Jammed Impellers
Jammed Impellers | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Friendsville
When a stubborn spoon or an overload of peels grinds your kitchen routine to a halt, HEP’s licensed plumbers are ready to swoop in with fast, affordable garbage disposal repair. We know every make and model on the market, so whether your unit just hums, trips the breaker, or sends water backing into the sink, our Friendsville team arrives equipped with specialized tools to diagnose jammed impellers, worn seals, or electrical faults on the spot.
From gently freeing stuck blades to replacing damaged motors, we treat your disposal—and your kitchen—with the same care we would our own. No hidden fees, no mess left behind, just courteous experts who explain every option before the work begins. Call or book online today and get back to cooking, cleaning, and enjoying your home without the grinding worry of a malfunctioning disposal.
FAQs
What usually causes garbage disposal impellers to jam?
The impellers (sometimes called lugs) can seize when hard objects—such as bones, fruit pits, metal utensils, or excessive fibrous food—get wedged between them and the shredding ring. Grease buildup and corrosion also reduce the small clearance needed for the impellers to spin freely, leading to a jam.
How can I tell if my garbage disposal impellers are jammed?
Common signs include a loud humming sound with no grinding, a tripped reset button on the bottom of the unit, water backing up into the sink, or a burning smell. If the motor hums but the turntable doesn’t rotate, the impellers are likely stuck.
Is it safe to try to unjam the impellers myself?
You can safely attempt minor fixes—like using the disposal’s hex key from below, or carefully rotating the flywheel with a wooden spoon from above—after unplugging the unit or shutting off power at the breaker. Never put your hand inside the chamber. If these steps don’t free the impellers, call a professional to avoid motor damage or injury.
What will your Friendsville plumbers do to repair a jammed garbage disposal?
Our licensed technician will disconnect power, inspect the chamber with a flashlight, remove debris with specialized tongs, manually rotate the flywheel, check for worn bushings, and run a full operational test. If the motor or bearings are damaged, we’ll give you repair versus replacement options on-site.
How long does a typical impeller-jam repair take, and what will it cost?
Simple jams caused by stuck objects usually take 30–45 minutes and fall under our flat diagnostic and labor rate (often less than the cost of a new unit). Complex jobs—such as clearing grease-cemented impellers or replacing seals—may run 1–2 hours. After the inspection, you’ll receive an upfront price before any work begins.
How can I prevent my garbage disposal from jamming again?
Run cold water before, during, and 15 seconds after grinding; feed scraps gradually; avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), greasy leftovers, and hard materials; and perform monthly cleaning with ice cubes and a small amount of rock salt or vinegar. A quick follow-up tune-up each year from our Friendsville team keeps parts lubricated and the warranty valid.