How To Repair A Garbage Disposal | Not Spinning / Humming / Not Used For Years
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- A very common issue found in homes is the garbage disposal not working properly and not spinning when the switch is turned on or just humming and continuously tripping the reset. I will walk you through the below troubleshooting steps starting with the fastest / easiest and then progressing up to replacing your garbage disposal if needed.
Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Steps
1) Confirm power at the outlet
2) Confirm power reset is not tripped at the bottom of the garbage disposal
3) Try to manually turn the disposal motor
4) Remove and inspect the internals of the garbage disposal and check for anything jammed between the spinning plate and outside housing
5) Replace if garbage disposal looks damaged or can't find the root cause for the motor not spinning.
Tools Used
New 1/3 HP Badger Garbage Disposal: amzn.to/2OVAprZ
Klein Voltage Tester: amzn.to/2XMa1I2
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/2NHHKuS
"Jamb Buster" Allen Wrench: amzn.to/3jIsUCL
Garbage Disposal Power Cord: amzn.to/2OWNnFP
Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs
Makita Corless Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/2Jsw78j
Dewalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2w0xAA4
Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: amzn.to/2UqTvK9
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3bAsNEG
Eklind Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/2wKDu8M
Pliers (4-Piece Set): amzn.to/2JlYUM7
Stanley Utility Knife: amzn.to/2Us2pqG
Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WPzr5K
Studbuddy Stud Finder: amzn.to/33SaZC4
Johnson Torpedo Level: amzn.to/3dzx5Ot
Stanley Hammer:amzn.to/39tudPL
Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2QTebYO
Little Giant Ladder: amzn.to/2UrFmfG
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. - Jak na to + styl
Most people need help with the humming issue. Thank you for being a blessing with an abundance of knowledge. Even if the video is a decade old, the information is forever useful.
EXACTLY the problem I was trying to troubleshoot. Thank you!!!
just had to spin the motor a few times, heard a lot of crunching noises then felt it clear up, thank you good sir
Hey Scott. I would have started at the top first and made sure there is nothing dropped inside the disposal or prevent it from spinning. Well done!
You have resolved my issue. I opened it up and we found pennies stuck in between grinder. Thank you for guiding us through details.
Thank you. I had my garbage disposal jammed and with the instructions in this video I was able to fix it very easily.
Nice job! I’ve had that Allen wrench for years and didn’t know what it was for.
Thank you very much for the video. The allen wrench idea was spot on. Took care of the problem and saved me $$$
Didn't realize there was an allen wrench hole at the bottom to help persuade the blade into moving. Thanks for showing that in under 3 minutes so I could fix our Garbage Disposal in a minute. Also crazy to see how easy it is to replace.
The allen wrench worked like a charm, thanks so much!
Thank you. I used the hex wrench and got it to turn without needing further intervention. Great video.
This is a great video. You really helped me with knowledge of my disposal issue. I'm going to attempt to repair it or possibly change it tomorrow. Thank you very much huge thumbs up
Great video, everything explained in an easy manner
Super well-constructed video that hit on exactly what I needed to do.
I didn't know there was a way to manually turn it with an Allen Wrench, I gave it a few turns back and forth and that was enough to fix my problem. Thank you so much for this video!
As a lady trying to fix dishwasher water not draining an it’s new an garbage disposal not working this helped so much.Thank you
Happy to help 👍
Allen key from Lowes at $10 fixed the non moving disposal. Thank you!
Outstanding Tutorial! Jackpot! Thank you!
The allen wrench hole was the key. Great video. Fixed in minutes.
Thank you for posting this! You saved me hundreds of dollars!!
Thank you so much. Great easy video and I loved the reminder about the plug. As a women, no one tells you about that.
I watched this during dinner. I reset the breaker, turned on the switch and it’s still humming. I will let you know tomorrow if it works. And I can stop by a Lowes to pick up a new one just in case. I live in the Mtn’s. So it’s easier to get one and return it. Another great point is the speed. 1/3hp. Great to know. You have a new follower. I’m interested in learning how to finish a shop. Small tiny shop my ex started. It has insulation i think its just the inside walls. I’m 64 and I just remodeled an rv! Came out great. So I’m willing to give anything a try first.
Thank you,
Kat
Kat getting after it! I like the hustle and keep up the good work. Let me know if you have any questions on the garbage disposal 👍
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I did it. I had to replace it but after watching your video. I picked up a disposal at our Lowe’s. Some wire crimps, an electric gage. And after pulling it off. I realized a screw was in there and I couldn’t get it out. So I just went for it. I new I had power because it was humming. I did exactly what you suggested and then at the end I realized I could just screw back in the disposal without using the top part which I’m keeping for parts. That was heavy but I hunkered in and used my knees. I got that bad boy. I plugged it in in and heard movement. I did turn my water off. You might have mentioned that? Idk but good for women to know the steps of caution. Then I turned the water on, hit the switch and their she went. Works like a dream and no leaks! I put paper towels down and cardboard is another way to spot leaks. Thank you so much. It cost me $130 for parts . But, I did it! Confidence is everything🥂
Great job! Congratulations on the purchase of a new property.🏡
Thanks Tim!
Thanks for this video, in under 3 minutes of watching, I got our garbage disposal fixed.
I had a shot glass fall down there. Used a shop vac to take out the glass plus Allen wrench trick. Worked like a charm
That was so helpful. The allen wrench part did the trick for me. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much. the hex hole step is what my disposal needs to operate again.
Very informative video!! Very well described!!
Didn't know about the motor turn.. 4 second fix, 4x easier life! Thanks
Thanks for this, was able to fix the disposal in a couple minutes.
Awesome, happy to help.
Thanks! I was able to fix it pretty quickly.
Thankyou! Very helpful my man. solved my issue by turning the motor.
Mine was rusted but not quite as badly as yours. I removed all noticeable debris and cleaned it out as best as I could. The plate was black not silver/gray. My disinigrator still made humming sound😏. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for this video - new sub👍🏼
Thanks didn't know about the Allen thing found a cabinet nail bouncing around once it got spinning.
Excellent video! 👍🏼
I fixed it thanks to your video.
Very helpful, thank you!
thank you so much. I probably need a new one.
I was working on two today and both are rusted on the inside on the impeller plate. The Allen wrench fails to move the plate so I’m going to replace both units. Thank you for your video! I was looking all over to validate my reasoning to replace both GD.
You bet, best of luck on the project!
Had a bottle cap stuck in mine. Alan key unjammed it and allowed me to grab it out. Thanks!
This was excellent. Got to step two, and bingo! Thank you!
Thanks!
My GF was upset today after accidentally putting some soil into the sink. It produced a fire smell and shut off. Using this video I was able to turn the blade manually and fix the issue. Thanks a lot!
You have a new follower... just watched your video and turned my garbage disposal with the hex key.... and it started working i look like a hero to the wife 🤣🤣 thank you for making this video.
Your secret is safe with me 🤫 keep up the good work.
This video saved the day for our house. Thank you so much !
You bet, that is what we are here for 🙌
Yeah. Mine looked exactly like yours. Time for a new one! Thanks for your helpful video!
You bet!
Unfortunately, mine looked like yours
THANK YOU!!!!
Good job have a nice day
Thank you. I fixed my garbage disposal from this video in under ten minutes.
Great! Happy the video helped 👍
Thank you for your video. It is really informative and understandable. The problem I'm having is that my disposal is getting power, acts like it wants to start turning for a second, then just hums and the red button will eventually pop out. Any ideas that you didn't share on your video?
Thanks man. Could locate the Allen key and fix it in a minute.
Does code mandate individual branch circuits for dishwashers and garbage disposals?
I fixed it with the Allen wrench!!!! Yay. Thanks
You bet!
Thanks! I didn’t know I could twist it off! This changed my life lol thanks!!!
Yeah, they make these things pretty darn serviceable
Thank you so much!
You bet!
This video saved me from going to buy a new disposal...thank you
You bet!
Worked thank you
Noice 👊
Hi Scott! My disposal has been draining very slowly for a couple of months but now it's jammed I can't even turn it with the Allen wrench any more! It had worked fine for about 6 years! The other side of my sink drains fine! Before I remove the disposal what is most likely the problem the disposal ,drain or both ? Thanks in advanced!
Thank you so much for this video. I also didn't realize there was a place for the allen wrench to attempt to turn the motor. I was able to free mine up and now its working fine. Again thank you for saving me from bothering my boyfriend or for unnecessary costs for a plumber to fix it.
You da man! Allen wrench fixed it !
Question, please: My garbage disposal works beautifully when turned on, but the noise comes when I switch the disposal to off. It makes a loud humming noise. What should I do? Thank you very much for your help. By the way, I really enjoy your videos.
Can you use an Allen wrench or is it a special tool ?for the garbage disposal mines is about five years old we’ve never used it we just bought the house it’s not spinning . Also do you need to swap out the power cord on all of the Garbage disposal or just some? -Thank you
i was very worried how much presssure to give the bottom of my unit. other videos were rather gentle, but mine broke free after a lil elbow greese, and now its spinning fine!
Hex wrench did the trick. Thanks
Informative but always wise to unplug the device before troubleshooting.
I am truly impressed at how easy you made this for my son and I to fix. Thank you!!!!!
Helped me fixed mine. Thank you 🙏🏽
I tried the reset switch on the bottom of the disposal did not work. Then checked the Electrical panel and all circuits were on. My disposal was connected to a GFCI outlet under the sink that was tripped. After a reset of the GFCI outlet the disposal started spinning. Thank you.
Hi Scott, my garbage disposal is so hard that it wouldn’t twist even using the allen wrench. I tried resetting the circuit breaker, using the allen wrench moved the motor blades to free it up. Im stuck with the last step taking out the disposal.
Yeah, if you can't get it to turn with the allen wrench it is probably time to at least remove the unit. Once removed take off the top mounting gasket (black) and look inside towards the outer wall which is actually the blades. You might see something actually lodged in between the rotating disc and the side wall. If you do try to remove with pliers. Let me know what you find.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs My husband and I both used the Allen wrench and was able to turn and loosen what is in there. Once the power is on we can hear metal moving around and it again gets lodged and starts humming again. I put my hand down in the disposal, but unable to feel it. What should we do? Remove from underneath the sink? Please help because I use my disposal often.
Hi Scott, i watched your video in my case i dont have the disposal tools can't find it, what tools can i use???
If you don't have the specific tool you could use a 1/4 Allen wrench. Best of luck 👍
Hi, my garbage disposal stopped working all of a sudden. I started by checking to see if I have 120vac at the switch, but quickly noticed that I do not. I only have like 5vac. my disposal is hardwired. what can it be? I already reset the breaker. Any help would of great help. Thanks.
thermoload protection, yep half of our issues at work with g/d. people think g/d will take chicken skin, chicken bones, broccoli stems. or they dont use the disposal for months. always fun when coworker doesnt bother to make sure switch is OFF before using the key to work the disposal motor. weee allen key whipping around tearing up everything in it's path once motor breaks free while switch is ON
Oh man, yeah that is also why I hate having rental units with garbage disposals. Tenants put just about anything down the drain and just another thing to cause a maintenance call.
Mine is doing exactly what you are showing. It won’t turn at all. It’s not even humming and the Allen wrench trick is not working either. It’s really tight and won’t move at all. I’ll try removing the disposal to see if it can be fixed.
I have a similar thing with mine but I can turn it rarely not in the sense that it won't budge but... the fallen wrench freely turns, I don't feel the same grip it had to the whole now its just like I'm turning but it's not big enough, even though it worked before, Ours is a bit rusty but not to the point of the one shown here, I looked and moved around inside but couldn't find anything the blades moved fine but it still seemed stuck (even though the blades moved around fine when I turned them[not with the flywheel]) unless the flywheel turning worked.
I have watched a bunch of these "how to fix" videos and have learned a lot but my particular problem hasn't come up. I was washing dishes, there was a dish rag in the sink, told myself not to forget to take it out before I dumped the dish pan water and turned on the disposal. Of course I forgot. It got jammed in there and then the disposal wouldn't move and just started humming. I looked in the drain with a flashlight and sure enough that dish rag was caught. I tried to pull it out, even using pliers but it wouldn't budge. I took a box cutter and cut the rag into smaller pieces...got a lot out but there's still more in there. How do I get that out? Any suggestions?
You would need to remove the disposal so you can pull the small pieces out from inside which will be location between the disc (blade) and outer wall.
Mine doesn't have the elbow pipe so I can't figure out where to disconnect it so I can take it down and look inside. I'm sure there's a spoon/fork stuck inside it but the blades are closed on top so I can't see anything through it from the top.
Thanks for the video. After studying and following your tutorial, the blade freely turns, the reset button is in place, the power is on, and when I turn on the power switch - I just get a humming noise. Any further suggestions for me?
Same. Please help
Same here
Thx. Circuit breaker was the issue in my case. Got lucky I guess
Looks like i need a new one. Now i know how to install it.
trhank you
Happy to help!
@@EverydayHomeRepairs the show about the garbage disposer mine I did everything I talked about I could not move with the tools down by the red light I could move the stocking it stuck really hard please guide me
I tried from the top and the bottom to remove to turn it's a really dumb no way I could move it right left with him or two so when we go from here is there's any liquid you can put it in there to make it to release
I EIDNT KNOW THE ALEN KEY THING THANK YOU
Disposal hums when turned on. The wrench turns all directions very freely. The reset button will not push in and stay at all what do I do?
What size Allen wrench
If you don't have the original a 1/4" will usually do the trick.
It was a 1/4 and it worked save some money. Thanks
My garbage disposal keeps getting jammed. So i use the allen wrench at the bottom and get it "loose". then it works fine for a day or two then gets jammed again. I looked inside and i cant see anything that is stuck inside. why does it get jammed after i loosen it up? i keep going back and for with this thing. If there was something stuck in it, you would think that it would NEVER loosen but it does, then jams up again in a day or two......what is going on????????????
Humming. Blades turn freely, fuse/red button is not released/extruding but still in the housing.. all the checkboxes seem good but its not turning the blade.
How to fix a garburator video. Ends up just replacing it. lol
😂
15:53
So with the power and switch still on I jam my hand into the the drain to see if something is stuck In the blades..... Or maybe my 6 year old should do this where his hands are smaller. Going to go try this wish me luck !!!
My garbage disposal hummed but after a while it stopped humming and now it doesn’t do anything
Never mind. I fixed it. There was a piece of broken glass stuck which prevented the motor from turning which mad the broker activate. Thanks for your video.
My unit is still humming, it’s only less then 2 months
The BLADES are not sliding and rotating. I managed to free one up, by striking it at an angle with a wooden hammer handle but the other one is still stuck. What to use to disolve whatever is keeping it from moving?
Please use a plug tester or meter. A tic tester does not always convey true information.
Thanks for the feedback!
Those are not blades it is a bring ring
DON'T YOU MEAN HOW TO REPLACE? YOU DIDNT REPAIR ANYTHING. YOU DID AN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION.
He went through the steps for possible repair. Turning the motor fixed mine. Stop doing drugs
@@norbertshpoople2729 He did not repair....anything...he replaced. Even on drugs...I'm way smarter than you.
@@666kty3 glad to see you’re still mad about it. Stay mad
These are the most @#$% up things I've ever seen. Impossible to install under a kitchen sink with not much room, laid out across a kitchen floor and up inside a cabinet. Every part of this thing has sharp edges and it's unbalanced with a cord coming out the bottom so you can't even rest it on something. Bad design all the way around,