Garbage disposal is dead

[MustISO]

Not sure what's wrong with it. There's a reset button but if it doesn't trip you can't push it back in. I used the manual crank and it turns with no problems. All the blades are free and spin fine. I'm thinking of just going to Home Depot and buying a new one. How hard are they to replace?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: MustISO
Not sure what's wrong with it. There's a reset button but if it doesn't trip you can't push it back in. I used the manual crank and it turns with no problems. All the blades are free and spin fine. I'm thinking of just going to Home Depot and buying a new one. How hard are they to replace?

Really easy.

 

[AU Tiger]

Not too hard to replace. It's just basic plumbing with the need to do electrical wiring for the power. I did the one in my house without problem. They come in different sizes so get one similar to what you have and everything should fit fine.

 

[MustISO]

I'm looking at the same brand but a nicer model, the builder did not install a very good one. It looks pretty basic from what I can see. Just need to make sure I turn off the power. Is turning off the light switch enough to say the line isn't hot anymore?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: MustISO
I'm looking at the same brand but a nicer model, the builder did not install a very good one. It looks pretty basic from what I can see. Just need to make sure I turn off the power. Is turning off the light switch enough to say the line isn't hot anymore?

Turn it off at the fusebox just to be safe.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: MustISO
I'm looking at the same brand but a nicer model, the builder did not install a very good one. It looks pretty basic from what I can see. Just need to make sure I turn off the power. Is turning off the light switch enough to say the line isn't hot anymore?

Man, haven't you seen the commercial where the guy has his hand down the garbage disposal and his wife comes in and flips the switch? 🙂

 

don't most of them just plug into a wall outlet under the sink?

 

[imported_Phil]

Just rip it out and mount a petrol-powered chainsaw under the sink. Far more fun.

 

[MustISO]

Originally posted by: jntdesign
don't most of them just plug into a wall outlet under the sink?

Ours is powered by a light switch. A line comes in under the sink and is wired right into the unit.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: MustISO
I'm looking at the same brand but a nicer model, the builder did not install a very good one. It looks pretty basic from what I can see. Just need to make sure I turn off the power. Is turning off the light switch enough to say the line isn't hot anymore?

This is typical of cheap units.
Replacing one is easy..... for me.
Turn off circuit breaker. Disconnect wiring if hardwired, unplug if it has a plug.
Remove drain piping. KEEP THESE. If you need to replace them due to wear, it's easier to match replacements.
Remove disposal. This unit will be heavier than you anticipate, since you're likely to be in an awkward position (kneeling, on your back). A helper is handy here.
The nut that holds the drain on may be rusty. Spray w/ WD-40 before trying to remove.
Dry fit piping for fit before installing.
Replace disposal.
Re-connect piping to snug tight.
Re-connect Power.
Run water through and observe for leaks. Re-tighten if any are noticed.
Relax and enjoy a cold :beer:.

< Singing "real men of genius".......:thumbsup:

 

[jyates]

Make sure that the breaker serving the electricity to the disposal isn't flipped and it may be that the motor finally
gave up on it.

Here's a hint when you put another one in.....

If you have a dishwasher and the drain line from the dishwasher plugs into the side of the disposal make sure you
knock the plug out of the inside of the hose fitting before you hook your dishwasher hose up to it.
From the factory those holes are plugged in the disposal and you usually can take a long screwdriver and hit with a hammer
and knock the plug out of it.

I replaced mine a couple of years ago and forgot to do that and then my wife couldn't figure out why
the dishwasher wouldn't drain. 🙂 I was PWNNed as they say.

 

[0roo0roo]

eh its not that hard, even i could do it. just follow the instructions. i

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: MustISO

Originally posted by: jntdesign
don't most of them just plug into a wall outlet under the sink?

Ours is powered by a light switch. A line comes in under the sink and is wired right into the unit.

If it plugs into a regular EDISON type outlet, now is the time to install a GFCI device for protection.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: jyates
Make sure that the breaker serving the electricity to the disposal isn't flipped and it may be that the motor finally
gave up on it.

Here's a hint when you put another one in.....

If you have a dishwasher and the drain line from the dishwasher plugs into the side of the disposal make sure you
knock the plug out of the inside of the hose fitting before you hook your dishwasher hose up to it.
From the factory those holes are plugged in the disposal and you usually can take a long screwdriver and hit with a hammer
and knock the plug out of it.

I replaced mine a couple of years ago and forgot to do that and then my wife couldn't figure out why
the dishwasher wouldn't drain. 🙂 I was PWNNed as they say.

Indeed. No mention was made of a dishwasher, although this would show up when you disassemble it from the old connections.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: AlienCraft

Originally posted by: MustISO

Originally posted by: jntdesign
don't most of them just plug into a wall outlet under the sink?

Ours is powered by a light switch. A line comes in under the sink and is wired right into the unit.

If it plugs into a regular EDISON type outlet, now is the time to install a GFCI device for protection.

I don't know the code for an undersink outlet... if the original one is hard wired, not on a plug, then I would hard wire the new one. Installing an outlet instead under the sink would be an option - it would definitely have to have a GFCI outlet, but I'm not certain if you can use any old box... it may have to be a weather-tight box under the sink because of the increased risk of water. Also, you'd have to attach a cord and plug to the disposal with the same gauge wire. (now's not the time to use a lamp cord!)

But, I can't think of any uses for an outlet under the sink, except possibly to plug in a shop light the next time you replace a disposal.

As far as a recommendation for a disposal, I *don't* recommend the Sears brand (whichever brand it is that they carry) - while it's advertised as "stainless steel", the fastener holding all the stainless steel together is NOT stainless, and will rust out, roughly a little after the warranty expires.

I think the last one I purchased came from Ace Hardware and had a lifetime warranty (maybe just lifetime on part of it) It was either there, Valu, or Home Depot.