How often should I run it with cold water for a few seconds after each use?

Weekly. Run it with cold water for a few seconds after each use. Cold keeps grease solid so it gets ground and flushed instead of coating the pipe.

How often should I grind a tray of ice cubes?

Monthly. Grind a tray of ice cubes. It knocks buildup off the grind ring without you putting a hand anywhere near it.

How often should I if it hums but won't turn, kill the power at the switch, free the flywheel with the hex key underneath, then press the red reset button on the bottom?

As needed. If it hums but won't turn, kill the power at the switch, free the flywheel with the hex key underneath, then press the red reset button on the bottom.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance & Repair Tips

What usually fails on a garbage disposal here

A disposal that hums is jammed, not dead. The motor's fine, the plate just can't turn. If it does nothing at all, it's usually the reset or the switch before it's ever the unit.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Every disposal comes with a hex key, and there's a hole in the middle of the underside.
2Put the key in, work it back and forth to free the plate, then press the red reset button.
3That fixes most of them, and we'd rather tell you than charge you for it.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a garbage disposal that has already failed the quick check above.

Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Five Things First Garbage disposal not working? Humming, leaking or not turning on, here are five checks in order, including the reset button and hex key most people miss.

Keeping a garbage disposal out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Weekly Run it with cold water for a few seconds after each use. Cold keeps grease solid so it gets ground and flushed instead of coating the pipe.
Monthly Grind a tray of ice cubes. It knocks buildup off the grind ring without you putting a hand anywhere near it.
As needed If it hums but won't turn, kill the power at the switch, free the flywheel with the hex key underneath, then press the red reset button on the bottom.

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if it trips the breaker, leaks from the body instead of a connection, or won't reset. Never put a hand in the chamber. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County