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
The following symptoms indicate your InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR is experiencing a MultiGrind Technology jam.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
One thing most homeowners miss on the Evolution Essential XTR is that the MultiGrind system uses two grinding stages, so a jam can actually be lodged in the upper grind ring (part #12664-00) rather than the flywheel — meaning the standard ¼-inch hex wrench trick at the bottom won’t fully free it. Always run the unit briefly after the initial clearing, then check again before assuming it’s fixed, because that second grind stage can re-jam immediately if debris wasn’t fully expelled.
- The disposal unit hums loudly but the grinding plate does not spin
- The reset button on the bottom of the unit trips repeatedly after restarting
- Hard food waste such as bones or fruit pits remains unground after a full cycle
- The unit shuts off automatically mid-cycle without completing the grind
These issues are typically caused by debris lodged between the grinding components, a worn or seized grinding plate, or accumulated buildup overwhelming the multi-stage grind system over time.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
Fixing a MultiGrind Technology jam on your InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR yourself typically costs between $0–$20, usually just a replacement hex wrench or reset button tool. A professional service call for the same issue runs $150–$300 once labor and fees are included. Tackling this repair DIY-style can save you well over $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR MultiGrind Technology is jammed?
Common signs include a humming sound without grinding, the unit stopping mid-cycle, or no response when activated. You may also notice the reset button popping out on the unit’s bottom.
Can I clear the jam myself without calling a technician?
Yes, most MultiGrind jams can be resolved using the included Allen wrench in the center bottom socket to manually rotate the grinding plate free.
What should I do before attempting to fix the jam?
Always switch off the unit and unplug it from the power outlet before any repair attempt. Never insert your hand into the drain opening under any circumstances.
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
- 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
- InSinkErator SMG-00 Standard Mounting Gasket, Black (Compatible only with InSinkErator Badger, 444, 60s, 80s, Contractor 333 and Evergrind disposer models)
- Garbage Disposal Parts for Insinkerator, 75499 Flex Coupler Replacement Parts Compatible with Insinkerator Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Replaces Part Number 74085
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The Hex Wrench That Clears 80% of InSinkErator XTR Jams Without Calling a Technician
Before you assume your MultiGrind Technology is broken, grab the OEM jam-buster wrench — this is the first tool I reach for on every XTR jam call, and it’s the difference between a 10-minute DIY fix and a $150 service visit.
What works
- The wrench fits the hex socket on the bottom of the XTR’s grinding chamber perfectly — no wobble or stripping, even after years of use on multiple units.
- Gives you enough mechanical advantage to free stuck debris and fibrous material without requiring a hammer or pipe wrench, which risks damaging the chamber walls.
- The original InSinkErator design means it works reliably with the reset button procedure — loosen, manually rotate the impeller back and forth, then tighten and reset.
What doesn’t
- The wrench itself won’t help if your jam is caused by a damaged impeller or a crack in the grinding ring — you’ll still need a replacement disposal in those cases.
- If you lose or misplace it, finding the OEM version can be trickier than universal wrenches, though it’s worth having the correct tool rather than forcing a substitute into the socket.
I once had a homeowner call back after ordering a universal jam wrench online — it was slightly too loose in the XTR’s hex socket and he stripped the corners before calling me. Stick with the InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench for this model, or keep one in your toolbox before you ever need it.
InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench
I’ve used this wrench on multiple units over years and it clears jams reliably without risking the grinding chamber.
Check Price on Amazon →Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.
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