How To Fix A Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Hot [ 2026 Update ]
reset the internal thermal breaker
To fix an InSinkErator garbage disposal that is running "hot" (overheating), you usually need to .
- Running disposal for > 30–60 seconds continuously
- Running without enough water (needs flow to cool motor)
- Grinding large amounts of fibrous or hard material at once
- Letting food dry inside before grinding
- Look at the very center of the bottom of the disposal unit. You will see a hex-shaped hole.
- Insert your Allen wrench into this hole.
- Work the wrench back and forth (left and right) to manually free the grinding plate. You want to get it to rotate a full 360 degrees.
An InSinkErator motor typically runs hot for three primary reasons: how to fix a insinkerator garbage disposal hot
Once cool, look at the bottom of the disposal unit (the lowest face pointing toward the cabinet floor). reset the internal thermal breaker To fix an
Severe Jam: When the Hex Wrench Won’t Turn
- Measure incoming voltage at the disposal (should match unit rating, typically 120 V in US). Inspect switch, cord, and connections for looseness or burns.