How to Diagnose a Clogged Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal was invented in 1927 and marketed by the inventor's InSinkErator company in 1938. While many municipalities required the use of garbage disposals, New York City banned them, but that was rescinded in 1997. Since the beginning, disposals have gotten clogged and stopped running for plenty of reasons. The following steps can help diagnose yours.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check the breaker box. Make sure the breakers are in proper working order and that current is flowing to the disposal.

2. Make sure that the receptacle to which the disposal is wired is working. Use a test light in each receptacle to determine that power is flowing to both.

3. Remove the switch plate to expose the wires and the switch. Grab the switch by the "ears" or the insulators and pull it out.

4. Determine which wire leads to the switch. Set the test light on the wire to determine if there's power and that the switch is working.

5. Remove the gasket in the sink and look down into the disposal. Look for anything that may be blocking the disposal, like a coin, screw, key or other small metal object in the drum.

6. Make absolutely sure that the switch to the disposal is in the "off" position. Push fingers down into the drum and attempt to spin the rotator. Make sure the "teeth" are loose and sliding around as the unit rotates.

7. Remove the drain and pull out the dishwasher vent to remove the disposal unit. Take care not to tear the rubber gasket. Assess the condition of the unit and the splash guard. Check the electrical feed. Replace the unit as needed.