Appliances: Garbage Disposal; broken

[RyanM]

my disposal is broken. Its a rather old Kenmore 6010 1/3 HP. i tried the reset button and it will make a noise like it wants to work then just dies completely. there is no objects in there keeping it from spinning. the only things that have run through it are cereal, vegtables, and other soft foods. and soap water. can soap damage a disposal? is mine shot? thanks to anyone who can help!

[RichP]

Key word 'old' I think TD's have like a 12 year life from what I have read. No experience as I have never had town 'facilities' like sewage and water. Get a new one, from what I have seen on 'this old house' and such it's like a 1/2 replacement time.

[5-90]

Soap should not cause any trouble - but a disposal is in a harsh service environment, and having one last more than a few years is close to amazing.

Fortunately, they're fairly easy to replace. Might I suggest as "In-Sink-Erator" (ISE) disposal? I've had great good luck with those over just about anything else...

5-90

[flexjay87]

uless you can fix it very very easy or cheap, put in a new one. usually cheaper to replace than fix. you get a new warranty etc. get the best one you can, as much stainless steel(inside) as you can afford.

[Sniggs]

Mine has a "Key" that let me spin it backwards... looks like an oversized allen wrench. Last time mine did that, a turkey skewer was stuck.. Try a broomstick to spin it... DON'T put your hand in there.
:explosion

[DrMoab]

I had exactly the same problem with mine. It wouldn't spin...couldn't see anything in it.

Took it apart and found a fishtank rock stuck in it. Beat it out with a hammer and all is well.

[OT]

DON'T put your hand in there.
:explosion
I like to put my hand in the disposer blindfolded, then try to see if I can guess which switch is for the light and which switch is the disposal.:looney:

[Ramsey]

I like to put my hand in the disposer blindfolded, then try to see if I can guess which switch is for the light and which switch is the disposal.:looney:
:laugh:

[PETEY]

Mine has a "Key" that let me spin it backwards... looks like an oversized allen wrench. Last time mine did that, a turkey skewer was stuck.. Try a broomstick to spin it... DON'T put your hand in there.
:explosion

Yep. turn it from the bottom and see if it just something stuck. That will flip the breaker (the reset button). If It moves freely and still won't work, it's broke. replace

[87manche]

http://fixitnow.com/
you can try the forums there. It was most helpful when I was diagnosing a dryer.

[goodburbon]

when I bought my house the disposal had been sitting for a while and just rusted itself solid.

Unplug it, pull it out and as was stated by several members try to turn it. Something wedged in or corrosion can cause the breaker to keep popping. good luck

If you are going on vacation its a good idea to run some ice through it as a preventative before you leave.

[5-90]

I like to put my hand in the disposer blindfolded, then try to see if I can guess which switch is for the light and which switch is the disposal.:looney:

Sit down, stubby...