Let’s dive into how you can 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
If your InSinkErator Evolution Excel is giving you trouble, these symptoms usually indicate 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 mistake is grabbing a 3/16-inch wrench, which can strip the socket. This model also has a two-stage MultiGrind system, so if manual turning feels uneven, it could be that the upper grinding stage impeller (part reference 12005) has an obstruction 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 typically caused by a hard object — such as a bone, fruit pit, or small utensil — stuck between the grinding plate and the shredder ring, which stops the motor from turning.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
| Repair route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $10–$20 (parts) |
| Professional repair | $150–$300 (parts and labor) |
Unjamming an InSinkErator Evolution Excel yourself usually costs nothing, or up to $10–$20 if you need a replacement wrench or Allen key. Hiring a professional for the same repair can run between $150–$300, including labor. By choosing the DIY route, you can save well over $100 on what is a straightforward fix.
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 an electrical issue instead.
Where is the hex wrench socket on the Evolution Excel?
You’ll find the hex wrench socket 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
Here are the parts and tools I 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
The Hex Wrench That Unsticks Most Evolution Excel Jams in Under 5 Minutes
The InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench is the tool to use for tackling an Evolution Excel jam—it’s specifically designed for the hex reset port on the bottom of this model, and most of the time it’s all you need to manually rotate the grinding chamber free.
What works
- Perfect fit into the Evolution Excel’s hex port—no fumbling with adjustable wrenches or improvised tools that slip and waste time.
- The leverage is substantial enough to break free serious potato peels and fibrous food packed against the impellers without straining your hand or risking the tool snapping.
- Compact size means it lives in your cabinet near the sink—when a jam happens at 7 p.m. on a Sunday, you’re not hunting for a tool or calling a tech.
What doesn’t
- If the jam is caused by a fractured impeller or bearing wear (rare, but it happens), the wrench won’t help—you’ll need a replacement unit instead.
- Some aftermarket universal jam wrenches are bulkier and harder to maneuver in the tight space under the sink where the reset port lives.
I’ve had homeowners call me after ordering a universal disposal wrench only to find it won’t seat properly in the Evolution Excel’s port—a 10-minute fix turns into a two-day wait. Get the OEM wrench and keep it handy; InSinkErator WRN-00 Jam-Buster Wrench pays for itself the first time you avoid a service call.
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.
