Moen garbage disposal makes loud metal-on-metal grinding or screeching noises

Safety first: Turn the switch OFF and unplug the disposal or shut off the breaker. Never reach into the disposal with your hand.

• Inspect from above:
  • Shine a flashlight into the sink opening.
  • Look for foreign objects around the impellers and grind ring.
• Remove debris:
  • Use long-nose pliers or tongs to carefully remove any metal, glass, or hard objects.
  • Rotate the jam plate manually with a wooden spoon handle to expose hidden items.
• Check impeller movement:
  • With power still disconnected, gently push each impeller to ensure it swings freely on its pivot.
  • If an impeller is seized or broken, the grind assembly is damaged.
• Test operation:
  • Restore power, run cold water, and briefly turn on the disposal.
  • If abnormal grinding persists with no debris present, the internal grind components are worn or misaligned and the disposal should be replaced.