Every InSinkErator shipped includes a silver, L-shaped hex key called a Jam-Buster wrench. If you lost yours, a standard works perfectly.
An When an InSinkErator motor is forced to work too hard—either from a severe clog, lack of water, or running for too long—its internal circuit breaker trips automatically to prevent the machine from burning out.
Replace disposal – electrical repair is not safe or economical.
If you have performed all seven steps, waited 2 hours, pressed reset, cleared jams with a hex key, and the unit still trips immediately or won’t start— how to fix a insinkerator garbage disposal hot
Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal - Support Home Page - InSinkErator
If the unit is not hot, but simply not working, follow these steps:
: Flip the wall switch or air switch to the "Off" position. For maximum safety, unplug the unit from the under-sink electrical outlet, or shut off the dedicated circuit breaker at your home's electrical panel. Every InSinkErator shipped includes a silver, L-shaped hex
If the motor is hot, it will not restart until it has cooled down. via the wall switch or by unplugging it.
| | Avoid This | | --- | --- | | Run cold water 5 seconds before, during, and after grinding. | Running hot water or no water. | | Cut large scraps into 1-inch pieces. | Shoving whole potato peels or corn husks. | | Grind ice cubes monthly to clean blades. | Pouring grease, oil, or fat. | | Use a sink strainer for tiny debris. | Grinding bones (unless you have a Pro series). | | Run disposal for 5-10 seconds only. | Running for 60+ seconds continuously. |
The kitchen smelled like a lemon grove masking a crime scene. Max stared at the sink, where his sat silent and stubborn. It hadn’t just jammed; it had died mid-grind after a marathon of potato peels, and now it felt radiatingly hot to the touch. Replace disposal – electrical repair is not safe
Use a flashlight to look into the sink opening. If you see an obstruction (like a bone or silverware), use tongs or pliers—never your fingers—to remove it. Manually Free the Blades:
. Overheating is often caused by a jam or overuse, which trips the unit's internal thermal overload protector to prevent permanent damage. Step-by-Step Fix for an Overheated Unit Turn Off the Power:
Put a fan on the disposal if you want to speed up the process. The unit should feel warm, not burning hot, before you proceed.
Hot water melts grease, which then solidifies in your pipes causing clogs. Cold water keeps fats solid so they can be ground and flushed away. Plus, cold water keeps the motor housing cool.