October 2023 - Garbage Disposal Guide

When your trusty garbage disposal suddenly grinds to a halt or experiences a jam, it's time to reach for a tool that might not be a common household name: the Allen key. While you may think this simple tool is reserved for IKEA furniture and the like, it’s often just what you need to get your garbage disposal back in good working order. However, you need to know what you’re doing - in addition to finding the correct garbage disposal allen key size, you’ll need to use it properly for best results. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of this unassuming tool and help you discover the correct Allen key size for your garbage disposal. Plus, we'll provide valuable tips on its usage and explain why you might need to use an Allen key in the first place. What Is an Allen Key (Besides A Garbage Disposal's Best Friend)? Before we dive into Allen key sizes, let's take a moment to appreciate this handy tool. The Allen key, also known as a hex key or hex wrench, is a simple yet versatile instrument designed to turn screws with hexagonal heads. It may be small, but it’s a powerful tool that can work wonders on many household items, including your garbage disposal. Why You Might Need to Use an Allen Key for Your Garbage Disposal Of course, garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste efficiently. However, they’re not perfect machines - sometimes they encounter issues that require intervention. Here are common scenarios where an Allen key can be your solution: 1. Jammed Impellers Garbage disposals often get jammed when foreign objects, large food particles, or other unsafe items prevent the impellers from moving properly. In these situations, an Allen key can help manually turn the impellers to release the jam and get your disposal running smoothly again. 2. Resetting Overloads Some garbage disposals have overload protection that can trip and shut down the unit if it's overworked. However, by using an Allen key, you can manually turn the impellers counterclockwise and often reset the system to restore operation. 3. Routine Maintenance You may not think about it, but regularly using an Allen key to turn the disposal's impellers can be a good practice for preventive maintenance. This action can help dislodge any soon-to-turn-into-a-jam debris and extend the lifespan of your disposal, so it’s worth a try! What Size Allen Key Do I Need for My Garbage Disposal? While sizes may vary, many garbage disposals commonly use 1/4-inch Allen keys. So, if you have one even close to that size, it will often do the trick for most units. However, it is possible that yours will be different - after all, different brands and models will often have different components. Therefore, to find the right one for your unit, follow these steps: 1. Check the User Manual The first place to look for the correct Allen key size is your garbage disposal's user manual. The manual typically contains information about the specific tools and sizes recommended for maintenance. And while you’re in there, check and see if an Allen key came included with the garbage disposal. If so, you may just need to look around - you’ll probably find it somewhere! 2. Measure the Screw Head If you can't locate your user manual or it doesn't specify the Allen key size, you can measure the screw head. Simply break out your ruler or caliper to determine the width across the flats of the hexagonal screw head. This measurement will help you identify the correct Allen key size. How to Use an Allen Key to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal Now that you've identified the right Allen key size for your garbage disposal, it's time to put it to good use. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and successful operation: 1. Turn Off the Power Before working on your garbage disposal, you should always disconnect the power source. This is crucial for your safety - you don’t want those impellers to come on while you’re in there! So, be sure to unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker (or both, to be extra safe) to prevent any accidental starts while you're working. 2. Check for Obstructions Using a flashlight, look down into the sink opening of your disposal and see if you can identify what is causing the jam. If you can see it, you can try grabbing it with your hands. Or, if that doesn’t work, try using needle nose pliers, especially if it’s something sharp. You don’t want to be removing something like glass from your garbage disposal by hand! 3. Insert the Allen Key Look for the hex socket underneath the garbage disposal - it should be in the center. Then, insert the Allen key. You’ll want to ensure it fits snugly to prevent stripping or damaging the screw. 4. Move the Allen Key Back and Forth to Loosen the Jam If you're dealing with a stubborn jam, patience is key. So, gently work the Allen key back and forth, gradually increasing the force if necessary. However, you’ll want to avoid using too much force, as it can damage the disposal. Balance is key. 5. Reconnect the Power, Reset, and Test Once you feel you’ve resolved the issue, remember to reconnect the power. Then, locate and push the small, often red reset button, usually found on the bottom of the unit. You can learn more about resetting a garbage disposal here. Finally, test the garbage disposal to ensure it's working correctly. The Bottom Line In conclusion, the right-sized Allen key is a valuable tool for maintaining and troubleshooting your garbage disposal. And when you know how to use it safely and effectively, it can save you time and money. It’s not often that something this small and simple can make such a huge difference in an appliance! Now, armed with the knowledge of the correct size, an understanding of why you might need an Allen key, and these handy tips, you're ready to tackle garbage disposal issues like a pro. Happy disposing! Have an InSinkErator garbage disposal? Check out the perfect Allen key for the job here.