How do you fix a garbage disposal?

[dad]

Some fish tank rocks went into our garbage disposal, and now the thing is jammed up. I cleared out everything that I could reach from the top, but something must still be in there messing things up. I just get a hum sound when turning on the switch now. Anyone know a website that tells how to fix these things?

[crispini]

1. There is probably a reset button on it somewhere.

Look for that and press it, that might work. Sometimes they have a button that gets tripped when you accidentally put hard things down there.

[baby_bear]

2. nothin' to it

Take your toilet plunger.

Turn it upside down so the wooden stick points down.

Stick it in the disposal and turn it/push it manually in a clockwise fashion. Do not turn the disposal on until it is unstuck!!!!!

Whatever is stuck should become unstuck.

(Use a broom handle if no plunger available.)

This works 99% of the time.

Good luck!

b_b

[HEAVYHEART]

3. Here

I googled and found this:

http://www.ehow.com/how_112319_fix-jammed-garbage.html

And another:
http://homerepair.about.com/od/garbagedisposer/

Good luck!

[benddem]

4. some garbage disposals

come with a tool...don't know how to describe it but _______l
looks sort of like that.,,,about 6" long. There is a hole in the bottom of the disposal that you can insert the l part and twist it. I'd really not do the broom stick or plunger thing unless you unplug it.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. That's an easy fix.

What you need to do is insert an Allen Wrench into the fitting on the bottom (under the sink) of the disposal. It's located right in the middle. Then turn the blades by turning the wrench. Try left and right both, the reason this usually works is you can move the blades back and forth loosening the obstruction. This should move the blades off the rocks (if it's possible) then you can remove them.

[BrklynLiberal]

6. RULE#1. DO NOT PUT YOUR HAND IN IT!!!!!!

[baby_bear]

8. I would amend that rule.

Do not put your hand in it while your sister has her own hand on the switch.

Been there, done that.

b_b

P.S. Why do you think I recommended the plunger handle method?

:P

[dad]

11. :(

Ooooooohh

[cestpaspossible]

7. Once the garbage disposal goes, it's time to move.

[BigBearJohn]

9. Fix

Well, when that happens to me, I have an old broom
handle. I put into the garbage disposal drain,
wedge it against the edge, then attempt to turn
the gears inside. This usually unsticks it.
Let me know if this works for u.

[dad]

10. Allen Wrench!!

That got it ... it sounds really crunchy but it is moving .. THANKS ALL MERRY CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[sbj405]

12. try this link

http://www.repairclinic.com/

also, the forums at doityourself.com are helpful for specific questions.

[Squatch]

13. M-80's seem to work