Garbage Disposer not working

bucksone · 08-06-2007, 09:39 PM

I have an Insinkerator 1/2 hp disposer that is no longer working. The motor hums but that's about all. I tried using the allen wrench under the disposer and resetting the power button. The water that backs up in the sink will eventually go down after it's turned off, but no food waste. I don't know how old the disposer is, but it was in the house when we moved in eight years ago and it looks kind of rusty. Does it sound like I just need to replace it, or is there something else I should try first? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

StevePM · 08-06-2007, 10:19 PM

Sounds like the "blades" are stuck. Can turn the disposal around with the allen wrench? Only try this when the disposal is unplugged!

If you can't turn it with the allen wrench, you'll need to make sure it is unplugged (not just turned off), then reach in find out what's stuck.

If you can turn it with the allen wrench and it still just hums when you turn it on then it's time for a new disposal.

bucksone · 08-07-2007, 03:34 PM

I can turn it with the allen wrench, so I guess it's time for a new disposal. Thanks.

StevePM · 08-07-2007, 06:19 PM

No problem -- sorry to hear it wasn't an easy fix. Fortunately, they're not too hard to replace.

08-06-2007, 09:39 PM	#1
bucksone Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 63	Garbage Disposer not working I have an Insinkerator 1/2 hp disposer that is no longer working. The motor hums but that's about all. I tried using the allen wrench under the disposer and resetting the power button. The water that backs up in the sink will eventually go down after it's turned off, but no food waste. I don't know how old the disposer is, but it was in the house when we moved in eight years ago and it looks kind of rusty. Does it sound like I just need to replace it, or is there something else I should try first? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

08-06-2007, 10:19 PM	#2
StevePM Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 27	Garbage Disposer not working Sounds like the "blades" are stuck. Can turn the disposal around with the allen wrench? Only try this when the disposal is unplugged! If you can't turn it with the allen wrench, you'll need to make sure it is unplugged (not just turned off), then reach in find out what's stuck. If you can turn it with the allen wrench and it still just hums when you turn it on then it's time for a new disposal.

08-07-2007, 03:34 PM	#3
bucksone Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 63	Garbage Disposer not working I can turn it with the allen wrench, so I guess it's time for a new disposal. Thanks.

08-07-2007, 06:19 PM	#4
StevePM Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 27	Garbage Disposer not working No problem -- sorry to hear it wasn't an easy fix. Fortunately, they're not too hard to replace.

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Garbage Disposer not working