Repair > Home > Garbage DisposalAugust 05, 2011
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Repairing a Garbage Disposal (Disposer)

Repairing a Garbage Disposal (Disposer), Man's hands holding a power screwdriver to a garbage disposal.We enjoy the convenience of the in sink garbage disposal until, that is, it stops working. Many problems, such as jams, you can repair yourself. This is a guide about repairing a garbage disposal.

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Repairing a Garbage Disposal

If your disposal hums but doesn't turn:

  1. Turn the power off.
  2. Use a flashlight to check if something is stuck.
  3. If there appears to be something stuck, unplug the disposal or shut off the breaker before putting your hand in to remove the object.
  4. If there is no apparent blockage, use the "Z" shaped wrench that came with the disposal, insert in the bottom and turn.
  5. If you can't find the wrench, a broom handle inserted into the disposal and turned will do in a pinch.
  6. If there was no hum, check to make sure it is plugged in and/or the breaker wasn't tripped.
  7. If this doesn't work, replace the disposal.

By Dakota from Denver, CO

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Video Solutions

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How to Install & Replace a Garbage Disposer

This short video series features Joe Wise, owner of Built Wise Construction, teaching you how to replace a broken garbage disposal. Be sure to watch the related videos for additional steps and more garbage disposal replacement tips.

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Share Your Feedback: Once you try any of the above solutions, be sure to come back and give a "thumbs up" to the solution that worked the best for you. Do you have a better solution? Click "Share a Solution" above!

Questions

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Garbage Disposal Won't Chop

Which way is a garbage disposal suppose to spin clockwise or counter clockwise?

By Ez from Cincinnati

 

Most Recent Answer

By Deeli 11/09/2011

PS, I have no clue which direction a disposal spins. You could probably find out by calling a disposal manufacturer. ;-)

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