A loud, metallic grinding sound from your garbage disposal is a clear warning sign. If ignored, a jammed disposal will quickly overheat the motor, tripping the thermal reset switch or causing the motor to burn out.
Common Causes of Noise
1. Foreign Objects in the Chamber
Coins, fruit pits, bone fragments, or screws from the sink rim can fall into the grinding chamber, causing loud metallic clatter when the motor rotates.
💡 PRO TIP: Never reach into the garbage disposal with your hand. Always use tongs, pliers, or a flashlight to inspect and clear the chamber!
2. Loose Grinding Components
Over time, the mounting rings and support screws can vibrate loose, causing the entire unit to rattle against the sink flange.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
- Turn off power: Unplug the disposal or turn off its circuit breaker.
- Inspect the chamber: Use a flashlight to look down the drain. Use tongs to remove any trapped objects.
- Free a jammed flywheel: Insert a 1/4-inch hex wrench into the hole at the bottom center of the disposal. Turn the wrench back and forth to manually free the motor shaft.
- Reset the thermal switch: Press the red reset button at the bottom of the unit.
⚠️ WARNING: Do not turn the disposal switch back on until your tools have been removed from the drain.
