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.
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.
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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The Hex Wrench That Unsticks a Badger 5 in Minutes
When a Badger 5 jams, you need the right tool to manually turn the grinding plate and break free whatever’s wedged in there—and InSinkErator’s Jam-Buster wrench is purpose-built for this exact socket. It’s the fastest way to confirm the jam is mechanical (not electrical) and get the unit spinning again without calling a tech.
What works
- Hex socket fits the Badger 5 wrench port perfectly—no wobble, no stripping, just solid engagement when you need to apply real leverage.
- The wrench itself is short and stubby enough that you can actually reach into tight under-sink spaces and get the handle parallel to the ground for maximum turning force.
- Once you’ve cycled the wrench back and forth a few times, you can feel when the jam breaks—the grinding plate moves freely again and you know the motor will restart without burning out.
What doesn’t
- This wrench only works if you can access the socket from underneath the disposal—older kitchen layouts or tight cabinet configurations can make it hard to get your hand in there.
- If the jam is electrical (motor won’t turn at all even with wrench pressure) or the grinding plate itself is cracked, this tool won’t solve the problem—you’re looking at a replacement unit.
I learned the hard way that a generic adjustable wrench looks like it should work here, but the socket is sized just tight enough that an undersized tool rounds out the corners instead of biting in, wasting 20 minutes and leaving you more frustrated. Keep the right tool on hand before the jam happens. InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench, Silver
InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench, Silver
I used this to break the jam in my Badger 5 without disassembling anything underneath the sink.
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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