Garbage Disposer Fix-It Guide from Schmeg.com

  

There are two types of switches:

1) If your disposal is a batch feed model, you have to turn on the power by twisting a stopper in the neck of the disposer. This stopper-switch could be faulty. Have it tested by a pro. 2) If your disposal is a continuous feed model, the power is controlled by a wall switch. This switch could be faulty. The best way to test the switch, if you don't have a continuity tester, is to turn off the power at the main service panel, remove the wires from the old switch and install a new switch that you know works properly.

If this treatment doesn't work, and the fuses are not blown or tripped, the problem might be in the connections-but suspect a burned-out motor.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE FOR GARBAGE DISPOSERS-
By following a couple of very simple procedures you can add life to garbage disposer in your life, plus save yourself lots of repair and maintenance time and costs.

1) When you operate the disposer, use PLENTY OF WATER. Don't skimp, because water is what cleans the working parts and keeps them clean and in working order.
2) Load the hopper lightly, i.e., don't cram and jam garbage into the hopper as tight as you can and expect the disposer to handle it. In short, do several loads instead of one big load.
3) Never, under any circumstances, put metal, glass, stoneware, or other hard objects in the disposer-including bones. Some manufacturers claim that their product will grind bones. This may be true, but do your disposer a favor and toss the bones in a garbage bag.
4) Never use a drain cleaner in a disposer.
5) If the hopper jams or you accidentally drop an item into the hopper that you don't want in the hopper, do not stick you hand down into the hopper. Instead, retrieve the item with kitchen tongs or pliers.

IF YOU ARE INSTALLING A NEW DISPOSER
In some localities, garbage disposers are forbidden by local plumbing codes or laws. The problem is that the disposers discharge garbage into the sewer system, overloading it if it happens to be marginal and many are.

Before you buy and install a new disposer, be sure to check out the local codes in your specific community: township, county, area. If the locality where you reside has an up-to-date sewer system, disposers are probably allowed. If you have your own private sewer system-a septic tank-it is strongly recommended that you do not use a disposer. However, check this out before you make a buying decision with a professional plumber in your community.

Installing a new disposer unit is not beyond the skills of a do-it-yourselfer. Most manufacturers include complete installation procedures with their disposer products.

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