Garbage disposal not working? Try repairing it before replacing
My garbage disposal is not working. Is there anything I can do before having to replace it?
- Andrea, Saline.
Hi Andrea.
The garbage disposal is one of the most- used appliances today, and it can be very disruptive when it stops working, especially if you just finished cooking up that holiday dinner.
In many cases, the disposal can be repaired by you and save you hundreds of dollars.
Inside the garbage disposal are small solid blocks of metal pivoting - sometimes called “hammers” - that pulverizes debris. Not sharp blades, as many think.
It is common that food, spoons or rings get lodged in between the wall and the hammers causing it to jam or for the internal circuit to overheat.
There are a couple of tasks we should do before considering replacement.
First, ensure the unit is plugged into the wall and hasn’t been accidentally unplugged. Then turn off the circuit breaker. Safety is always our first step, so never put your hands inside the disposal.
The disposal may have overpowered itself and tripped the internal circuit breaker. Underneath the disposal is a red reset button. Reset it by pressing it down approximately 15 minutes after last use.
If that does not repair it, you will need the flywheel turning wrench that came with the unit, or can be purchased at your local hardware store that sells garbage disposals. As you turn the wrench, it will dislodge any debris that may be stuck inside.
Flywheel-turning wrench
If you are still unsuccessful, take the end of a broom handle and insert it into the disposal from the sink and rotate it clockwise, then counter-clockwise. This, too, will help dislodge the internal hammers. Run the water, turn on the power and give it try.
If these steps do not solve your problem, it will be time to let the unit “rest in peace” and have the unit replaced. Today’s models are relatively easy to replace and can be changed in approximately an hour and a half, even if you are a beginner in the “do it yourself” world.
Remember: Sometimes your disposal can be unforgiving, so keep an eye on your rings and bracelets before you begin that next dinner cleanup.
Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of HandyPro Handyman Service and nationally franchised HandyPro International handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM 1600AM or emial kpaul@handypro.com.
Comments
Clarence Cromwell
Thu, Feb 18, 2010 : 7:22 a.m.
If the unit hums when you throw the switch, but doesn't turn, it has not tripped a breaker. But if it makes no noise at all, check the reset button, the plug and the breaker. Built-in appliances generally have a dedicated circuit. If you restore the power and the disposal isn't able to turn, you can usually plug a large allen wrench in the bottom and turn it by hand. (Don't keep trying to turn it on, because the breaker will eventually blow again.) Pivoting the mechanism back and forth while running the water might free up whatever is stuck, but doesn't always work. In the toughest cases, put the hose of a wet-dry shop vac down the drain opening and work it around inside the disposal. It should suck up whatever is blocking the disposal -- quite often a popcorn seed or a shard of glass from one of your favorite pieces of glassware. Don't put your hands in the garbage disposal.
Debra Yeager
Thu, Feb 11, 2010 : 9:08 a.m.
This was very helpful. I thought I was going to have to buy a new disposal but I tried the reset button and it works great. Thank you Keith!