Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Repairs

Insinkerator garbage disposal unit playing up?  The following article provides information on common insinkerator problems, and their fixes.

Extremely Noisy
A jammed insinkerator makes a lot of noise, but loose screws can cause the machine to be noisy as well. Tighten them with a screwdriver and see if that doesn't solve the noise problem. Noise can also come from damaged internal components of the device too, though.

Loss of Power
If the insinkerator shuts down on its own, make sure it isn't clogged or clear the blockage. Press the reset button at the bottom of the garbage disposal, but make sure you have lots of cold water running. Try the machine again. If it doesn't come back to live, check the circuit breaker  box to make sure the power supply hasn't been cut. If the insinkerator still won't work, test the outlet the insinkerator uses by plugging something else into it.  Should the other appliance work just fine but the insinkerator won't, the house wiring may be the issue, or the garbage disposal's wiring or motor is defective.

Leaking Water
If the insinkerator seems to be leaking, try to figure out where the leak comes from. Tighten the screws and connectors a little more, especially in the leaky area. A worn drain gasket could also be the culprit, so check to see whether this piece needs replacing.

Poor Drainage
A sluggish drain can be caused by a jammed insinkerator, but food stuck in the pipes can also be the problem. Disconnect the pipes below the garbage disposal to remove blockage, but if that doesn't have water flowing smoothly, there's one more trick to try: Fill the insinkerator with ice cubes and a cup of rock or coarse salt, then run the device for five seconds.  Grind up a lemon afterwards to remove any residual odors.

Clogged Drain
Before you try clearing a clog, cut the power supply, and never, ever put your hand or fingers in the insinkerator. You can clear the device from the sink or from underneath the sink. Start with looking to see if there is anything jamming it by looking down the drain with a flashlight. If there is something blocking the machine, use tongs, pliers, or a thin wire to pull the object out of the insinkerator. If nothing reveals itself from above, look at the garbage disposal unit underneath the sink. There should be a reverse button towards the bottom, or a hole that you can use to turn the insinkerator by hand to unblock it. You'll need an allen wrench for the hole, and if you're lucky, this may be attached to the insinkerator. Otherwise, check your tool box. An alternative to turning the insinkerator is to carefully insert a broom handle into the device from the sink drain. You can gently turn the insinkerator and try to unclog it that way.

While it's good to try some quick fixes to save a little money and get your insinkerator running again, if any internal components are damaged or if the motor is the issue, it may be a better idea to have a professional plumber replace the unit.