If your InSinkErator is blocked, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

A blocked InSinkErator can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

If you’ve cleared a mechanical jam with the Allen wrench and used a plunger (gently!) on the drain side, but the sink still won’t drain, the clog may be deep in the main kitchen line. Call a plumber. Likewise, if your InSinkErator is over 10-12 years old and jamming frequently, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the unit (a standard Evolution or Badger series starts around $150-$250) than to repair it.

Don’t panic. A "blocked" InSinkErator usually means one of two things: a mechanical jam (the impellers are stuck) or a drainage clog (the unit runs but water won't go down). Here is your step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing both issues safely.