Anyone know why a garbage disposal would be shorting the breaker?

[cjchaps]

I just moved into a new house. On the walk through, the garbage disposal worked. Now whenever I try to use it, it shorts the breaker. I unplugged it from underneath the sink and everything looks fine with it. Anyone know what would cause it to short out?

-Thanks

 

[crab]

Is somebodys arm in there?

 

[d33pt]

it is jammed with something...

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Its probably jammed or the motor is cooked.

 

[cjchaps]

I'll take a look inside with it unplugged. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Minchenden]

Had similar problem with mine. Tended to switch the breaker after about 2 seconds.

Try filling the sink with cold water and then letting the disposal run. It fixed mine.

 

[Eli]

It's probably not shorting, it's just drawing too many amps.

Is the disposal operating, or is it stuck? Are there other devices on the same circuit? Like, did you try it with the microwave on and toaster going? 😛

 

[BD231]

Have you jammed any noisy cockatiels in your disposal recently?

That'll cause a short REAL quick.........

 

[Ornery]

Does the circuit have a GFI on it? Is it tripping in the fuse box or under the sink, where it's plugged in?