Quick Answer:
Immediately turn off power to the disposal, shine a flashlight into the chamber to look for a dropped screw or knockout piece, then use the hex key at the bottom to rotate the motor by hand. If you can remove an object safely, do so with pliers or tongs and retest while running plenty of water. If you can’t access the obstruction or the noise remains, stop and call a professional.
Why This Happens
New disposals can pick up loose parts during installation or allow a small item to fall into the grinding chamber. Common causes:
- Dropped fasteners, screws, or the plumbing knockout plug left inside the sink opening.
- A piece of packaging, a small tool, or leftover debris trapped in the impellers.
- Misaligned mounting or a loose component vibrating against metal parts.
Occasionally electrical or motor issues cause unusual noise, so start with a physical inspection before running the unit again. For related installation problems, see Disposal trips breaker after install and Disposal jams after install.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Turn off the power
- Switch the disposal off at its wall switch, then cut power at the circuit breaker or unplug the unit. Never work on the disposal while it may receive power.
- Confirm the unit is dead by trying the switch—no sound should come from the motor.
2. Inspect the grind chamber
- Use a bright flashlight and look into the grinding chamber from the sink opening. Look for a dropped screw, the knockout piece, or any shiny metal foreign object.
- If you see an object and it is reachable with pliers or tongs, remove it carefully. Do not put your hand into the chamber unless power is definitely off and the unit is locked out.
3. Manually rotate the motor
- Locate the hex recess on the bottom of the disposal. Insert the correct hex key (often 1/4″ or the wrench supplied with the unit) and rotate it back and forth to free any jam.
- Feel for rough spots or binding while rotating; this helps dislodge smaller debris so you can pull it out from above.
4. Remove any object and check mounting
- After freeing and removing debris, inspect the splash guard and mounting ring to make sure nothing else is loose or out of place.
- Wipe out any grit, then resecure any loose fittings you can access safely.
5. Retest safely
- Restore power and run the disposal with plenty of cold water to flush remaining debris. Listen closely for any abnormal grinding or rattling.
- If the noise is gone, run the unit briefly to confirm. If it returns, power down and repeat the inspection or call a professional.
What Not to Do
- Don’t keep running the unit if it’s making metal-on-metal noise—shut it off and remove the object.
- Don’t stick your hand into the chamber while the disposal could be live. Always lock out power first.
- Don’t try to pry or force parts with power applied; that risks injury or damaging the motor.
- If you can’t access the object safely, call a pro rather than attempting risky maneuvers yourself.
When to Call a Professional
- You can’t remove the object or the jam is deep and unreachable from above.
- The unit still makes grinding noises after removing visible debris and manually rotating the motor.
- The disposal hums but does not turn, trips the breaker, or shows signs of electrical trouble.
- There are leaks or a mounting problem that you’re not comfortable fixing yourself.
Safety Notes
- Always cut power at the breaker before putting tools or hands near the disposal.
- Use long-nose pliers or tongs to remove objects; wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Do not use water to try to flush out a heavy foreign object until it is safe to run the motor.
- If unsure about electrical or mechanical issues, stop and call a licensed plumber or appliance technician.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Can I use a screwdriver to dislodge a stuck object?
A: No—use the hex key to rotate the motor and pliers to remove objects; do not apply power while using metal tools inside the chamber. - Q: Will running water while it’s noisy help clear the jam?
A: Only after power is cut and the object is removed; running water while the unit is making metal-on-metal noise risks further damage. - Q: Is it safe to reset the disposer’s overload button myself?
A: Yes, after you remove the obstruction and confirm the unit is not overheating; if it trips repeatedly, call a pro.