This repair guide will help you fix your garbage disposal.
Need a Replacement Garbage Disposal?
Price: $114.00
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Common Symptoms & Causes
If your InSinkErator Evolution Excel is having trouble running, these symptoms typically point to a jammed grinding chamber.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
The Evolution Excel uses a larger 1/4-inch hex socket on the bottom flywheel shaft compared to budget models — a common gotcha is that homeowners grab a 3/16-inch wrench and strip the socket. Also, this model has a two-stage MultiGrind system, so if manual turning feels uneven, the upper grinding stage impeller (part reference 12005) may have a bone fragment lodged between the outer ring and turntable, not just the lower flywheel.
- The disposal hums loudly but the grinding plate does not spin
- The unit shuts off immediately and the reset button keeps tripping
- You hear a grinding or rattling noise followed by a complete stop
- The disposal is completely silent when switched on despite having power
These issues are most commonly caused by a hard object — such as a bone, fruit pit, or small utensil — lodged between the grinding plate and the shredder ring, preventing the motor from turning.
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How Much Does This Repair Cost?
Unjamming an InSinkErator Evolution Excel yourself typically costs nothing, or up to $10–$20 if you need a replacement wrench or Allen key. A professional service call for the same repair runs $150–$300 including labor. Choosing the DIY route can save you well over $100 on a straightforward fix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my InSinkErator Evolution Excel is jammed and not just broken?
If the disposal hums but doesn’t spin, it’s almost certainly jammed rather than broken. A completely silent unit with no response typically indicates a tripped reset button or electrical issue instead.
Where is the hex wrench socket on the Evolution Excel?
The hex wrench socket is located at the center bottom of the disposal unit. Insert a 1/4-inch hex wrench and turn it back and forth to manually free the stuck grinding plate.
Should I press the reset button before or after clearing the jam?
Always clear the jam first using the hex wrench, then press the reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Pressing reset before clearing the obstruction won’t restore normal operation.
Recommended Products
These are the parts and tools we recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:
- InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench,Silver
- Insinkerator WRN-OO Wrn-00 Disposer Wrenchette
- MAX DISPOSER Jam-Buster Wrench with Sticky Wall Mount, Garbage Disposal Wrench Compatible with SinkErator and Waste King/Moen Universal Fit for Major Brands Garbage Disposals to Install
- JZSMY for Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter Impeller Replacement Part Aquarium Filter Replacement Impeller with Ceramics Shaft
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