TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

 Read the Appliance Manual's "Troubleshooting" section in the "Plastic Pouch" provided at Check-IN.

PROBLEM

                                      WHAT TO DO

Loud noise when operating. 

  Silverware or other foreign object may have fallen into the disposal.
  • Turn the disposal off at the wall switch AND unplug it from the outlet.
  • Using long-handled tongs, remove foreign object.
  • With tongs out of the disposal, plug it back into the outlet.
  • Running cold water, turn the disposal on at the switch.

Disposal leaks.

Disposal does not work AND MOTOR DOES NOTHUM.

  The reset button has probably been tripped.
  • Turn the disposal off at the wall switch AND unplug it from the outlet.
  • Use long-handled tongs to dislodge and remove any material that may have been too difficult to grind.
  • Find the red RESET button on the side or the underside of the disposal. Press it. The button should click and remain depressed. See Garbage Disposal Diagram.
  • With long tongs out of the disposal, plug it back into the outlet.
  • Running cold water, turn the disposal on at the switch.
 If the disposal still does not work:
  • Turn the disposal off at the wall switch.
  • Check if any GFI’s have been tripped and reset. GFCI Outlets
  • Check if any circuit breakers have tripped and reset. Circuit Breakers.
  • Run cold water and turn disposal on.

 Disposal does not work but MOTOR  DOES HUM.

  The disposal is jammed.
  • Turn the disposal off at the wall switch AND unplug it from the outlet.
  • Find the “disposal wrench”. At Check-In it was provided to you in the plastic folder along with House Rules and Appliance Manuals. See Garbage Disposal Diagram.
  • On the underside of the disposal is a hole or notch the wrench fits into.
  • Turn the wrench clockwise, then turn it counterclockwise.  Repeat this step by turning the wrench clockwise then counterclockwise.
  • Remove the wrench from the notch.
  • With long-handled tongs remove material that jammed the blades.
  • Allow motor to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Find the red RESET button on the side or the underside of the disposal. Press it. The button should click and remain depressed.
  • Plug the disposal back into the outlet.
  • Running cold water, turn the disposal on at the wall switch. 
 If there is no hole or notch in your disposal, the wrench will not work.  You will need to use a wooden broom handle. See Garbage Disposal Diagram.
  • With the disposal turned off AND the electricity unplugged, put the broom handle down the garbage disposal and at an angle, try to move the blade first clockwise then counterclockwise. If there is a foreign object it may now be dislodged from under the blade.
  • Use a long-handled tong to remove the object.
  • With wooden handle & long tongs out of the disposal, push red RESET button on side or underside of disposal.
  • Plug the disposal into the outlet.
  • Running cold water, turn the disposal on at the wall switch.
 If the disposal still does not work:
  • Turn the disposal off at the wall switch.
  • Check if any GFI’s have been tripped and reset. GFCI Outlets
  • Check if any circuit breakers have tripped and reset. Circuit Breakers.
  • Run cold water and turn disposal on.

IF NONE OF THE ABOVE STRATEGIES RESOLVES YOUR ISSUE: Submit a Maintenance Request.

Additional insights for keeping your garbage disposal working without problems may be found at: Preventative Maintenance Guide.