A common household issue involves small objects, such as a coin, accidentally falling into a garbage disposal unit. When a coin gets stuck in garbage disposal, it can prevent the unit from operating correctly, often leading to a humming sound without any grinding action. This article outlines the steps to safely remove a coin stuck in your garbage disposal, ensuring both the functionality of your appliance and your personal safety.
Understanding the Risk: Why Safety Comes First
Before attempting any removal, it’s crucial to understand the dangers associated with a garbage disposal. The grinding plates, or impellers, inside the disposal are designed to pulverize food waste. Even when the unit appears to be off, there’s a risk of accidental activation if the power supply isn’t completely disconnected. Never insert your hand or any part of your body into the disposal. The primary goal when dealing with a coin stuck in garbage disposal is safety.
Step 1: Disconnect the Power — The Most Critical Action
The first and most important step in addressing a coin stuck in garbage disposal is to completely disconnect its power supply. Skipping this step can result in serious injury.
Locating the Power Switch
Most garbage disposals have a dedicated power switch. This switch is typically located on the wall near the kitchen sink, often adjacent to the light switch or other appliance controls.
- Turn this switch to the “OFF” position.
Ensuring Complete Power Disconnection
While turning off the wall switch is a good start, for maximum safety, consider these additional measures:
- Unplug the unit: If your garbage disposal is connected to an outlet under the sink, unplug it directly. This provides a visible and undeniable confirmation that the power is cut.
- Trip the circuit breaker: Locate your home’s main electrical panel. Identify the circuit breaker that controls the kitchen area or specifically the garbage disposal. Flip this breaker to the “OFF” position. This ensures no electricity can reach the unit, even if the wall switch is faulty or accidentally flipped.
Always verify the power is off before proceeding. A good test is to try flipping the disposal’s wall switch on; if the circuit breaker is off, the unit will not respond.
Step 2: Inspect for the Coin
Once the power is confirmed off, you can begin the inspection phase.
- Use a flashlight: Peer down into the drain opening of the garbage disposal. A bright flashlight will help you locate the coin or any other foreign object that might be causing the jam.
- Visually confirm: Look for the glint of the coin or its distinct shape. Sometimes, other debris might be obscuring the view, so a careful examination is necessary. The coin stuck in garbage disposal might be wedged between the impellers and the grinding ring.
Step 3: Attempt Removal Safely
With the coin located and power disconnected, you can attempt to remove the object. Remember the rule: never put your hand inside the disposal.
Using Pliers or Tongs
If the coin is visible and within reach from the drain opening, these tools are ideal:
- Long needle-nose pliers: The slender design of these pliers allows them to reach into tight spaces and grasp small objects.
- Kitchen tongs: Longer tongs can also be effective for reaching and gripping the coin.
- Technique: Carefully maneuver the pliers or tongs, grasp the coin firmly, and gently pull it out. Avoid forcing the removal, as this could damage the disposal’s internal components or push the coin further in.
Using an Allen Wrench (Hex Key)
Many garbage disposal models include a special Allen wrench (also known as a hex key) designed to clear jams. This tool is specifically for rotating the motor shaft manually to free the impellers.
- Locate the hex-shaped hole: Look on the very bottom of the garbage disposal unit. You will find a small, hexagonal hole in the center. This is the manual rotation point.
- Insert the Allen wrench: Insert the provided Allen wrench into this hole.
- Rotate back and forth: Turn the Allen wrench back and forth vigorously. This action manually rotates the impellers inside the disposal, which can dislodge the coin stuck in garbage disposal. You might feel resistance at first, but with persistent back-and-forth movement, the impellers should eventually move freely. The goal is to loosen whatever is jamming the mechanism. A visual example of this process can be found in various online tutorials, such as those on YouTube, demonstrating how to use an Allen wrench to remove a stuck object.
Alternative Manual Rotation (If No Allen Wrench)
If you do not have the specific Allen wrench for your disposal, or if the hex hole is inaccessible, you can attempt to manually rotate the impellers from above the drain opening.
- Wooden broom handle or sturdy wooden spoon: These non-metallic tools are safe to use inside the disposal.
- Technique: Insert the blunt end of the broom handle or spoon into the drain opening. Position it against one of the impellers. Apply gentle but firm pressure, trying to push the impeller in a circular motion. Move it back and forth to try and dislodge the coin. This method, as suggested by sources like Westlake Ace Hardware, mimics the action of the Allen wrench by attempting to free the impellers. Avoid using anything metal, as it could damage the disposal or create sparks.
After attempting removal with either method, re-inspect the disposal with your flashlight to confirm the coin is gone and the impellers can move freely.
Step 4: Reset the Disposal
After successfully removing the coin stuck in garbage disposal, the unit may still not operate if its internal overload protector has tripped. This protector is a safety feature that shuts off the motor to prevent overheating when the disposal is jammed or overworked.
- Identify the reset button: The reset button is typically a small, red button located on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit.
- Press the reset button: Press the button firmly. If it was tripped, you will feel it click back into place.
- Wait if necessary: According to resources like The Spruce, if the button does not stay in or if it was already engaged, the motor may still be too hot. In such cases, wait a few minutes (typically 10-15 minutes) for the motor to cool down before trying to press the reset button again. The thermal overload protector needs time to reset itself.
Step 5: Test the Disposal
Once the coin is removed and the disposal is reset, it’s time to test its functionality.
- Restore power: Plug the disposal back into the outlet or flip the circuit breaker back to the “ON” position. Also, turn the wall switch for the disposal to the “ON” position.
- Run cold water: Turn on the cold water faucet in your sink. Always run cold water when operating the disposal. Cold water helps to solidify any grease or food particles, allowing them to be ground more effectively and flushed away. It also helps cool the motor.
- Activate the disposal: With the cold water running, turn the disposal on using its wall switch.
- Listen for normal operation: The disposal should hum briefly and then begin to grind with a consistent sound. If it hums but does not grind, or if it makes unusual noises, there might still be an obstruction or a deeper issue.
What If the Coin Remains Stuck or Issues Persist?
Despite following these steps, there are instances where a coin stuck in garbage disposal might be irretrievable, or the disposal might not function correctly.
- Persistent jamming: If you cannot remove the coin, or if the disposal still hums without grinding after following all steps, the coin might be too deeply wedged, or another object could be causing the issue.
- Unusual noises or leaks: If the disposal makes strange grinding noises, rattles, or begins to leak after the attempt, this indicates a potential internal damage or a loose connection.
- Discomfort with the process: If you are uncomfortable at any point during these steps, or if you lack confidence in your ability to perform them safely, it is always advisable to stop.
In any of these situations, the best course of action is to contact a qualified plumber. A professional plumber has the specialized tools and expertise to safely diagnose and resolve the problem, ensuring your garbage disposal is repaired without risk of personal injury or further damage to the appliance. Attempting to force a solution or operating a damaged disposal can lead to more costly repairs or even appliance replacement. Prioritizing safety and professional help when needed ensures the long-term functionality of your kitchen appliance.
