Jammed Impellers
Jammed Impellers | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Harriman
When the impellers on your disposal seize up and the sink turns into a stagnant swamp, the kitchen comes to a halt. HEP’s local pros know every rattle, hum, and grinding squeal a failing unit can make, and they arrive in Harriman with the right tools and genuine parts to get things spinning smoothly again. From freeing jammed blades to rewiring worn-out switches, our technicians track down the cause fast and treat your appliance with the care it deserves—so you can get back to cooking, cleaning, and living without the lingering odor of stuck food scraps.
Choose HEP for prompt, transparent, and warranty-backed garbage disposal repair. We schedule around your day, quote upfront, and leave your countertop spotless—plus we always haul away the mess that caused the jam in the first place. Call, click, or text, and let our licensed plumbers take the grind out of your grind.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of jammed impellers in a garbage disposal?
The impellers (sometimes called "blades") can jam when hard, fibrous, or expandable materials—such as bones, fruit pits, corn husks, or pasta—get lodged between them and the grind ring. Foreign objects like silverware or bottle caps can also stall the motor. In Harriman homes, we often see jams caused by large food scraps left over from weekend cook-outs or holiday gatherings.
Can I safely try to unjam my garbage disposal myself?
You can attempt a basic reset if you follow safety precautions: 1) Turn off the power at the wall switch and at the circuit breaker. 2) Use the hex key that came with the unit (inserted in the bottom flywheel hole) to manually rotate the motor and free the impellers. 3) Press the red reset button on the underside. If the unit hums, trips the breaker again, or you see standing water, call our Harriman plumbing team—continued DIY attempts may burn out the motor or damage the seals.
How much does professional garbage-disposal unjamming or repair cost in Harriman?
For most jammed-impeller calls, our service fee ranges from $95–$155, which covers travel, diagnosis, and manual clearance of the obstruction. If parts such as the splash guard, swivel impellers, or motor need replacement, total costs typically run between $180–$300. We provide a firm, written quote before any work is done, and we waive the initial diagnostic fee when you proceed with the repair.
How long will the repair take once a technician arrives?
A straightforward impeller jam can usually be cleared, tested, and cleaned in 30–45 minutes. If we need to disassemble the disposal, replace worn impellers, or reseal plumbing connections, expect 60–90 minutes. In rare cases where the motor has seized and a full replacement is required, installation generally takes about two hours, including removal of the old unit and testing for leaks.
Should I replace my garbage disposal instead of repairing a jammed impeller?
We recommend considering replacement if: 1) the unit is over 8–10 years old, 2) the motor hums but won’t spin even after manual turning, 3) there is persistent leaking from the bottom housing, or 4) repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit’s price. Newer disposals are more energy-efficient, quieter, and come with longer warranties. Our Harriman plumbers carry several models on the truck, so you can decide on-site.
What can I do to prevent future jams in my garbage disposal?
1) Feed scraps gradually while running cold water. 2) Avoid fibrous foods (celery, asparagus), starchy expandables (rice, pasta), and hard items (bones, fruit pits). 3) Once a month, grind a cup of ice cubes with a small amount of rock salt to scour the impellers. 4) Follow with a citrus peel rinse to control odor. 5) Never use chemical drain cleaners—they can corrode seals. Simple practices like these go a long way toward keeping Harriman disposals spinning smoothly.