How to fix badger garbage disposal

What causes a garbage disposal to stop working? A broken disposal presents in several ways: You hear the disposal humming but not working, you see water leaking under the unit or filling up the sink, or you flip the switch, and the disposal is not turning on.

Sometimes, the easiest way to fix a garbage disposal is to push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and try it again. But if that doesn't work, the top reasons for garbage disposal failures are:

  • Electrical system issues
  • A jam in the grinding mechanism
  • Faulty seals in the mounting, hoses, or pipe connections
  • Clogs in the drain pipe

The most common garbage disposal problems have solutions, are easy to diagnose, and are almost always easy to fix. Read on to see how to get your garbage disposal to work again.

There are several types of garbage disposals, including batch feed and continuous. Batch feed needs to have the cover placed over the drain opening to activate the disposal. Continuous utilizes a switch to turn the unit on and off. An air switch model also uses air to activate the disposal. What all these models have in common is that the power feeding the disposal should come from an outlet under the sink. It also helps to learn more about the various parts or anatomy of a garbage disposal.

For safety, don't work with the power to the disposal on. Additionally, it is always wise to check power to the switch using a voltage tester after you unplug the unit. This step can point you to the potential issue, like a tripped or faulty breaker or GFCI, much faster if it is an electrical problem.

As part of its wide-ranging line of garbage disposals, Insinkerator positions the 1/2-horsepower Badger 5 as a basic household model that focuses on consistent performance and durability. However, no product is perfect and the Badger, like virtually any disposal, may need a little extra attention from time to time. While prevention serves as the most efficient form of troubleshooting, you can turn to a few manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting methods before calling in the professionals.

An unclean garbage disposal full of debris or buildup can lead to everything from unsavory odors to sluggish performance. To give your Badger 5 a thorough cleaning, plug your sink, fill it about halfway with clean warm water and mix in ¼ cup of baking soda. Remove the sink stopper and switch the Badger on until the water drains to free loose particles from the disposal. For regular cleaning, always run a mixture of cold water and dish soap through the disposal after doing dishes. Carefully feed a lemon or orange into the Badger to combat foul odors and clean the machine with astringent oils.

If the Badger 5's motor stops during operation, you may have a jam on your hands. Switch off the disposal and cut off any running water. Insert the self-service wrenchette, included with the Badger 5, into the hole in the center of the disposal's bottom and work it back and forth until it turns one full revolution -- this manually cranks the disposal and frees debris. Remove any foreign objects from the disposal using a flashlight and tongs, automotive finger grippers or a bent coat hanger, then let the machine cool for about five minutes. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the Badger 5 before resuming use.

Often, a simple press of the reset button eases your disposer's issues. If your Badger 5 doesn't start at all, check your fuse box for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. To help prevent issues with your Badger 5 garbage disposal, avoid feeding the unit seafood shells, caustic drain cleaners, glass, plastic, large bones, metal or hot liquids, especially oils. Turn on cold water before running the Badger, feed waste into the unit slowly and flush the machine with cold water for a few seconds after grinding. Don't turn the device off until the grinding noise stops. On occasion, grind small, hard objects such as fruit pits and ice to create a scouring action in your disposal's grind chamber, helping it run more smoothly.

If simple troubleshooting measures don't solve your Badger 5's issues, contact the professionals at Insinkerator to avoid further damage to your disposal. As of 2014, you can schedule an in-home Insinkerator service by calling 1-800-558-5700. You can also turn to Insinkerator's official website to contact their customer service department via online form submission or find the nearest authorized service agency. When purchased new, the Badger 5 includes a limited warranty for in-home full service, which covers material- or workmanship-related defects for a two-year period.

When you have a jammed garbage disposal, we're here with repair tips.

This 1-minute video shows you how to fix and repair a garbage disposal that's jammed, humming, stuck, or has stopped working.

Every InSinkErator is shipped with a self-service wrench. The wrench is silver colored, and shaped like a little crank, about four inches long. If you cannot find the wrench, you can use a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench, or click here to order a replacement.

Jam Buster Wrench Flashlight

Tongs or Pliers

How to fix badger garbage disposal

  • Make certain that the garbage disposal's switch is in the off position. Do not place your hand in the garbage disposal at any time.
  • If the sink is full of water, wait for it to drain, or bail the water out using a bucket or pot.

The hole is located under the sink at the bottom of the garbage disposal, dead center, facing the floor. Use the wrench like a crank.

How to fix badger garbage disposal

If the wrench will not turn easily, it is OK to use some force. The wrench is designed to bend before any damage is done to the garbage disposal.

Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.

The overload protector is located under the sink, on the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. It is a small square red button. If the overload protector has tripped, you will see the red button dropped down about a quarter of an inch (5mm). Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait ten minutes and try again.

How to fix badger garbage disposal

Look down into the garbage disposal using a flashlight. Do not place your hand into the garbage disposal. Pay special attention to the area around the outer edge of the garbage disposal's shredding disk where you see the little teeth. If you see anything in the garbage disposal, remove it using tongs or pliers.

The garbage disposal should now run. If it jams again, use the wrench again. You may need to repeat the process several times.

Text us at 262-233-2231 for more help! If the garbage disposal continues to jam, it may need service. If the problem with your garbage disposal is due to a quality issue, InSinkErator ma​y pay to have an authorized service center service the garbage disposal in your home at no charge to you.

Tips For Success

  • Run garbage disposal along with a moderate flow of cold water. Continue to run cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete.
  • Avoid using hot water when grinding food waste. It is OK to drain hot water into the garbage disposal between grinding periods.
  • Never pour grease or fat into your garbage disposal or drain.




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