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    quytran's Avatar
    quytran Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 18, 2009, 03:29 PM
    Garbage disposal doesn't turn on, just hums, although flywheel is not stuck
    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!
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Sep 18, 2009, 03:46 PM

    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.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Sep 18, 2009, 03:53 PM
    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
    quytran's Avatar
    quytran Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Sep 18, 2009, 07:26 PM

    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?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #5

    Sep 18, 2009, 07:31 PM

    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.
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #6

    Sep 18, 2009, 08:23 PM

    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
    MY_GIRL_FRIDAY007's Avatar
    MY_GIRL_FRIDAY007 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Jun 24, 2010, 04:17 PM
    Comment on afaroo's post
    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
    3pumpkins's Avatar
    3pumpkins Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Nov 2, 2012, 10:25 AM
    Your suggestion worked for my GD. I included the step with the hot water. When I added this step, it corrected my problem.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #9

    Nov 2, 2012, 12:25 PM
    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
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