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
These symptoms typically indicate your InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal is jammed and needs attention.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
The Badger 5 uses a 1/4-inch hex socket on the bottom of the unit — always use the jam-buster wrench that shipped with the disposal or a standard Allen wrench rather than pliers on the shaft, which can strip the socket. A common mistake I see is homeowners repeatedly hitting the reset button without first manually freeing the plate, which will overheat the thermal overload protector. If the reset button (part reference: 12003529) keeps popping after you’ve cleared the jam, the motor windings may be failing.
- The disposal hums loudly but the grinding plate does not spin
- The unit trips its reset button immediately after being turned on
- The disposal makes a clicking or rattling noise when switched on
- The motor stops mid-cycle and the reset button pops out
These issues are most commonly caused by a hard object — such as a bone, pit, or utensil — becoming 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 Badger 5 yourself typically costs nothing, or up to $5–$15 if you need to replace the hex wrench or reset button. A professional service call for the same repair runs $150–$300 in labor fees. Tackling this DIY fix can save you well over $100 in a matter of minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Badger 5 is jammed and not just broken?
If you hear a humming sound when you flip the switch but the disposal won’t spin, it’s almost certainly jammed rather than broken. A completely silent unit typically indicates a tripped reset button or power issue instead.
What size Allen wrench do I need to unjam the Badger 5?
The InSinkErator Badger 5 requires a 1/4-inch Allen wrench to manually crank the grinding plate from the bottom socket. Most InSinkErator models include this wrench in the original packaging.
Should I press the reset button before or after clearing the jam?
Always clear the jam first, then press the reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Pressing reset while the disposal is still jammed 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 13993 Dejamming Wrench
- InSinkErator STC-MTBLK Push SinkTop Switch Button, Matte Black
- InSinkErator Air Switch Decorative Button for InSinkErator Dual Outlet Garbage Disposal Air Switch Kit, STC-CHRM, Chrome
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