How do I fix my garbage disposal?

Question

It stopped working for no reason.I flip the switch and hear a buzzing sound, but it is not chopping.Also my drain is not working well.It is draining very slowly.I stuck my hand in to see if something was blocking it and there is nothing there.I did not stick anything weird down there, so I don't know what is wrong.

Answer 1

I have more service calls on a disposal than any others. The tools you will need are a sevice wrench, flashlight and a pair of long pliers or hemostats. Shut off the power to the disposal first. Then stick the service wrench in the center of the disposal bottom (there should be a place for it on most). If it doesn't have a place to put the wrench, then the only way to unjam it is with a plunger handle stuck inside of the disposal (with the power off) and scraped along the bottom edge to free the cutting element. Either way, your should be able to use your flashlight and pliers to get whatever is out. If the disposal doesnt work after you clear it out, (doesn't turn) try pressing the reset button on the the bottom of the unit.

As disposal is only good for what you scrape off of your plate. If you need to throw away larger quantities, it should be thrown in the trash. This will save you the inconvienince and expense of clooging your pipes or wrecking your disposal. Run lots of cold water as well when running the disposal. I've also had to remove coins, wires and even a few shot glasses from them, keep the cap on when you aren't using it. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

under the sink there should be a place on the bottom of the disposal for a Allen wrench to fit into that you can turn the cutter unit by hand. The disposal is most likely just stuck and this is how you get it unstuck

Answer 3

I agree with the above poster about the Allen wrench. It has worked for me several times. Just remember it might take a bit of force to clear the clog, so don't be shy. A couple of turns should do it.

Answer 4

It might be wedged. To free up the grinder, insert a wooden handled tool. Such as broom handle. Do this with the switch in the OFF position. Try and get it to move freely. Then turn power on to see if it will move.

Answer 5

I'd say it's time to buy a new one. Ours did the same thing, and it would've cost more to have it repaired than it was for the cost of a new one.

Answer 6

I WORK IN MAINTENANCE WE USE THE WOOD HANDLE. IF IT DOESN'T WORK THE REPAIRS ARE BEST LEFT TO A REPAIRMAN,BUT I AGREE WITH ABOVE POST IT'S BETTER TO BUY NEW IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT YOURSELF.

Answer 7

http://repair2000.com/disposer.html