This repair guide will help you fix your garbage disposal.
Need a Replacement Garbage Disposal?
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal, Standard Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer, Black, Set of 1
Price: $114.00
Common Symptoms & Causes
Here are some signs that your InSinkErator Evolution Compact may need an anti-jam mechanism reset.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
When working on the Evolution Compact, don’t forget about the 1/4-inch Allen wrench port on the bottom center of the unit. A common mistake I see is homeowners pressing the reset button without first manually rotating the grinding plate counterclockwise using a hex key to break the jam. If you skip that step, the unit will trip the overload again in no time. If you find you need to replace the overload protector, the part number for this model is 12700-ISE.
- The disposal hums but the grinding plate does not spin when activated
- The reset button on the bottom of the unit has visibly popped out
- The disposal suddenly stops mid-cycle and will not restart
- The unit makes a brief buzzing sound then goes completely silent
These symptoms are usually caused by something hard or debris jamming the grinding plate, which triggers the built-in thermal overload protector and causes an automatic shutoff.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
| Repair route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $10 (parts) |
| Professional repair | $150–$300 (parts and labor) |
Resetting the anti-jam mechanism on an InSinkErator Evolution Compact is often free, or it may cost under $10 if you need a replacement hex wrench. A professional service call for this repair usually ranges from $150–$300 including labor. Tackling this yourself can save you over $140, making DIY the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my InSinkErator Evolution Compact needs an anti-jam reset?
If your unit hums but won’t spin or has completely stopped working, the anti-jam mechanism has likely tripped. This is a built-in safety feature that activates when the grinding chamber becomes obstructed.
Where is the reset button on the InSinkErator Evolution Compact?
The red reset button is located on the bottom of the unit beneath your sink. Press it firmly until you feel it click back into place.
What should I do if the reset button keeps popping out?
If the reset button keeps tripping, it usually means there’s still a jam in the grinding chamber. Use the hex wrench in the center bottom port to manually rotate the grinding plate and clear the obstruction before resetting it again.
Recommended Products
Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:
- InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench,Silver
- Sankoly 2 Pack Garbage Disposal Wrench Allen Wrench Tool Compatible with InSinkErator Garbage Disposals, Used for Unjam Kitchen Sink
- Insinkerator WRN-OO Wrn-00 Disposer Wrenchette
- Thermal Overload Protector, AC 125/250V Push Reset Button Circuit Breaker Protector(10A) Push Button Circuit Breaker
The Hex Wrench That Actually Clears Evolution Compact Jams Without Forcing It
After you hit that red reset button, you need the right tool to manually rotate the impeller and break up whatever’s stuck in the chamber. The InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench is designed specifically for this model, and using the wrong size wrench is how you strip the socket or crack plastic fittings.
What works
- Fits the bottom socket on the Evolution Compact without any guessing—it’s engineered for this exact model, so you get solid contact and leverage.
- The wrench is short and stubby, which means you can work it in tight under-sink spaces without banging your knuckles on the pipes and cabinet walls.
- Turning the impeller clockwise with the right tool takes maybe 30 seconds once you’ve cleared the debris—you feel the resistance drop when the jam breaks free.
What doesn’t
- If you lose it (and people do), finding a replacement takes ordering online—it’s not a standard hex key you can grab from your toolbox.
- For other InSinkErator models like the Badger or Evolution series, the socket size can vary, so don’t assume this wrench works on every disposal in your house.
I learned the hard way that using a generic Allen wrench or socket that’s just close enough to the right size will strip the socket and leave you unable to rotate the impeller at all. Grab the OEM wrench first. InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench,Silver
About This Article
Written by Dave Holt. I have been taking apart and fixing household appliances since I was a teenager who couldn't leave a broken one alone. Eighteen years later, after fixing things for neighbors, friends, and anyone who'd let me, I have seen almost every failure mode there is — and misdiagnosed my share along the way. I am self-taught, with no formal training or certifications. When I write a repair guide here, it is based on the actual job, not a manufacturer overview. More about this site.
Scope and limits. Dave is a self-taught repairer, not a certified appliance technician. Unplug before you open anything, and leave sealed refrigeration systems, gas connections, and hardwired circuits to a qualified technician.
