Jammed Impellers
Jammed Impellers | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Maynardville
A jammed impeller can turn your kitchen sink into a standstill, but it doesn’t have to ruin dinner plans. Call in the hometown experts at HEP and feel the difference that fast, courteous service makes. Our licensed plumbers arrive in fully stocked vans, diagnose the clog or mechanical failure on the spot, and use precision tools to free—or replace—your disposal without leaving a mess behind. You’ll be back to a smoothly humming kitchen in no time, all with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
From stubborn food scraps to burnt-out motors, our Maynardville team has seen (and fixed) it all. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency garbage disposal repair, we treat every job with the care your home deserves—because we live here too. One call, and HEP turns that grinding halt into a fresh start.
FAQs
What usually causes a garbage disposal’s impellers to jam?
In most Maynardville homes we service, jams occur when hard objects—chicken bones, fruit pits, metal utensils, gravel from unwashed produce—or fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins wedge between the impeller blades and the grind ring. Occasionally, grease solidifies around the impellers, or foreign items such as bottle caps and jewelry fall inside. These block or restrict the spinning impeller arms, preventing the motor from turning.
Can I safely un-jam the disposal myself, or should I call Jammed Impellers Plumbing?
You can attempt a basic reset if you feel comfortable: 1) Turn off the power at the wall switch and breaker. 2) Insert the Allen (hex) key that came with the unit into the bottom flywheel socket and gently rock it back and forth to free the obstruction. 3) Use tongs or pliers—never your hand—to remove the debris from the chamber. 4) Press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power, and test. If the unit hums but won’t spin, trips the breaker again, leaks, or emits burnt-motor smells, shut it down and call our Maynardville team. Continuing to run a jammed disposal can overheat and permanently damage the motor.
What warning signs tell me my disposal’s impellers are jammed or failing?
• A low hum instead of the usual grinding sound • The sink backs up even after running water • Reset button keeps popping or breaker trips repeatedly • Burning odor from the unit • Visible standing water and food in the chamber that won't clear • Grinding noises followed by sudden silence. Acting at the first sign can often save the motor and avoid a full replacement.
How much does professional garbage-disposal repair cost in Maynardville?
Our service call/diagnostic fee is $59 for Maynardville addresses. Simple jam removal and reset typically runs $90–$120 total, including the call. If we must disassemble the unit to clear wrapped fibers or replace the impeller plate, costs range from $150–$220. Units older than 8-10 years or with burned-out motors are usually more economical to replace; new disposal installation starts at $289 plus the fixture.
Will the entire disposal need replacing, or can you just fix the impellers?
About 70 % of jam cases only need an obstruction cleared and the impeller plate cleaned or realigned. We can also replace worn impeller blades, slip rings, and gaskets without swapping the whole unit. We recommend replacement when: the motor windings are burnt, the grinding chamber is cracked or corroded, or repair parts exceed 50 % of a new unit’s cost. We always give you both repair and replacement quotes so you can decide.
How fast can Jammed Impellers Plumbing get to my Maynardville home, and what’s included in the visit?
We offer same-day appointments Monday–Saturday for calls placed before 2 p.m. Our fully stocked service van covers all ZIP codes in Maynardville and Union County. The technician will: 1) Inspect and test the disposal, 2) Isolate power and water, 3) Remove any obstructions and clean the chamber, 4) Replace worn gaskets or impeller parts if needed, 5) Reassemble and leak-test, 6) Give disposal care tips to prevent future jams. All labor carries a 90-day workmanship warranty; new parts include manufacturer warranties up to 5 years.