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mlucas203 · Apr 17, 2009, 10:08 AM

My house is about 12 years old. When I turn the switch on to the garbage disposal it does not turn, but makes a humming sound. I tried using drain cleaner for disposals, but that did not work. I tried the reset button and that did not work. Any ideas, if it's the plumbing or disposal itself?

Thanks,
Mary

massplumber2008 · Apr 17, 2009, 10:23 AM

Mlucas...

The disposal blades are stuck...

You need to shut off the power to the unit at the switch... once you are sure the power is off you want to take an allen wrench (usually hiding somewhere near unit.. I think it is 1/4") and set it into the middle slot of the disposal (on underside) as seen in my picture below. Then turn the wrench strongly in either direction to unwedge the disposal.

Otherwise, you could also use a plunger handle and stick it inside the disposal and grab the turn table and dislodge the cutters that way.

Let me know if you understand...

MARK

speedball1 · Apr 17, 2009, 10:29 AM

You have something caught in the flywheel/disposal table. Draino won't help this.
•To start the repair, turn off power to the garbage disposal at the electrical service panel.
•Reminder: Don't ever put your hand down into the garbage disposal hopper (grinding chamber).
•Take the offset wrench that came with the disposal unit and insert the wrench into the flywheel turning hole in the bottom of the unit. If you don't have the wrench you can pick one up from the hardware store that sells your garbage disposal.
•Once the wrench is inserted, turn it clockwise to dislodge the stuck impeller or flywheel. When it dislodges, you'll feel the flywheel turn freely.
Or my personal favorite.
•Another approach is to try and use a wooden broom-handle or similar wooden object to free the stuck impeller and flywheel from the top of the unit through the drain.
•Place the broom-handle into the hopper and against an impeller. Use leverage to try and free the stuck flywheel counter clockwise. As before, when it dislodges you'll feel the flywheel turn freely. Then, and only then,reach down into the hopper and remove the object that was stuck.
Good luck, Tom

mlucas203 · Apr 17, 2009, 10:29 AM

I appreciate the answer and advice. I'll have someone in the family try this method for me. I think I will try the plunger handle first (seems simplist). I'll let you know how it turns out.