Garbage disposal makes loud metal-on-metal grinding or screeching noises during operation.

Safety first: Turn OFF the wall switch and circuit breaker. Never reach into the disposal with your hand.

• Step 1 – Visual inspection: Shine a flashlight into the sink opening. Look for foreign objects such as forks, bottle caps, or screws.
• Step 2 – Remove objects with tools: Use long-nose pliers or tongs to carefully remove any visible items. Rotate the turntable by pushing on the impellers with a wooden spoon to expose hidden objects.
• Step 3 – Manually rotate from bottom: Insert the jam-buster wrench into the bottom hex and rotate to ensure the turntable moves freely and no objects remain lodged.
• Step 4 – Test briefly: Restore power, run cold water, and operate the disposal for a few seconds. If abnormal noise persists, stop immediately.
• Step 5 – Assess internal damage: Persistent screeching or grinding after clearing objects may indicate a damaged grinding ring or impellers. In that case, replacement of the disposal is recommended.