How to Unjam an InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal

3 min read

In my 15+ years of fixing disposals, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel is one of the most jam-prone units I see — mostly because homeowners underestimate its grinding capacity and overfeed it. The good news is that about 90% of jams on this model are self-fixable in under 10 minutes using the included hex wrench on the bottom reset port.

Dave Holt — Certified Appliance Repair Technician

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances  •  Certifications: EPA 608 Certified, NATE-recognized technician  •  Former lead technician at a multi-state appliance service company  •  Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

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

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Common Symptoms & Causes

If your InSinkErator Evolution Excel is having trouble running, these symptoms typically point to 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 gotcha is that homeowners grab a 3/16-inch wrench and strip the socket. Also, this model has a two-stage MultiGrind system, so if manual turning feels uneven, the upper grinding stage impeller (part reference 12005) may have a bone fragment 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 most commonly caused by a hard object — such as a bone, fruit pit, or small utensil — 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 Evolution Excel yourself typically costs nothing, or up to $10–$20 if you need a replacement wrench or Allen key. A professional service call for the same repair runs $150–$300 including labor. Choosing the DIY route can save you well over $100 on a straightforward fix.

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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 electrical issue instead.

Where is the hex wrench socket on the Evolution Excel?

The hex wrench socket is located 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

These are the parts and tools we recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

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