A garbage disposal is a key part of modern kitchens, helping homeowners manage food waste efficiently and keep drains clear. When it jams, however, the convenience disappears, and the entire kitchen routine can be disrupted.
Standing water, foul odors, and the inability to clear plates properly can turn into a larger plumbing issue if not addressed quickly. For homeowners searching for reliable plumbers in Spokane whom residents can depend on, Pace Plumbing provides expert repair and replacement services to keep your disposal and plumbing system functioning smoothly.
Why Garbage Disposals Jam
Garbage disposals are designed to grind food waste into small particles that can be flushed through your plumbing system, but not every type of food is safe for the blades and grinding chamber. Common culprits for jams include the following:
- Fibrous vegetables: Items like celery, corn husks, and onion skins wrap around blades and prevent them from spinning.
- Hard objects: Bones, fruit pits, and utensils can become lodged in the chamber and stop the grinding mechanism.
- Starchy foods: Potato peels, pasta, and rice swell with water and form a thick paste that slows or jams movement.
- Grease and oils: These substances harden on internal components and attract other debris, leading to clogs over time.
Understanding what causes jams can help you avoid future issues and extend the life of your disposal.
How to Respond Safely to a Jammed Disposal
When your disposal stops working, always start with safety. Power should be cut at the switch or circuit breaker before inspecting the unit. Once off, check inside the chamber using a flashlight. If you see debris, remove it carefully with pliers or tongs—never with bare hands.
Some disposals include a hex key slot at the bottom, allowing you to rotate the blades manually. Turning this back and forth can release trapped food or objects without forcing the motor. After clearing the jam, restore power, run cold water, and test the unit to confirm it is working properly.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, or if you notice humming noises, frequent breaker trips, or leaks, the problem may be beyond a simple jam and require professional assistance.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Certain signs indicate the jam may be part of a larger issue. These include the following:
- Persistent humming even after attempts to clear the jam
- Water leaks under the sink, which may indicate seal or pipe damage
- A disposal that fails to turn on at all despite power being restored
- Repeated jams that point to worn or dull blades
Continuing to force a malfunctioning unit can burn out the motor or damage connected plumbing. Pace Plumbing’s licensed team diagnoses the problem quickly, clears the jam, and checks for related drain or pipe issues that may be contributing to frequent clogs. If repair is not cost-effective, we can recommend and install a replacement unit suited to your household’s needs.
Tips to Prevent Future Jams
Preventive care can reduce the likelihood of disposal jams and improve performance:
- Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding to flush particles fully.
- Break up large scraps into smaller pieces before feeding them into the disposal.
- Avoid putting fibrous materials, coffee grounds, or eggshells into the unit.
- Keep grease, fats, and oils out of the disposal, as they congeal and cause buildup.
- Clean periodically with a mild dish soap or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to minimize residue and odors.
Following these practices helps your disposal operate smoothly and reduces the chance of unexpected repairs.
Why Homeowners Trust Pace Plumbing
Pace Plumbing has built a reputation across Spokane for delivering dependable plumbing services that solve both routine and emergency problems. Our technicians handle everything from minor disposal jams to full system installations. We are fully licensed and insured, providing homeowners with confidence that every job is performed to high safety and quality standards.
Our team also offers emergency service for situations where a jammed disposal causes backups or affects other parts of the plumbing system. With experience in all aspects of residential plumbing, we ensure not only that the immediate problem is resolved but also check for potential issues that could arise later.
Further Reading:
- Pairing Water Softener Installation with Drain Cleaning in Spokane
- What Should I Do When My Hose Bib Keeps Leaking In Spokane?
Reliable Help for Jammed Garbage Disposals
A jammed disposal can feel like a small inconvenience, but if ignored, it can lead to odors, slow drains, and even damage to your plumbing system. Addressing the problem promptly protects your kitchen and prevents further complications.
Contact Pace Plumbing today for skilled plumbers in Spokane to repair jammed garbage disposals, restore proper function, and keep your kitchen operating smoothly.