Garbage disposal not working?

Question

My garbage disposal thing doesn't get rid of the food anymore. First it was not making any sound when i turned on the switch. But after i waited a little while, it just hums when i turn it on. Is it because i have a worn out splash guard? Please help.

Answer 1

When our disposal clogs I put my hand in there (with it TURNED OFF!) and turn it by hand.

All(?) disposals have a reset button on the bottom. It's usually red. You may need a flashlight and a mirror to see it.

Many disposals also have a hex key that can be used to turn the motor from the bottom.

See here http://www.curbly.com/Chrisjob/posts/213... for a pic of the bottom of a typical disposal , showing the reset button and where the hex key goes.

This is a pic of the key: http://www.cattermoleelectrical.co.uk/th... It's a not very good pic, but you can also see part of the key in place in the bottom pic of the first link above.

you can also use any 1/4" hex key like those shown here http://www.korybaker.com/blog/?p=4.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

be sure the switch is turned off

next

be sure you pressed the red button in far enough

next:

reset the circuit breaker in your breaker panel

once those two things are done, try the broom handle until you can turn the disposal plate. be sure you can turn the disposal plate easily with the broom handle a few rotations before turning on the switch again. if it starts but stops, repeat the above steps.

you'll get it. it probably has to chew up the obstruction. run lots of water.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous poster in that it appears your garbage disposal is jammed.  This is easily fixed with an Allen wrench though.  If you don't have a set, go to the hardware store and buy one; a loose set shouldn't cost more than $5.

Look at the bottom of your garbage disposal.  You should see something that looks like a bolt.  Insert the appropriate size Allen wrench into it and turn it back and forth to loosen whatever has jammed your garbage disposal.  Once you have loosened it, you should be able to do a complete turn with the Allen wrench.  After that, your garbage disposal should work fine.

Answer 4

This sounds like something is jammed between the blades and the wall.  With the disposal turned OFF, use a piece of wood like a broom handle to try to move the blades. When they are free then turn on the disposal with water running.  If this doesn't work, you will have to get a new disposal