Garbage Disposal problem

[49erinnc]

Lately, my garbage disposal has been making a terrible noise when it runs. It's like a deep wheezing sound and as it comes to a stop, it sounds like it is grinding to a halt. It's not really the sound when too much stuff has gunked up in the chamber below the sink, binding up the mechanisms. This almost sounds like ball bearings grinding or something. It's the original as far as I know (at least 15 years old, if not more).

Does it sound like it's about to crap out? It still works in terms of disposing of food but it's almost unbearable to listen too. I ask because someone is selling a disposal on Craigs for a good price. Just wondering if I should jump on it instead of coughing up a lot more money later on a brand new one.

 

[iamwiz82]

Sounds like the bearings. They are cheap enough to just buy a new one, but what a PITA to put in.

 

[new2AMD]

I have to replace mine and have no clue where to start

 

[sao123]

count your silverware... sounds like you lost a spoon.

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: new2AMD
I have to replace mine and have no clue where to start

If you go to Lowes.com and click on one of the disposers, you can then click on "View Product Instructions." It will then walk you through it with an animated how-to video with audible instructions. Pretty neat actually and very helpful. It does seem to be a PITA though to do. The one on Craigs is a Badger 5 and he only wants $20 for it which is a good deal, even though it has had some minimal use. It can be had for $68 brand new at Lowes though.

 

[SophalotJack]

Stick your finger in there and fish around while something wobbly is near the switch... not.

It does sound like you got some metal in there. Mine went bad with some bottle caps.

 

[TheSlamma]

Disposers are soooo easy to replace. You guys can do it no problem.

 

[ArchCenturion]

Just replace it, it is easy. Go Home Depot and get one. I think its like 1 seal gasket thing you have to worry about, thats the hardest part, and the rest are just hoses. At least thats how mine is.