InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
Whether it’s a residential or commercial kitchen sink, a heavy-duty garbage disposer is crucial for clearing food waste and preventing clogging in your plumbing. InSinkErator has durable disposal systems that operate quickly and efficiently. If you ever run into a rare issue, don’t worry. This guide features InSinkErator garbage disposal troubleshooting tips to assist you.
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
Below are diagnostic tips and instructions for InSinkErator garbage disposers:
Disposer Won’t Start (Water Won’t Flow)
- Incoming water is off or impeded – Turn on the electrical supply to the unit.
- Electrical disconnect switch’s delay hasn’t expired – When the electrical disconnect switch is reactivated there is a 30-second delay. If the delay doesn’t expire, wait 30 seconds and try starting the disposer again.
Disposer Won’t Start (Water Flows)
- Disposer overload protector tripped – Correct this issue by turning the unit’s control to off and pressing the red reset button on disposer.
- Disposer is jammed – Turn control to off position and clear the jam following the steps in the “Clearing a Jam” section at the bottom of this guide.
Disposer Motor Stops While Grinding (Water Flows)
- Disposer is jammed – Turn control to off position and clear the jam following the steps in the “Clearing a Jam” section at the bottom of this guide.
- Disposer overload protector tripped – Turning the disposer’s control off and press the red reset button on disposer. Let the disposer cool for about 5 minutes after running. Reset the overload protector by pressing the red reset button.
Disposer Runs Without Water Flowing (JC-50 Models Only)
This occurs on JC-50 models that are attached to the dishwasher or a direct water connection.
- Water supply is off – Make sure the water supply is turned on.
- Solenoid valve won’t open – If the solenoid valve won’t open, it will need to be replaced by an authorized technician.
Water Flows Nonstop Before Controls are Turned on
The water solenoid valve likely needs to be reinstalled. Make sure the valve’s arrow points in the direction of the water flow.
Overload Protector Trips Regularly
This occurs when the disposer is overloaded with food remnants. Make sure not to overload the unit with excess food waste during operation.
Clearing a Jam in an InSinkErator Garbage Disposal
The following instructions will help you clear a jam on the disposal. Before starting, turn the control off and disconnect power.
- Step 1. Insert a de-jamming wrench slot down through the sink opening. Place slot over raised bars found on top of the rotating shredder.
- Step 2. Twist the wrench forward and back to free the obstruction. Once the jam is released, the shredder should move freely. Remove all foreign materials before moving to the next step.
- Step 3. Let the disposer cool for about 5 minutes after running. Reset the overload protector by pressing the red reset button.
If the disposer still won’t run after clearing the jam, contact an authorized technician immediately to diagnose and repair.
Need more assistance with InSinkErator garbage disposal troubleshooting? Our online library of InSinkErator manuals has more diagnostic tips and resolutions to help.