garbage disposal hums

[SarcasticDwarf]

I moved into my new place a couple weeks ago and the garbage disposal doesn't work. Also, it doesn't drain. It just hums and then resets. I used 2 different drain cleaning products to clean it out, no go. I tried turning it with an allen wrench, no go. I can look into it, and I see 2 bolts with small blades? on them, but nothing else. It is almost completely clean. Any ideas?

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

what, ATOT doesn't want to share its vast storage of knowledge?

 

[jtusa]

I had the same problem when I moved in an apartment a few years back. Hummed, then clicked off. I just called up maintenance so I didn't have to pay for it. I didn't see how they fixed it, but they didn't have to replace it.

 

[T2T III]

The thing is probably worn out. You can get yourself a nice InSinkErator Badger 5 for about $75.00. Personally, I'd just replace it with a new one.


Edit: I should also add that most disposals are only good for about 5-6 years with regular use. There are some rare ones out there that do make it more than 10 years, though.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

How hard is it to remove/install a new one?

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
what, ATOT doesn't want to share its vast storage of knowledge?

You waited only 7 minutes before bumping your thread? Sheesh. :roll:

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
How hard is it to remove/install a new one?

Pretty easy. Just follow the instructions. You should just need: a regular screwdriver, a phillps screwdriver, a channel-lock pliers and some plumber's putty. The task should take less than an hour.

 

[Ronstang]

It could possibly just be jammed. Take a broom handle or other appropriate lever and stick it in the disposal and using a rowing action work the spinning plate counter clockwise to unjam it. It might take several tries but a lot of times this is all that is wrong. If you get it to turn backwards keep working it until it spins rather freely and then rinse with water and try the switch once more. I have fixed many "broken" garbage disposals in this manner over the years so give it a try.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
It could possibly just be jammed. Take a broom handle or other appropriate lever and stick it in the disposal and using a rowing action work the spinning plate counter clockwise to unjam it. It might take several tries but a lot of times this is all that is wrong. If you get it to turn backwards keep working it until it spins rather freely and then rinse with water and try the switch once more. I have fixed many "broken" garbage disposals in this manner over the years so give it a try.

I think this has already been proven that it's not an issue. The disposal comes with an allen wrench where you can spin the mechanism to clear any jams that might be present.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech

Originally posted by: Ronstang
It could possibly just be jammed. Take a broom handle or other appropriate lever and stick it in the disposal and using a rowing action work the spinning plate counter clockwise to unjam it. It might take several tries but a lot of times this is all that is wrong. If you get it to turn backwards keep working it until it spins rather freely and then rinse with water and try the switch once more. I have fixed many "broken" garbage disposals in this manner over the years so give it a try.

I think this has already been proven that it's not an issue. The disposal comes with an allen wrench where you can spin the mechanism to clear any jams that might be present.

Those wimpy allen wrenches don't provide enough leverage to get one unjammed in most cases. Try the broom stick also before you give up and get a new one. If you can get a pipe or other cheater bar to increase the leverage of the allen wrench then try that. It could just be rusted up and a goner but strange things end up in the sink that can lock up a disposal so hard you think it is broken. Do what you like.