I need a handyman for the garbage disposal?

Question

My garbage disposal is not working. It justs hums, even after checking the reset button. Any ideas on what the problem could be? What should I expect to pay a handyman for repair(s) of this nature?

Answer 1

It sounds as if there is something down in the disposal that has it blocked. You should have a little wrench that will fit a nut at the bottom of the disposal. Try moving the nut back and forth to dislodge whatever has it jammed.

The repairman would do the same thing, but you will have to pay for the service call. Today it cost me $60 just to get the guy out to the house, then $145 to tell me it was broke. Which was the same thing I told the lady that I called. So 200 bucks just for them to repeat what I told them to start with.

Have a neighbor take a look at it, if you aren't sure of what you are doing. Hopefully you have some nice helpful neighbors. good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like something is jammed in it or a bearing in the motor is bad. Whatever you do, do not stick your hand down in there. Unjamming is best left to someone who understands the inner workings of them and has the right tools. A new disposal can cost upwards of $250 just for the unit depending on power and brand. I installed a new one for my Aunt for around $150, purchased at Lowes, obviously I didn't charge her labor. Maybe that is why I am broke. Anyway, contact a reputable handy man service or plumber to come out and look at it and assess the situation. Expect to pay upwards of $50 per hour but it should not take more than 2 - 3 hours to install. Some will let you buy the unit and have them install it. This will save you the mark up if you know what you want to have installed. Check the data plate on the current disposal and buy one that matches. They come in fractional horsepower ratings 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 etc. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Do you have a tool that fits on the bottom (underneath the disposal) They come with one when you buy them. It looks like a wrench. You fit it onto the only thing under there that looks like it will fit and move it from side to side. You just have something stuck that won't let it run. You can always try an adjustable wrench. This probably isn't the smartest thing to do, but sometimes I grab a wooden spoon and try to push the grind wheel - sometimes it is just enought to unstick the thing without having to take everything from under the sink. HTH

Judi H

Answer 4

Insert a broom handle into the disposal and attempt to rotate the blades counterclockwise. This should loosen up whatever is stuck.

Answer 5

dont use it and turn the power off otherwise u will just burn it out. blades might be rusted and seized. something might be jammed down it. id call a plumber not a handyman.

Answer 6

If you stick anything down th disposal, TURN OFF THE POWER!!!!!! FIRST.