Another g. disposal?

[Scott Neumann]

This is mainly directed to "Appliance Tech 2". I have tested the outlet the disposal is plugged into, and it is dead, no juice. So I plugged the disposal into an extension cord and plugged it into a hot outlet. There was a louder hum, lasting about 30 seconds, then a quick short zap. That was it, no more sounds eminating. Now nothing is happening when I turn on the switch. Could this be a symptom like you were describing? Is the motor fried? The reset button is all the way out and will not push in. The plate and blades all turn freely. Thanks! BTW, it's a Kitchen Aid KCDC250, about 12 years old.

[ApplianceTech2]

Scott

I had to go back to reread your first posted question before replying to this post. In that post you said the motor hummed but the cutter did not rotate. Thus my thought the coupling between the motor and cutter head may have been broken.

Such now does not seem to be the case. But there is some progress being made here. The former electrical outlet either has a blown fuse or the braker has tripped. Determine the cause and correct that first.

But do not plug the disposal back into the outlet at this time. The intent here is to only restore power to the outlet. Fixing one thing at a time.

Based on the problem now, very likely the motor is burned up or frozen from rust or water entering the motor, etc. Now you will have to do the disassembly aspect. Remove the motor as suggested and described prior.

If you want to, take the motor to any electrical motor repair shop in your area. Testing can be done but usally not worth the time or cost, if any charge is incurred. Motor rebuilding costs about the same as a replacement motor.

Best bet, if the motor is shorted out, it is wornout beyond repairs. Time to replace the entire assembly with a totally brand new disposal. Which isn't all that difficult once the current unit is fully removed.

Full instructions come with new disposal units. Once the entire new unit is installed per instructions, the problem will be resolved. A new unit installations will end the problem for years to come. Allowing you to move onwards to other existing problems we all have.

By the way. Also check the outlet where the extension cord plugs into. Likely that fuse is blown or breaker is now tripped also.

TIP:
A table top lamp, plugged into the outlet, will prove power is present at the wall outlet.

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Forum Topic Moderator Request:
Kindly combine the two posts into one post, so all the communications remain together.

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Good Luck.
ApplianceTech2
Natural & Propane Gas Appliance Service Rep.
Use Logic and Common Sense When All Else Fails