Garbage Disposer Fix-It Guide from Schmeg.com

  

If the gasket is leaking between the shredder and the hopper, you probably will have to remove the disposer from the sink by disassembling the drainage trap, unbolting the disposer from the sink mountings, and removing a clamping ring that holds the hopper to the shredder housing.

Depending on the model, you may be able to remove the clamping ring without removing the disposer from the sink. Once apart, a new gasket can be quickly installed. This is a factory part, however, and you might have to go to a dealer to get the gasket. But check on "universal" gaskets.

Disposer Slow Drainage-
First, run the disposer longer, giving it an opportunity to clear all garbage and flush it down the drain.

If this doesn't do it, remove the trap along the drainpipe and clean it. Also, with an auger or plumber's snake, rod out the drain from the trap through the drain pipe---not back up through the disposer. Never pour liquid drain cleaner down through the disposer to open a slow or clogged drain. You could damage the disposer.

Drain still slow? Then check to make sure that the slope of the drain pipe is adequate to carry away the debris. A slope in the drainpipe is preferred over a more horizontal line because it assures freer flow of the water/garbage mixture. Local plumbing codes may dictate how the drain must be connected. The slope should be about 1 inch per 4 feet of drainpipe run, or according to codes.

A broken or damaged cutter (flyweight) on the flywheel sometimes can cause poor drainage, although it is not a prime consideration.

If broken/damaged, you may be able to replace the cutter or the entire flywheel by removing the trap and separating the hopper and shredder housing via the clamping ring.

Disposer Vibration-
If the disposer is not loaded with garbage and it vibrates excessively when you turn it on, try loosening the mounting bolts slightly. Give them about 1/4 to 1/2 turn each. Then test the unit. If it is still vibrating, loosen the mounting bolts just a tad more. Sometimes the mounting bolts are so tight that the resilience from the mounting pads is deadened.

Disposer Noise-
If the disposer is not loaded with debris, the noise can be a vibration problem. Correct this by loosening the mounting bolts.

If the disposer is loaded, chances are that the noise is coming from a hard object in the hopper such as silverware, a bottle cap, broken glass.

Disposer Humming Noise-
Almost always this is caused by a stuck flywheel. In a few seconds the fuses will pop automatically to shut down the power.

However, if the unit hums and it is unloaded, the hum can come from a burned-out motor or loose electrical connections. If the problem is the motor, repairs should be made by a pro. Or, the unit should be replaced; it may be less expensive to replace it.

You can check the connections by opening the connection port usually at the base of the disposer.
But first, turn off the power at the main electrical service entrance to the house.
Tighten the terminal screws with a screwdriver. Or, if the wiring has spade connections, tighten the nuts holding the connections to the terminals.

Disposer Won't Start Problems-
First, press the reset but ton on the unit. If this doesn't start it, check the fuses/circuit breakers at the power service entrance to your home. If this is not the trouble, the switch to the unit could be malfunctioning

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