Buy Garbage Disposal Wrench Faq
Daniel asks…
garbage disposal capacitor?
what are the symptoms of a bad garbage disposal capacitor? will this make the gar.dis. just “buzz” when turned on? i’ve followed the procedure to “unjam” a jammed disposal, but the flywheel spins freely when pushed by hand or allan wrenched.
if the capacitor is the culprit, can i swap it out or should i just buy a new disposal?
thanks in advance!!!
Garbage Disposal Staff Says:
I agree with sabesque, a relatively standard disposal doesn’t use a cap. If it spins freely with the wrench but buzzes or jams when turned on, the top bearing (bushing, really) is probably worn.
What happens here is that the motor armature (the part that spins) is magnetically attracted to the field assembly (the part that doesn’t), and if they touch (because of the extra slop caused by the bad bushing), the friction will prevent it from spinning.
You may not notice any rubbing when spinning it by hand, but when the motor is on it may, thus your problem.
I’d tell you to try turning the wrench with the unit turned on to see if it binds or moves, but that’s kinda dangerous if it takes off and runs while you are holding the wrench, so don’t tell anyone I said that.
I’ve actually replaced such a bushing, got one at a local motor shop, but the motor shaft was scored and didn’t take too long for the new bushing to wear out.
Hey, if you’re really handy and like fixing things, under 5 bucks might get you another year’s use, but otherwise I’d say it is time to go shopping.
By the way, I’d assume we are talking about a unit with quite a few years on it? A newer one shouldn’t yet wear out.
William asks…
Garbage disposal – no reset button?
My garbage disposal has stopped working. There is no noise coming from it. I’ve checked the circuit breaker box (and flipped the switch even though it hadn’t tripped). I’ve used the allen wrench and made it turn. It still doesn’t work. I know the electricity is ok as I plugged my dishwasher in that electrical outlet to validate. My gd is a Badger 5. According to the owners manual there should be a reset button. I’ve looked and the only thing close to it as a hole about the same size as the allen wrench, but when I stick the allen wrench in that it feels as though I’m just pushing some hoses or something. Is there anything else I should try, or just cut my losses and buy a new one?
Garbage Disposal Staff Says:
Look at this picture and see if it helps it is the bottom.
Mary asks…
Why does garbage disposal stop working after running dishwasher?
Background:
We bought a brand new dishwasher on Black Friday 2010 and had it installed shortly after. It is a whirlpool brand mid-level dishwasher, nothing expensive/fancy. We just also bought our house last summer (of 2010) and it was built in 2000.
I am assuming the garbage disposal is 10 years old and was installed with the building of the house. It is a InSinkErator 1/2 hp model.
Question: Since we have been running the dishwasher, it seems the garbage disposal has stopped working. After I realize it stops working, I use the allen wrench and turn the thing at the bottom until it spins again freely and hit the reset button, it works after that. So, I know have to fix the problem (temporarily) but I would like a more permanent solution…
Is it time to get a new garbage disposal? I don’t mind getting a new one, I just don’t want to drop $100-$200 on a new garbage disposal to have the same issue.
Also, I don’t remember seeing any kind of air gap thing on the top of my sink, when I did some research, I saw many videos and how-to fix posts talking about the air gap thing that comes out the top of the counter/sink… I might have one under the sink if we have one, I just don’t remember one on the top.
Garbage Disposal Staff Says:
The dish washer drains all of the debris from its sump into the garbage disposer. You may be leaving stuff on your dishes that is jambing the disposer. Try rinsing off your dishes and pots and pans first before placing them into the dish washer.
Courtesy of Y!Answers