Jammed Flywheel
Jammed Flywheel | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Briceville
When a spoon slips past the splash guard or fibrous peels bind the flywheel, dinner cleanup in Briceville can grind to a halt. HEP’s seasoned plumbers specialize in fast, pinpoint garbage disposal repair, freeing jammed flywheels, resetting overheated motors, and restoring smooth, quiet operation without the mess of DIY guesswork. We arrive in fully stocked trucks, so most fixes are finished on the first visit—no return trips, no lingering odors.
From cottage kitchens near the Coal Creek trail to busy cafés on Hwy 116, locals trust HEP for honest pricing, courteous service, and workmanship backed by our Homeowner Happiness Guarantee. Book online or call today, and get your sink humming again before tonight’s dishes pile up.
FAQs
What commonly causes a garbage disposal flywheel to jam?
The flywheel usually jams when hard or fibrous items—such as bones, fruit pits, corn husks, or excessive grease—get wedged between the impellers and the shredder ring. Over-tightening the mounting bolts or allowing rust to form after long periods of non-use can also freeze the flywheel. In Briceville’s hard-water environment, mineral buildup sometimes contributes as well.
How do I know if my disposal is jammed rather than burned out?
A jammed flywheel will often hum when you flip the switch, but the grinding plate won’t spin. You may also hear a low buzz followed by a trip of the reset button on the bottom of the unit. A burned-out motor, by contrast, produces no sound at all and the reset button may not stay engaged. If you hear a hum and the circuit breaker is not tripped, chances are high the flywheel is simply stuck.
Is it safe to unjam the flywheel myself, and what tools do I need?
If you are comfortable with basic DIY tasks, you can attempt a safe, power-off fix. Turn off the breaker that serves the disposal, or unplug the unit if it’s on a cord. Insert the manufacturer-supplied hex (Allen) wrench into the bottom center of the disposal and rock it back and forth to free the flywheel. Never put your hand inside the chamber. If the wrench won’t turn or the flywheel re-jams right away, call a professional—forcing it can crack the housing or ruin the motor.
When should I call a Briceville plumber for a jammed disposal?
Call a professional if: • The hex wrench won’t budge the flywheel. • The reset button trips repeatedly. • You notice leaks from the unit or sink flange. • The disposal is more than 8–10 years old and repair costs approach half the price of a new model. Our Briceville team offers same-day, emergency service and carries most replacement disposals on the truck.
How long does a typical garbage disposal flywheel repair or replacement take?
For most jammed flywheels, a qualified technician can diagnose, unjam, and test the unit in 30–45 minutes. If the disposal motor has suffered damage and needs replacement, swapping in a new unit usually takes 60–90 minutes, including removal of the old disposal, mounting, electrical connections, leak testing, and clean-up.
What can I do to prevent future flywheel jams?
• Run cold water before, during, and 20–30 seconds after grinding. • Feed waste gradually rather than all at once. • Avoid starchy, fibrous, or hard items (potato peels, celery, corn husks, bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds). • Once a month, grind a tray of ice cubes with a cup of rock salt to scour the shredder ring. • Freshen with citrus peels and baking soda to reduce odor and buildup. • Have a Briceville plumber perform an annual inspection to catch developing issues like rust or loose impellers early.