Common Food Waste Disposer and Garbage Disposal Unit Issues & How to Fix Them
1. How to Reset Your Insinkerator
Insinkerator food waste disposers are a valuable addition to any commercial or residential kitchen, efficiently handling food scraps and reducing waste. However, like any appliance, they may encounter operational issues, from power failures to jammed blades. Before scheduling a repair, try these simple troubleshooting steps to restore functionality. These steps are suited to the major Insinkerator food waste disposer models including Evolution 100, Evolution 150, Evolution 200, Evolution 250, Model 46, Model 56, Model 66 and E75.
If your Insinkerator won’t turn on or has stopped working, a reset may be required due to an overload or power surge. Follow these steps to reset your unit:
- Turn off the power – Ensure the unit is switched off, unplug it, or turn off the circuit breaker for safety.
- Locate the reset button – The red reset button is typically found at the bottom of the disposer.
- Press and hold – Firmly press the reset button until you hear or feel a click.
- Restore power & test – Plug the unit back in, turn on the switch, and run water to check if it’s working.
2. How to Fix a Jammed Insinkerator Using an Allen Key
A jammed disposer is one of the most common Insinkerator issues, usually caused by food particles or foreign objects obstructing the blades. Fortunately, Insinkerator units include an Allen key (hex key) to help resolve jams quickly.
Steps to Clear a Jammed Insinkerator:
- Turn off the power – Disconnect the unit by unplugging it or turning off the breaker.
- Find the hex socket – Located at the centre of the underside of the disposer.
- Use an Allen key – Insert the supplied 1/4″ hex key into the socket.
- Rotate back and forth – Turn the key in both directions until the mechanism moves freely.
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Remove debris safely – Use tongs or pliers to remove obstructions (never use your hands!).
- Restore power & test – Reconnect power, switch on the unit, press the red reset button on the bottom and run water to verify smooth operation.
When to Call a Professional Insinkerator Technician
If your Insinkerator continues to malfunction after resetting or clearing a jam, professional servicing may be required. Persistent issues may indicate motor failure, electrical faults, or damaged internal components.
At Appliance Services Australia, we have been an authorised Insinkerator service agent in Melbourne for 30+ years providing:
- Warranty & non-warranty repairs
- Genuine replacement parts
- Expert servicing & maintenance
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Fast response for commercial & residential clients
