Garbage Disposal Not working

[Kal]

Hello,
Our garbage disposal in the kitchen isn't functioning. Please do let me know if you can recommend somebody to do this job. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Thanks
Kal

[WesGurney]

What is not working about it? If you turn it on and it hums/buzzes but doesn't actually spin, it probably is jammed. There is a hole on the very bottom of it that an alloy wrench can fit in. The hole is there so you can manually turn the motor to "unjam" it.

If you still have you garbage disposal manual they should mention how to do this in there as well.

Mine had this problem and after I put the alloy wrench in and twisted it a few times the garbage disposal was good as new.

Good luck!

[Kal]

quote:Originally posted by WesGurney

What is not working about it? If you turn it on and it hums/buzzes but doesn't actually spin, it probably is jammed. There is a hole on the very bottom of it that an alloy wrench can fit in. The hole is there so you can manually turn the motor to "unjam" it.

If you still have you garbage disposal manual they should mention how to do this in there as well.

Mine had this problem and after I put the alloy wrench in and twisted it a few times the garbage disposal was good as new.

Good luck!



Thanks WesGurney. I think the motor is jammed as it hums/buzzes and doesn't actually spin. I have the manual with me and shall try the technique suggested by you.
Kal

[christinaandrob]

Kal, we had that happen to us too. The trick Wes mentioned should work. If it doesn't, I think it's cheaper to buy a new one than having it repaired. Or at least it used to be about 3 years ago :)

[Dawne]

You should have gotten the allen wrench WITH the disposal. Sometimes it's taped to the side of the unit. Usually, the "wrench" will fit in a hole directly on the bottom of the disposal. Then, try turning it one direction - if it doesn't go...then turn it the other way.

Wiggle the wrench until the disposal turns a bit. Then, you're going to have to stick your hand down the sink into the disposal and get out whatever caused the jam. Manufacturers recommend you turn off the power to the unit - NOT JUST AT THE SWITCH - But also at the fuse/breaker box BEFORE you stick your hand down there.

It's a 5 minute fix - saving you about $50 plumber visit.

Dawne

[Kal]

Thank you all guys (WesGurney, ChristinaandRob, Dawne). It was a motor jam only. We turned it using a wrench and it all works fine now.

Thanks again
Kal

[vacliff]

I wish plumbers only charged $50 for a visit!!