How do I fix a frozen garbage disposal?

From time to time, garbage disposal motors may freeze, leaving them ineffective. This is easily identified by turning on the disposal and only hearing a light hum as opposed to the grinding and crushing of a properly functioning garbage disposal. This is usually the result of an object getting stuck in the disposal or possibly the appliance had not been in use for an extended period of time.

Finding the reset button and use a wrench

On the bottom of most garbage disposals, there is a reset switch (usually a red button) and a hexagonal socket (an area where you can insert an Allen wrench). The Allen wrench would need to be inserted (typically they come with a disposal) into the hexagonal socket and gentle pressure applied in an attempt to get the wrench to spin. If the wrench is able to get the disposal to spin, success! Now try the switch and see if the disposal is functioning properly. At this time, it would be a good idea to check for leaks from the disposal or any of the plumbing connected to it.

Please note, if the disposal is significantly frozen, attempting to free it may break the disposal and/or cause it to leak. If this occurs, it is easy to get a new disposal and install it.

Reference video for installation:

For a typical garbage disposal installation, watch this video: How to Install a Garbage Disposal | Ask This Old House