Garbage disposal is very loud or makes grinding/metal-on-metal noises

Safety first: Turn OFF the switch and disconnect power at the breaker. Never reach into the disposal with your hand.

• Step 1 – Visual inspection: Shine a flashlight into the sink opening and look for foreign objects such as screws, bottle caps, or utensils.
• Step 2 – Remove debris: Use long-nose pliers or tongs to carefully remove any objects. Do not use your fingers.
• Step 3 – Check impeller movement: Use a wooden stick to gently move the swivel impellers. They should swing freely and not be broken or excessively loose.
• Step 4 – Inspect shredder ring: Look for missing or severely damaged teeth on the shredder ring. If teeth are broken or the ring is cracked, the unit is unsafe to operate.
• Step 5 – Test operation: Restore power, run cold water, and briefly turn on the disposal. If abnormal metal-on-metal noise persists, replace the disposal to avoid further damage or failure.