Revive Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal: Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Insinkerator Garbage Disposal

When dealing with issues related to your Insinkerator garbage disposal, identifying the problem is the first step toward a solution. This section will guide you through troubleshooting two common issues: unusual noise and the unit not turning on.

Unusual Noise Issues

If your Insinkerator garbage disposal is making unusual or loud noises, it could indicate a variety of problems. Here are some steps to address this issue:

1. Check Installation: Ensure that the garbage disposal is installed correctly, with all plumbing connections tight. A loose installation can cause vibrations and loud noises.

2. Inspect the Mounting Ring: The lower mounting ring might have become unlocked from the mounting assembly. To fix this, insert a wrench into the left side of the metal loop on the lower mounting ring and rotate it right until you hear or feel a click (InSinkErator Support).

3. Look for Foreign Objects: Sometimes, foreign objects can fall into the unit and cause noise. Turn off the power and use tongs or pliers to remove any objects.

4. Check for Jams: Inspect the flywheel for jams. If the flywheel is jammed, turn off the power and manually rotate the impeller to free it. This can prevent motor burnout (Home Depot).

Not Turning On

If your Insinkerator garbage disposal is not turning on, follow these steps to diagnose and potentially fix the issue:

1. Reset the Unit: First, try resetting the disposal. Locate the reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it. If the unit still doesn’t turn on, proceed to the next steps.

2. Check the Power Source: Verify that the unit is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the breaker has tripped, reset it.

3. Inspect for Jams: If the unit makes a humming noise but does not function, the flywheel might be jammed. Turn off the power, dislodge the jam using an Allen wrench in the hex hole at the bottom of the unit, and then press the reset button.

4. Examine the Motor: If the unit still does not work, the motor might be damaged. In such cases, the disposal may need servicing or replacement (InSinkErator). Contact customer service for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Summary

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Unusual Noise	Loose Installation	Tighten plumbing connections and mounting ring
Unusual Noise	Foreign Object	Remove objects from disposal
Not Turning On	Tripped Circuit Breaker	Reset breaker
Not Turning On	Flywheel Jammed	Dislodge jam and reset unit
Not Turning On	Motor Damage	Contact customer service

For more detailed troubleshooting steps, you can refer to our insinkerator garbage disposal troubleshooting guide. If you find that your disposal requires professional repair or replacement, check out our articles on repair services and replacement considerations.

Common Problems with Garbage Disposals

Understanding the common issues that can arise with your Insinkerator garbage disposal can help you troubleshoot and resolve problems more effectively. Here, we discuss jamming and overloading, electrical malfunctions, and humming noise issues.

Jamming and Overloading

Jamming occurs when foreign objects or tough food scraps obstruct the disposal’s blades. Overloading the disposal with excessive waste can also trip its safety mechanisms, causing it to stop functioning. If your Insinkerator garbage disposal is not working, jamming or overloading might be the issue.

To resolve jamming:

1. Turn off the disposal and unplug it.
2. Use a flashlight to inspect the disposal for any visible obstructions.
3. Use tongs or pliers to remove any foreign objects.
4. Manually rotate the flywheel with an Allen wrench from the bottom of the unit.

For overloading:

1. Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool.
2. Press the reset button located on the bottom of the unit.

Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical issues can also cause your garbage disposal to stop working. A tripped circuit breaker, a faulty switch, or a disconnected power cord can disrupt the power supply to the disposal.

Steps to identify and fix electrical malfunctions:

1. Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.
2. Inspect the power cord for any signs of damage.
3. Ensure the switch controlling the disposal is working properly.
4. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact a professional for further troubleshooting.

Humming Noise

A humming noise from your garbage disposal typically indicates that the flywheel is jammed. If the disposal makes a humming noise but does not function, running it while jammed can lead to motor burnout (Mr. Appliance).

To fix a humming noise issue:

1. Turn off the power to the disposal at the breaker and the wall switch.
2. Use an Allen wrench to manually turn the flywheel from the bottom of the disposal.
3. Once the flywheel is free, press the reset button on the unit.
4. Restore power and test the disposal.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Jamming	Foreign objects or tough food scraps obstructing the blades	Remove obstructions using tongs or an Allen wrench
Overloading	Excessive waste tripping safety mechanisms	Allow the motor to cool and press the reset button
Electrical Issues	Tripped circuit breaker, faulty switch, disconnected power	Check circuit breaker, inspect power cord, ensure switch is functional
Humming Noise	Jammed flywheel	Turn off power, manually turn flywheel, press reset button

For more detailed troubleshooting steps, visit our Insinkerator garbage disposal troubleshooting guide.

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure your Insinkerator garbage disposal continues to function efficiently. If problems persist, you may need to seek professional assistance or consider replacement options like the Insinkerator Badger 5 or the Insinkerator Evolution Compact.

Specific Issues with Insinkerator Disposals

Flywheel Jams

A common issue with Insinkerator garbage disposals is a jammed flywheel. If your disposal produces a humming noise but fails to operate, the flywheel is likely jammed (Mr. Plumber). This can occur due to food waste or solid objects becoming lodged in the shredding ring and flywheel.

To troubleshoot a jammed flywheel:

1. Turn Off the Power: Ensure the disposal unit is switched off at the wall and unplugged to avoid accidents.
2. Dislodge the Jam: Use a hex wrench in the flywheel turning hole at the bottom of the disposal to manually rotate the flywheel and dislodge any jammed items.
3. Press the Reset Button: After clearing the jam, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit.

For more detailed guidance, refer to our insinkerator garbage disposal troubleshooting guide.

Motor Damage

Motor damage is another issue that can cause your Insinkerator garbage disposal to stop working. Signs of a damaged or burned-out motor include the unit being unresponsive, emitting a humming sound, or frequently overheating and shutting off.

Steps to address motor damage:

1. Turn Off the Unit: Ensure that the disposal is unplugged and powered off both at the wall and the circuit breaker.
2. Check for Overheating: Allow the motor to cool down if it has overheated.
3. Use the Reset Button: Press the reset button located on the bottom of the unit.

If the disposal still does not function, it may require professional repair or replacement. For further assistance, consider exploring repair services or replacement options.

Issue	Symptoms	Solution
Flywheel Jam	Humming noise, blades not spinning	Turn off power, dislodge jam, press reset button
Motor Damage	Unresponsive, humming without grinding, overheating	Turn off power, check for overheating, press reset button

For more in-depth information on specific models, visit our pages on the Insinkerator Badger 5 and Insinkerator Evolution Compact.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

Smoking Disposal

If your Insinkerator garbage disposal starts smoking, it can be alarming. Smoking generally indicates a serious issue such as motor damage or a fried circuit. When you notice smoke, immediately turn off the power to the unit to prevent further damage and potential fire hazards.

Steps to Address a Smoking Disposal:

1. Turn Off Power: Ensure the disposal is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
2. Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for any visible signs of burning or damage.
3. Contact a Professional: If the smoking persists, it’s critical to contact a plumber for a thorough assessment and potential repair or replacement (Mr. Plumber).

Issue	Potential Cause	Recommended Action
Smoking Disposal	Motor Damage, Fried Circuit	Turn off power, contact a professional plumber

Drainage Problems

Drainage problems in your Insinkerator garbage disposal can cause water to back up in the sink, leading to unpleasant odors and a clogged system. This can be a common issue and usually indicates a blockage somewhere in the disposal or the drain pipes.

Steps to Fix Drainage Problems:

1. Turn Off Power: Ensure the disposal is turned off before attempting any fixes.
2. Check for Blockages: Inspect the disposal and drain for any visible obstructions.
3. Use a Plunger: Try using a plunger to dislodge any blockages in the drain.
4. Clean the P-Trap: Remove and clean the P-trap under the sink to clear any clogs.
5. Reset the Disposal: After clearing any blockages, press the Insinkerator garbage disposal reset button to restart the unit.

Issue	Potential Cause	Recommended Action
Drainage Problems	Blockage in Disposal or Drain Pipes	Turn off power, check for blockages, use a plunger, clean P-trap, reset disposal

For more guidance on resolving these issues, refer to our comprehensive guide on insinkerator garbage disposal troubleshooting. Additionally, if you find that your disposal unit requires frequent troubleshooting, it may be time to consider replacement options or professional repair services.

By following these advanced troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address and resolve common issues with your Insinkerator garbage disposal, ensuring it functions smoothly and efficiently.

Seeking Professional Assistance

When your insinkerator garbage disposal stops working despite your best troubleshooting efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. Understanding when to call in a professional can save you time and prevent further damage.

Repair Services

Professional plumbing repair may be necessary if troubleshooting the garbage disposal issue is unsuccessful. Licensed plumbing technicians can assess the problem, make repairs, or install a new unit if needed (Mr. Plumber). Common signs that indicate a need for professional intervention include:

• The disposal being unresponsive
• Emitting a humming sound without grinding
• Frequently overheating and shutting off

If your disposal is smoking, it may indicate motor damage or a fried circuit. In such cases, it is advised to turn off the power and contact a plumber for assessment (Mr. Plumber). Always ensure the disposal is unplugged and powered off before any inspection to prevent accidents.

Issue	Possible Cause	Action
Unresponsive disposal	Faulty motor	Contact a professional
Humming sound	Jammed flywheel or motor damage	Professional assessment
Smoking disposal	Motor or circuit issue	Turn off power, call a plumber

Replacement Considerations

In some instances, repairing the garbage disposal might not be feasible or cost-effective. Replacement may be the best option, especially if your unit is old or frequently malfunctions. Before deciding on a replacement, consider the following:

• Age of the Disposal: If your garbage disposal is older than 10 years, it might be time for a new one.
• Cost of Repair vs. Replacement: Compare the cost of necessary repairs with the price of a new unit.
• Warranty: Check if your disposal is still under warranty. If so, you might be eligible for a free or discounted replacement (Eyman Plumbing). For more information, visit our page on insinkerator garbage disposal warranty.

When choosing a new garbage disposal, consider the following models for their reliability and performance:

• Insinkerator Badger 5
• Insinkerator Evolution Compact

For a seamless installation experience, consult our guide on insinkerator garbage disposal installation.

By seeking professional assistance and considering replacement options, you can ensure your garbage disposal continues to function efficiently and safely. For further troubleshooting tips, visit our insinkerator garbage disposal troubleshooting guide.