How to Remove a Foriegn Object From a Garbage Disposal

My daughter means well and loves to help cook, but has not learned that garbage disposals will not eat up the metal 'hog rings' used to tie the ends of Turkey meat. To the ear I hear: clang clang, snap, snap, hummmmm lights dim and the circuit breaker trips. The modern disposal is rather easy to fix. usually a key will get most, but these little rings are too small to reach in and grab.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Channel Lock Pliers
• Phillips screw driver
• Straight slot screw driver
• flash light
• needle nose pliers

1. TURN OFF CIRCUIT BREAKER OR UNPLUG DISPOSAL IF SO EQUIPPED. YOU WILL LOSE FINGERS!!

2. 
    
   Armature tool inserted in center bottom

   try to dislodge foreign object first with tool inserted in center bottom.

3. 
    
   Dishwasher drain

   Remove Dishwasher drain hose, pictured here with red arrow.

4. 
    
   Main drain

   remove main drain pipe and fitting. May be screwed or a fitting.

5. 
    
   losen retaining ring.

   CAUTION THIS NEXT STEP WILL REQUIRE HEAVY WEIGHT. The disposal is usually around 50 to 75 pounds, be prepared to hold this amount of weight. losen ring counter clock wise 1/3 of a turn some are 1/2 turn, a simple visual inspection will tell you how far to turn to release the garbage disposal. see photo

6. Now, remove the rubber cover and inspect the disposal for what does not belong in there. Then to assemble it back together reverse the above steps.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time
• track parts
• do not force anything, it will come apart, this excludes the ring
• TURN POWER OFF!!!!!!! YOU WILL LOSE FINGERS OTHERWISE!!!
• RESPECT WEIGHT OF DISPOSAL IT WILL BE 50 TO 75 POUNDS.

Resources

• A Diy network removal and install video

[solidlady09]

on 8/4/2009 great article 5 stars and a recommend