Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Garbage Disposal Issues

My gf and I recently moved into a house. The garbage disposal doesnt work; the sink takes forever to drain. Even w. two bottles of Drano, nothing happened. When I turn on the disposal, all I hear is a buzzing noise. Is it possible the motor is burned out, and if so, is that easy to replace myself?

My parents have a disposal in their house, and a few years ago they experienced a similar problem.

I would check a couple things before looking at replacing anything.

First, use a flashlight to check if the disposal is blocked in any way. Putting the wrong thing down the drain can really mess with a disposal. The good news is that most do not have any blades, so you might be able to use your hand to clean it out. I'd obviously double-check that with a light before sticking my hand down there...

Second, check the bottom of the unit. Some have a reset button and a small place to put an allen key. On my parents' unit, the allen key is used to turn the blades, and ideally free anything that is keeping the unit from turning. The reset button is used after the machine has been jammed. I would try both of those before anything else, as they should be the least time-consuming and give you an idea of what's happening.

Good luck!

I agree with checking the inside of the disposer for blockages. Turn OFF the power to the disposer before sticking ANYTHING down in it. The allen wrench is for clearing some jams You stick the wrench into the slot in the bottom of the unit and try turning it both directions. If the wrench turns easily, the unit is not jammed. OR the shaft is broken. If the unit hums, it is not likely the reset will do anything as it is getting power. Try these things and reply back with any further questions. Good luck.

Yeah, at my parents house, they have a reset button as well. I believe they are called Wham-Jam Breakers, or something like that. I have already felt in the drain for things that may be blocking it, and pulled out some old flowers (dont get me started on what the tenants did to the house before we moved in). Once I removed them, it hadnt made a difference. I will search in there w. a flashlight tonight as well as look for the Allen wrench hole. Thanks

I just wanted to add, be very careful with the drian after putting "Draino" in there. If there is any residue it can burn you badly! Use gloves.

Could have two problems, (1) something in the disposal is jamming it from turning, and (2) the outlet line could be sludged up. Do as suggested to ensure free rotation and then remove the outlet line to check for sludge, debris, whatever. Be sure to have a container under it when you disconnect it.

Well, its been determined that there is nothing in the sink clogging it up. My gf's father also went in there and started poking things with a broomstick. I will investigate the pipe. Do you mean the drainpipe under the sink?

Yes, the drainpipe. Remove the trap and see if there is something blocking the pipe or trap.