InSinkErator garbage disposals are generally reliable, but after years of grinding food waste, they can experience issues like jamming, humming without spinning, or leaking. Most of these problems can be fixed with basic tools like an Allen wrench and a bit of DIY troubleshooting.
If you find yourself in this kitchen nightmare, here is the "story" of how to get that disposal humming again without calling for backup. 1. The "Silent Treatment" (No Power) insinkerator disposal troubleshooting
I’ve used InSinkErator disposals for over a decade, and they consistently outperform cheaper brands. What I appreciate most is that when something does go wrong (rarely), troubleshooting is straightforward and often requires no tools. Once it moves easily, look down the drain
Once it moves easily, look down the drain with a flashlight and use tongs to remove whatever caused the jam (usually a stray peach pit or a rogue spoon). 3. The "Slow Drain" (Post-Disposal Clog) In this case
InSinkErator Jam-Buster™ Wrench (or a standard 1/4-inch hex wrench) into the hole at the center of the bottom of the disposal. Crank it back and forth until it can rotate a full 360 degrees. Clear Debris: Once the jam is loose, use tongs or pliers (never your hands!) to reach into the drain and remove the obstruction. Reset: Press the red reset button on the bottom before trying to turn it on again. Mr. Appliance +1 3. The Disposal is Leaking Leaks typically happen at one of three connection points: At the Sink Flange: This usually means the plumber's putty has dried out or the mounting bolts have loosened. At the Dishwasher Connection: Check the hose clamp where the dishwasher drain pipe meets the disposal. Tighten it with a screwdriver if it’s dripping. From the Bottom: If water is dripping directly out of the motor housing at the bottom, the internal seals have failed. In this case, the unit typically
Highly recommend for DIY-friendly fixes and long-term reliability.
If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve your issue, it may be best to consult a professional plumber or contact InSinkErator's customer support for further assistance.