Garbage Disposals

A garbage disposal that hums but won't spin is almost always a jammed flywheel — hit the reset button on the bottom, use the hex key in the center port to free the impeller, and it's usually running again in five minutes. A disposal that makes no sound at all is a tripped reset or a wiring issue. Leaks from the bottom mean the internal seals have failed and replacement makes more sense than repair. When shopping for a replacement, motor size (in horsepower) and grind stages matter more than brand; a 3/4 HP two-stage unit handles most households without the cost premium of a 1 HP motor.