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Disposal disaster

Rgarner

Android Expert
That thing under the kitchen sink wasn't working but I fixed it with a paint key three times. Now that doesn't do the trick and I guess resetting the circuit breaker won't either. What else is there besides a plumber?
 
Did you insert the paint key into to Allen hole in the bottom of the unit and turn the motor ? (An Allen wrench is usually used for this)

What happens is the cutting blades get seized up with either food or rust and the motor can not spin. The "key" allows you to turn the motor to free it up.

Also make sure you are pressing the breaker in all the way.

If it still will not run check the house breaker that feeds the plug under the sing unless it is hardwired but there should be a breaker for it.

Changing on out is easy. If you need to change it out do not buy the cheapest one out there, you will only hate ourself later for it.


InSinkErator-04577-CarrollParts-WRN-00.jpg
 
I worked in the apartment complex world for many years and have changed out more of them than I can count.

The Badger brand are good ones, I would not get anything less than the 100 dollar range if you have to change it out.
They come with instructions that are easy to follow, if you have never done it before.

Oh, and it will come with a key so be sure and hang on to it for the future. I used to spray the cutters with WD 40 when installing a new one and then slowly run water through it while it is running to coat the insides.

Most of the failures I replaced were lock ups from the people not running water through them after using them to clean it out, this causes rust and then the blades/plate seizes up and you are dead in the water unless you can free it up with the wrench.

 
As a matter of fact, it is a Badger Insinkerator, and I did my best. I reset the circuit breaker, which is a double that also serves the dishwasher. I cleared out what was in it, just some fruit pulp and a couple of small hard things, possibly pits. I tried again but no dice. I hope I don't have to get a new one.
 
Can you hear it hum when you turn it on? Does it immediately flip the breaker when you turn it on? If it hums just a bit before it flips the breaker it is likely stuck and turning it with the hex key should break it loose. The badger brand disposal will also have a red reset button that will trip to prior to the unit burning up. You should check to see if it's tripped. Pushing it in will usually have a haptic sound and click when it's reset.
 
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