How to Reset Garbage Disposal With Allen Wrench: Easy Troubleshooting Tips for Efficient Functionality

ByHelen Stahl Updated

How to Reset Garbage Disposal With Allen Wrench?

To reset a garbage disposal with an Allen wrench, first, check the electricity by ensuring power is flowing to the disposal and resetting the circuit breaker or fuse.

If power is not restored, press the thermal overload button on the bottom of the disposal or contact a licensed electrician.

To free a jam, unplug the disposal and locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom.

Insert the Allen wrench and manually turn the motor shaft counterclockwise and then clockwise to dislodge the obstruction.

If the motor still does not run smoothly, reset the thermal overload button.

If the motor is still jammed, use a special garbage disposal wrench to rotate and clear the jam.

Seek professional help if needed, and consider home warranty services for assistance.

Key Points:

  • Check electricity and reset circuit breaker or fuse to restore power to the garbage disposal
  • Press the thermal overload button on the bottom of the disposal if power is not restored
  • Unplug the disposal and locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom to free a jam
  • Use an Allen wrench to manually turn the motor shaft counterclockwise and then clockwise to dislodge the obstruction
  • Reset the thermal overload button if the motor still does not run smoothly
  • Use a special garbage disposal wrench to rotate and clear the jam if the motor is still jammed

Did You Know?

1. The Allen wrench, also known as a hex key or hex wrench, was invented by William G. Allen in 1910 to facilitate the construction of bicycles.
2. Garbage disposals were first introduced in 1927 by architect John W. Hammes, who wanted to find a way to dispose of food waste more efficiently.
3. In Japan, garbage disposals are not commonly found in households due to their preference for separating food waste and utilizing it for compost or animal feed.
4. The first electric garbage disposal was called the “Electric Pig,” and was introduced in 1938 by the Electrical Development Company.
5. The most common reason for a garbage disposal malfunction is a blocked flywheel, which can often be resolved by manually rotating it with an Allen wrench inserted into the bottom of the unit.

1. Check The Electricity

When your garbage disposal stops working, the first thing you should do is check the electricity. It’s possible that the power supply to the garbage disposal has been cut off. To determine this, follow these steps:

  1. Start by checking the circuit breaker or fuse at the main electrical panel. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse is the reason behind a power failure. Reset or replace the circuit breaker or fuse to restore the power.

  2. If power is still not restored, you can try pressing the thermal overload button located on the bottom of the garbage disposal. This button is designed to prevent the motor from overheating. If it has tripped, pressing it will restore power.

  3. However, if even after pressing the thermal overload button, the power is still not restored, it’s advisable to contact a licensed electrician. They will have the expertise to identify and fix any electrical issues that may be causing the problem with your garbage disposal.

  4. Check the circuit breaker or fuse at the main electrical panel.

  5. Press the thermal overload button on the bottom of the garbage disposal.
  6. Contact a licensed electrician for further assistance.

Note: Regular maintenance and proper usage can help avoid such situations in the future.

2. Free The Jam

Another common issue that can cause a garbage disposal to malfunction is a jam. When something gets stuck in the disposal, it prevents the motor from spinning freely, resulting in a complete stop. Follow these step-by-step instructions to free the jam and get your garbage disposal back to normal:

  1. Start by unplugging the disposal or turning off the circuit breaker to ensure your safety. This will prevent any accidental operations while you work on freeing the jam.

  2. Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the garbage disposal. This is where you will insert the Allen wrench. If an Allen wrench did not come with your disposal, you can use a ¼-inch Allen wrench as a substitute.

  3. Insert the Allen wrench into the hex-shaped hole and manually turn the motor shaft counterclockwise and then clockwise. This motion will help dislodge the obstruction causing the jam. If necessary, you can use some force, but make sure to provide support to the disposal unit to prevent any damage.

  4. Once you have successfully turned the motor shaft in both directions, remove the Allen wrench and plug in the garbage disposal or turn on the circuit breaker.

  5. Run water into the sink and turn on the disposal to check if it runs smoothly. If the jam was successfully cleared, the motor should spin freely without any obstruction.

  6. However, if the motor still does not run smoothly, it’s time to reset the thermal overload button. Refer back to step one where we explained how to do this.

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3. Specialty Wrench

If the motor is stubbornly jammed and the Allen wrench was not effective, there is a specialized tool called a garbage disposal wrench that you can utilize. Here’s how to use it:

  • Insert the garbage disposal wrench from above, and carefully rotate it until it locks onto the cutter wheel inside the disposal. The wrench is designed to fit into the lug holes on the cutter wheel, allowing you to manually turn it.

  • Forcefully turn the wrench counterclockwise and then clockwise. This will exert pressure on the jam and hopefully clear it, allowing the motor to spin freely.

After successfully freeing the jam, remove the wrench, plug in the garbage disposal, and check its operation. If everything works smoothly, you have resolved the issue using the specialty wrench.

4. Additional Tips

  • Safety is the top priority when dealing with electrical appliances. If you are uncertain about working with electricity or if the issue remains unresolved despite following the steps mentioned earlier, it is advisable to seek professional help from a licensed electrician or plumber. Their expertise is essential for handling intricate repairs and ensuring your well-being.

  • Another useful option for addressing appliance malfunctions is home warranty services. Having a home warranty that includes coverage for your garbage disposal can save you money in the long term and provide assistance from qualified professionals.

5. Seek Professional Help Or Consider Home Warranty Services

When it comes to home repairs, it is important to know your limits. If the issue with your garbage disposal is beyond your expertise, it’s always wise to seek professional assistance. They will have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix the problem correctly, ensuring your garbage disposal is working efficiently.

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Additionally, home warranty services can provide valuable support for homeowners. With a home warranty, you can benefit from the expertise of qualified professionals who can handle repairs and replacements for covered appliances and systems, including your garbage disposal. Consider investing in a home warranty to give yourself peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs.

In conclusion, knowing how to reset your garbage disposal using an Allen wrench can help you resolve common issues and ensure the efficient functionality of your appliance. By following the step-by-step guide provided above, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

  • Seek professional assistance if the issue is beyond your expertise.
  • Consider investing in a home warranty for valuable support and protection against unexpected repair costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Allen wrench do I need to reset my garbage disposal?

To reset your garbage disposal, you will need to use an Allen wrench that fits the socket on the bottom of the disposal housing. Many garbage disposals come with a dedicated wrench for this task, typically stored in the sink base cabinet. If you don’t have the specific wrench, a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench will work as well.

What does it mean when a garbage disposal just hums?

When a garbage disposal just hums, it suggests that there is sufficient power supply, but the blades are unable to turn. This humming sound typically indicates a clogged or jammed motor, ultimately resulting in the failure of grinding. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the garbage disposal and avoid any potential damage.

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1. What are the step-by-step instructions to reset a garbage disposal using an Allen wrench?

To reset a garbage disposal using an Allen wrench, follow these step-by-step instructions. First, ensure that the power to the garbage disposal is turned off by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging it. Locate the small red reset button at the bottom or side of the garbage disposal unit and press it in. If it doesn’t pop back out, move on to the next step.

Next, insert the short end of an Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal. Rotate the wrench back and forth a few times in both directions to loosen any debris or blockages. Once the disposal is freed up, remove the wrench and test the reset button again. If it pops out, your garbage disposal is reset. Lastly, turn the power back on and run water to check if the disposal is working properly. If the problem persists, it may require professional assistance.

2. What precautions should I take when using an Allen wrench to reset a garbage disposal?

When using an Allen wrench to reset a garbage disposal, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure safety. Firstly, always make sure the power is completely turned off to the garbage disposal before attempting any repairs or adjustments. This will prevent any potential accidents or injuries.

Secondly, use caution and be mindful of your fingers and hands while using the Allen wrench. Avoid putting your hand or fingers too close to the moving parts of the garbage disposal to prevent any accidents. It is also a good idea to wear protective gloves to minimize the risk of injuries.

By following these precautions, you can safely and effectively use an Allen wrench to reset a garbage disposal.