It is one day before a party I'm throwing and my garbage disposal won't turn on. There is a humming sound. The reset button has been reset and the allen wrench does move the flywheel freely indicating the flywheel isn't stuck. Help!

Look inside the GD. Look for smallest particles that could be caught between the grinding wheel and the body of the GD. Use flashlight when inspecting the interior of GD.

Otherwise, you will have to replace GD. Repair would be more expensive than replacing it.

If the platform turns and it just hums at you when you turn it on then I'd guess the windings are shot and the unit must be replaced. TIP: You'll save yourself time and labor if you purchase the same make and model. Then simply use the old drain and just snap that critter back in. Good luck, Tom

I also forgot to mention that, in addition, the water won't drain on the disposal side ( have a double sink)... does this still suggest that the disposal needs to be replaced? Might there be other problems causing this?

That tells me that you may have old food in the opening that discharges GD. Look inside. Tell me what you see. Hint: you should see nice, clean, grinding platform. No food or any other debris inside.

Though you have done the reset and used the allen wrench, try it one more time Un plug the power for the GD, try the allen wrench turn it both ways a few turn, reset the buton, plug the power.

Fill GD side sink with hot water turn on the GD see if it will help, it worked for me once, I am not sure if it will help you or not, if not I am with every body else it is time to change the GD, Thanks.

John

Started troubleshooting with the most logical first. (i.e.reset switch on bottom of disposal, check power, both switch & circuit, flywheel free to move(hand in sink to test). What finally worked was using the 1/4" allen wrench (suggested) on the bott

Your suggestion worked for my GD. I included the step with the hot water. When I added this step, it corrected my problem.

Hi Pumpkin and welcome to The Plumbing Page at AskMeHelpDesk.com
We're glade you got all fixed up and thanks for the update, If you ever need us in the future just ask, Regards Tom