Returned to the condo after six months to find the disposal stuck. Vigorous shaking with the wrench will not move it. Motor hums, shuts off, repeats after reset button is pushed. I have installed a disposal before, so I guess I can do it again–but, what is the chance I can get this one unstuck once I get it out? If so, how?
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Have you looked inside with a flashlight to see what if anything might be bound up?
If you've tried the allen wrench and just won't budge it's possible the bearings have seized up and it's toast.
Are you using the alen key in the bottom? You can get more leverage by using a broom handle in therogh the top. I would try that and if that doesn't work get a steel bar or a long screwdriver. At that point you have nothing to lose.
By the way. The pricier ones are stainless steel for a reason. That is maybe what is going on. There is some rust involved.
They dealt with stuck disposals on "Ask This Old House" today.
Showed a wrench that inserts through the top and gives a lot more leverage than the allen wrench on the bottom. May have to get one from a plumbing supply house, but it looked like a tool worth buying.
They also showed how to insert two dowels through the top and cross them in an X to try to turn against the two cutter blades.
edited to say: a bolt through the center of the X might keep the dowels from slipping.
Worth a try.
Edited 11/3/2007 6:14 pm ET by oldfred