Replies

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Dec 12, 2007 10:12am | #1

   Maybe.

   Sounds as if it is jammed.

   Two ways to deal with a jam.
   First unplug it or turn off the breaker that controls the electrical circuit.

   1) Get a small flashlight and using your hand open the ribber "fingers that create the disposal opening . Looking down into the opening you should see a couple of "L" shaped pieces of metal , those are the grinder hammers. Feel down around them and see if you can find anything caught between them and the disposal wall.
   Look carefully using the light then "feel" the obstruction with your hand.

   2) Most disposals have a hex key that is supplied with them and a matching socket at the bottom of the unit. Find the key (often hung under the sink somewhere, or left in an envelope on the floor of the undersink cabinet) Insert the key or wrench and try turning the shaft one way then the other. This should back the shaft off of whatever obstruction is jamming it and you can then find it using the method described above.

   Hope this helps.

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
1. 
   IMERC | Dec 12, 2007 10:22am | #2

   NEVER PUT YUR HAND IN A GARBAGE DIPOSAL!!!!!

    

   use a wood broom handle to turn it in reverse..

   look to see if you can see what is jamming it...

   if you can see the culprit us tongs or long needle nose pliers to remove it...

   if you don't see any thing obvious...

   turn it on....

   keep doing this till it runs...

     

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

2. 
   Dave45 | Dec 12, 2007 06:11pm | #5

   Susan -

   I've fixed several disposals following Dovetails method - with one exception.

   If your hand won't fit thru the hole (mine certainly doesn't - lol) - or you're nervous about putting your hand down there - get some "mechanical fingers" from an auto parts store.  They're inexpensive and are made just for grabbing something that has dropped into a tight space.  I prefer the kind with three "jaws" since they seem to get a better grip.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Dec 12, 2007 02:57pm | #3

   Perhaps it has fogotten the words?

   ;-)

   Sorry -- couldn't resist.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   user-111700 | Dec 12, 2007 03:47pm | #4

   cute one Mikey !

3. 
   mrfixitusa | Dec 12, 2007 09:49pm | #6

   I had problems with my garbage disposer when my kids were young and would drop a drinking glass into the sink, break it, and then a piece of glass would jam the disposer.

4. 
   wallyo | Dec 12, 2007 10:19pm | #7

   could also be shot if nothing spins it may be a rusted mess if not stainless steel. Have replaced several this way just one day they rust up and will not spin.

5. 
   JTC1 | Dec 13, 2007 12:25am | #8

   Susan,

   I'm with everybody else - sounds jammed to me.

   First just turn the switch on-off-on-off-on etc. a bunch of times - many disposals have an "auto-reversing" function which may clear the problem without any crawling under the sink.

   Second - assuming you have already looked inside to see if there is something stuck: attempt to turn the disposal by hand - either the broomstick method from the top or the hex wrench from below --- try both directions - clockwise and counter clockwise.

   If it will not turn by hand in either direction - it is probably toast.

   Jack the disposer up and put a new one underneath of it.

   My toughest jamming object turned out to be a penny -- thrown un-noticed into the "wishing well" by my then 4 yo daughter. 

   Good luck!

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
6. 
   oldfred | Dec 13, 2007 02:13am | #9

   1.  Unplug the disposal

   2.  Make SURE it's unplugged

   3.  Stick two dowels/broomsticks through the top, cross them in an "X" and lash them together where they cross.  (couple ft. of heavy twine or a roll and a half of duct tape)

   4. Turn the sticks against the cutter blades

   Or:

   5.   They now sell a wrench to put through the top and turn against the blades.    This one is sold for +/- $10  by General Tools.   One of the box stores may sell them, or you might try a plumbing supply house.

   View Image

   http://www.generaltools.com/Products/Garbage-Disposal-Wrench__192.aspx - 59k -

7. 
   mrfixitusa | Dec 20, 2007 03:09am | #10

   Did you have any luck fixing your garbage disposer?

1. 
   user-111700 | Dec 20, 2007 03:19am | #11

   yes thank you ,we found the big allen wrench under the sink andit loosened it right up, no problem. I so appreciate all your advise and concern. You guys are the best ! Happy Holidays ,Susan