Whirlaway
Severe Mechanical Jam / Bent Turntable
Garbage disposal is stuck; Allen wrench will not turn motor from bottom
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Large metal object wedged in Whirlaway grind ring, Bent turntable or impeller plate, Foreign object lodged between turntable and housing, Rust seizure from long-term disuse
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker and verify the switch is off. Do not apply excessive force that could crack the housing.
- Step 1 – Inspect from top: Shine a flashlight into the chamber and use tongs to remove any visible large objects (utensils, screws, stones).
- Step 2 – Try reverse rotation: Insert the Allen wrench into the bottom hex socket and attempt to rock it back and forth gently rather than forcing a full turn.
- Step 3 – Use wooden lever: From above, use a wooden stick to apply leverage to the impellers while gently turning from below.
- Step 4 – Avoid over-torquing: If the shaft will not move at all, forcing it can crack the motor housing or break internal parts.
- Step 5 – Replace if immovable: If the jam cannot be cleared with reasonable force, remove and replace the disposal.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Turntable and Swivel Impeller Assembly
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