Garbage Disposals

Trouble Shooting

There are a number of things you can try when your disposal is not working. These are listed below.

If you can't get your disposal working, you will need to call a plumber. The Public Works Crew no longer works on garbage disposals.

Q: "My disposal will not grind? It doesn’t make any noise at all?"
A: It may have become unplugged. Try pressing the RESET button on the bottom of the disposal. It may have popped out. The eraser end of a pencil may help you in pushing in the RESET button. Also, the circuit breaker for the disposal may have tripped. Turn the breaker off and then back on to be sure.

Q:"My disposal will not grind but it does make noise?"
A: Most likely the cutter head needs to be turned. UNPLUG the disposal. The In-Sink-Erator brand comes with an Allen wrench that fits into a socket at the bottom center of the disposal (under the sink). You can then turn the cutter head back and forth.

A: For older Maytag units you need to use a plunger handle (or something similar) to spin the cutter head from the topside.

Remove the wrench or handle, look into the disposal, remove any objects that should not be in there. Put a little dish soap in the disposal, plug it in, turn it on, if it spins turn the water on.

Q: "My disposal will not drain?"
A: Many times the trap just beyond the disposal is plugged. Try a plunger.

 
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