Garbage disposal stuck on glass, bone, or a hard object

Symptoms

• Disposal won't spin after something hard went down the drain
• Loud grinding attempt followed by a stall or trip
• You can see or feel a hard object when shining a light in
• Reset button has popped

Likely causes

• CommonObject wedged between the impeller and grind ringHard, rigid objects don't shift the way food does and can lock the flywheel.
• PossibleFragmented glass or ceramic scattered in the chamberBroken pieces can jam in multiple spots rather than one.
• PossibleBone or hard shell (like a peach pit) too large for the disposalThese items are generally not meant to go down a household disposal at all.

What to do

1. Turn off and unplug the disposal immediately; do not try to force the switch repeatedly.
2. Use a flashlight to identify the object and its position in the chamber.
3. Turn the hex wrench in the bottom hole to rock the object loose without forcing it against resistance.
4. Remove the object with long tongs or pliers once it's loose, never fingers.
5. Check the impeller blades for chips or bends after removing hard debris.
6. Restore power, press reset, and test with water before resuming normal use.
7. Avoid putting bones, pits, glass, or shells down the disposal going forward.

Tools and parts

• 1/4-inch hex wrench
• Long tongs or pliers
• Flashlight

When to call a pro

If the impellers are visibly bent or chipped after removing the object, have a plumber assess whether the unit needs replacing.

Safety