How do I fix my garbage disposal?

Question

I tried pressing the reset button, but it still doesnt work. When you turn it on, it doesnt make any noise. Water backs up in the sink. I have tried using agents (LiquidPlumr, Draino), but it is only a temporary fix. Please save me some money if you can.

Answer 1

if you turn it on and don't hear it humming, check and make sure it has power. If it has power and still doesn't hum, it's probably shot. Try plunging it, block off the drain on the side without the disposal and go to town on it. If this doesn't work, take the drain assembly apart and try cleaning it out. If this doesn't work, get a small snake and try to clear it that way. If this doesn't work, call a pro.

Answer 2

Hi,
You should have a hex key wrench ( one comes with all disposal units) somewhere under your sink. This fits into a socket in the bottom of the unit. It is used to turn the internal part of the unit manually. If you don't have such a wrench, one can be purchased at your local hardware store. Turning the unit by hand will give you some idea about if the unit is plugged up or not. If it turns freely and the reset button has been pushed in; it should work fine. If not.....time to buy a new one.
The reset button is there to reset the power to the motor after the motor has sensed an overload condition. Tough, fiborous food can cause the button to pop out. If something obstructs the unit from turning, the button will pop everytime after the unit has been reset.
You said the unit makes no noise at all after resetting power. That bothers me. Listen carefully after re-setting the unit. If you hear the re-set button click after turning the unit on, then you should use the hex wrench and turn it manually to free it up. Also, use a flashlight and long-nosed pliers or tongs to clean out loose items inside the unit.
Hope this helps, Randy Smith Cumming GA

Answer 3

Turn off, unplug. Put your hand in and see if a towel, or other obstruction can be removed. If clean, put a broom handle down and push it in a circular motion to get it unstuck. Plug back in, check reset button is pushed and that the motor is cool, flip the switch. If it still doesn' work, probably time to replace it.

If you need to replace it, find the allen wrench that usually comes with it, put it in the loops underneath the sink and above the disposal, twist left, also, disconnect drains, etc and it will just drop down. A friend might be useful to do this.

Answer 4

Something is stuck! If you can yuck I know stick your hand in there and feel around may be a bottle top maybe a screw something is jamming it. I take a long screw driver and wedge it in there till the bottom turns freely. Usually whaterver jammed will come out. I had a penny in there once I have never replaced a garbage disposal and if you hit the reset and you can hear it try and then it flips off again something is stuck. Where the blade is try using that to turn the drum. I know yuck and double yuk but I refuse to give up and it works every time!

Answer 5

Make sure it is turned off. Put a broom handle down into it and try to turn the blades. It may take a couple of tries. IF this does not free it up. It is ruined.

Answer 6

Make sure it is turned off. Put a broom handle down into it and try to turn the blades. if a broom handle dont work try something like that and if that dont work then it might be ruined you need to have it looked at by a pro

Answer 7

Pour a package of yeast down it with water! It is a natural enzyme and will eat the crud in there! Give it a day or so! You should pour a package every couple of months or so down it! It is also great for septic tanks! Also stick the end of a plumber and turn it! It will release then! God Bless

Answer 8

Look at the bottom of the disposal,,,,,,,youll find a 6 sided hole....insert an allen wrench....if you dont have one the guy at the hardware store will know what you need....make sure the power is off.....give it a few turns...it will work

Answer 9

every garbage disposal comes with a wrench. Like a allen wrench. poke that at the bottom of the garbage disposal and give it a couple of tourques.It should start working.