Jammed Impellers
Jammed Impellers | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Erwin
Nothing halts dinner plans faster than a disposal that only hums or, worse, refuses to spin at all. When jammed impellers grind your kitchen routine to a stop, Erwin homeowners trust HEP’s skilled plumbers to bring the power back to their sinks. We quickly pinpoint the obstruction, safely free trapped blades, and inspect every seal, switch, and line so you don’t face the same headache tomorrow. With tidy workmanship and straight-forward pricing, we’ll have you rinsing plates with confidence long before the leftovers lose their warmth.
From emergency visits to proactive tune-ups, our licensed crew delivers garbage disposal repair that’s prompt, polite, and built to last. We stock genuine parts for most major brands, arrive equipped to handle stubborn clogs on the first trip, and back our labor with a satisfaction guarantee. Don’t settle for a silent, smelly appliance—call HEP and enjoy a disposal that roars like new.
FAQs
What are the common signs that my garbage disposal’s impellers are jammed?
Typical warning signs include a humming sound when you flip the switch, water backing up into the sink, slow drainage, or a burning smell coming from the unit. In most cases the motor is still trying to turn, but the impeller plate is stuck, so you hear humming instead of the normal grinding noise.
Is it safe to try to free jammed impellers on my own?
You can do a basic reset and manual rotation if you feel comfortable. First, turn off the power at the breaker or unplug the unit. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal, then insert a ¼-inch Allen wrench into the flywheel socket under the unit and turn it back and forth to loosen the jam. Never put your hand inside the disposal and restore power only after the wrench turns freely. If the jam persists, call a professional.
What typically causes garbage disposal impellers to jam?
The most common culprits are fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy items (potato peels, pasta), hard objects (bones, fruit pits), grease buildup, or foreign items such as forks or bottle caps that fall in unnoticed. Over time, corrosion or scale inside older units can also reduce clearance and trap debris, leading to frequent jams.
How quickly can your Erwin plumbing team come out to fix a jammed disposal?
For homes and businesses in Erwin we offer same-day service on most calls placed before noon and 24-hour emergency response for severe backups or potential electrical hazards. Our trucks are stocked with replacement parts and new disposals so we can usually restore full function on the first visit.
Is it more cost-effective to repair jammed impellers or replace the entire disposal?
If the disposal is less than 8–10 years old and the jam is mechanical (foreign object, minor wear), repair is usually the best value and can be completed in under an hour. However, if the motor is burned out, the housing is cracked, or the unit is over a decade old, replacement often costs only a little more than a major repair and includes a new warranty. We provide upfront pricing so you can decide before any work begins.
How can I avoid future impeller jams in my garbage disposal?
Run cold water before, during, and 15–20 seconds after each use to flush debris. Feed waste gradually rather than in large clumps. Avoid grease, fibrous vegetables, expandable starches, and hard materials. Once a month grind ice cubes and citrus peels to scour the chamber and control odor. Finally, keep the splash guard in place to prevent utensils and small items from falling into the disposal.