How To Fix A Waste King Garbage Disposal That Hums But Won’t Work In 5 Easy Ways

 

A well-functioning garbage disposal is essential in any commercial kitchen. Waste King garbage disposals are very durable but like any other equipment, they are bound to develop some issues. One of the most frequent problems that restaurant owners encounter is when the disposal makes a humming sound but cannot grind food. This can be quite inconvenient in a kitchen, fortunately, the fix is usually simple.In this article, we will discuss 5 simple ways on how to deal with a Waste King garbage disposal that hums but won’t turn on so you can get back to using your kitchen again.

5 Easy Ways to Fix a Waste King Garbage Disposal That Hums But Won’t Work

Here are 5 simple solutions to fix a Waste King garbage disposal that hums but won’t grind.

1. Turn Off Power and Remove Blockages

Once you’re certain there’s no power, inspect the inside of the disposal.

Commercial kitchens produce large amounts of food waste and it is not uncommon for utensils or bones to get caught in the grinder.

How to fix it:

• Use a flashlight to locate any debris blocking the flywheel or blades.

• Any visible obstructions should be removed gently using tongs or pliers. Keep your hand away from the disposal.

• Once the debris has been removed, press the red reset button on the disposal's bottom to reset it.

2. Press the Reset Button

Waste King garbage disposals are equipped with a reset button that can help when the unit has experienced an overload or overheating. Frequently, pressing this button will fix little problems that are causing the unit to hum but not grind.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug the disposal and switch off the electricity.

2. Find the unit's reset button, which is often red, on the bottom.

3. The button will click if you press it.

4. Reinstall the unit's plug and turn it on.

If the disposal starts grinding, the problem may have been a temporary overload, and the reset was all it needed. If humming is further persisted, then proceed to the next step.

3. Manually Turn the Flywheel Using a Hex Key

If pressing the reset button doesn’t solve the issue, the flywheel may be stuck due to debris or an obstruction. Waste King disposals come with a hex key, sometimes referred to as an Allen wrench, which is used to manually turn the flywheel.

How to fix it:

1. Place the hex key into the slot located in the center of the disposal's bottom.

2. Turn the key clockwise and counterclockwise to free up any blockages.

3. Apply steady pressure to turn the flywheel. If there’s resistance, it may indicate a jam that you’ve yet to clear.

4. Once the flywheel is free to move, reset the disposal by pressing the reset button.

4. Examine Electrical Components for Issues

Sometimes, an electrical issue rather than a mechanical one can be the cause of a buzzing disposal. The motor may be getting power but the grinding mechanism is not working because of some wiring or connection issues.

How to fix it:

1. Make that the disposal is connected to a working outlet.

2. To make sure the power supply to the disposal hasn't been cut off, check the circuit breaker.

3. If you are confident with electrical work, check the wiring of the disposal unit to see if there is any sign of damage or loose connections.The wire may need to be changed if there are any signs of wear.

5. Use a Broomstick or Wooden Spoon to Dislodge Stuck Debris

If the disposal is still humming and nothing else seems to work, the flywheel may be stuck due to debris that’s too hard to remove by hand. In this case, you can use a long tool like a broomstick or wooden spoon to try and loosen the flywheel manually.

How to fix it:

1. Put a wooden spoon handle or a long broomstick into the disposal while the power is off.

2. Apply gentle force to push against the flywheel or try to turn it.

3. Move the flywheel back and forth to dislodge any stuck debris.

4. After the flywheel is free to move, test the disposal by pressing the reset button.

This method can be especially effective if there are hard-to-reach items wedged in the disposal that you cannot easily remove by hand.

Bonus Tip: Check for Leaks or Overheating

If your Waste King disposal is still running and not operating as it should be, it could be useful to look for any signs of leakage or heat. Leakages are a sign that the seals are worn out and this may call for replacement of the entire unit. Overheating could be caused by running the disposal for extended periods or a malfunctioning motor. If you suspect a major issue, it’s best to seek professional help.

How to check:

1. Inspect the seals around the disposal for any water leaks.

2. Feel the motor to see if it’s excessively hot. If it is, the motor might need to be replaced.

A humming Waste King garbage disposal that won’t grind food can often be fixed with a few simple steps. By clearing blockages, resetting the unit, and checking for electrical issues or replacing worn-out Waste King garbage disposal parts, you can get your disposal back in action. Regular maintenance will help prevent future problems and keep your kitchen running efficiently.

Written by Allen Rode for PartsFe, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial restaurant equipment, including ice machine and oven parts.