams.

Is Water Backing Up in Your Sink?

If your garbage disposal is jammed and water is backing up in your sink, the clog may extend into the drain or pipes. A plunger can sometimes help clear blockages, causing the water to back up. Be sure to use the plunger specifically for sinks, not toilets, and create a tight seal over the drain. After a few plunges, check to see if the water drains correctly. If the water still won’t drain and the disposal remains jammed, this may indicate a more complex plumbing issue that requires professional garbage disposal repair. BlueBird Plumbing offers fast and reliable solutions to ensure your kitchen is back in working order quickly.

Have You Tried Properly Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal?

Routine maintenance is essential to keep your garbage disposal working efficiently. If your disposal frequently jams or slows down, a thorough cleaning could help improve its performance. You can clean your disposal by pouring a mixture of ice cubes and coarse salt into the unit and running it with cold water. This helps remove grease and debris that may be causing the blades to stick. For a deeper clean, vinegar and baking soda can help eliminate odors and remove buildup. However, if cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, BlueBird Plumbing can perform professional maintenance and garbage disposal repair to keep your unit functioning smoothly.

When to Call BlueBird Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair

While many garbage disposal issues can be resolved with these DIY tips, sometimes the problem requires professional attention. If you’ve tried resetting, unjamming, and cleaning your disposal and it’s still not working, it’s time to call in the experts. At BlueBird Plumbing, we specialize in garbage disposal repair for homeowners in Gallatin County. Our skilled plumbers can quickly diagnose the problem and provide a reliable solution, ensuring your garbage disposal returns to peak performance.

BlueBird Plumbing is Here for All Your Garbage Disposal Repair Needs!

If you’ve tried troubleshooting your jammed garbage disposal and it’s still not working, don’t hesitate to call BlueBird Plumbing. We provide expert garbage disposal repair services throughout Gallatin County, from Bozeman to Big Sky. Our experienced team is ready to solve any garbage disposal issue, whether a simple fix or a more complex repair. Contact BlueBird Plumbing at (406) 578-5324 to schedule your repair and get your kitchen back in working order!