DIY: Fix your garbage disposal for just a few dollars

This is a D.I.Y. project I never saw coming. Now that I’ve read that a professional could charge you as much as $100 to do it, I’m pleased as pudding and shocked that anyone would spend this much money to get this job done.

Garbage disposals.

Some people swear buy them; others argue they are germ traps and wastes of money. Either way, I have one, and was disappointed when I flipped the on switch and heard absolutely nothing.

I am going to point my finger at my 9-year-old cousin, who used my kitchen sink to complete a self-assigned science project that included a chunky, white substance. Is that cement?!

I dealt with using one side of the sink for months before my frustration boiled over. At last, I sought help and headed to my local Lowe’s store. Here’s what you need to do:

• First, simply try the reset button. The disposal could have shut off because it became overheated or just plain cranky. There’s a little button on the underside of the disposal. Push it, then flip the on switch. If it doesn’t work, move on to plan B.
• Buy an Allen wrench; it kind of looks like an L. I did learn that a small, flimsy one won’t hold up. Pay the price for a wrench that’s a bit sturdier. It shouldn’t be more than a few dollars.
• Get a flashlight to help you see underneath your sink.
• Turn off the power. You don’t want to fool around with appliances of any kind when they are still on. Switch it off or unplug it.
• Insert the wrench into the small hole underneath the disposal.
• With it firmly in place, turn the wrench backward and forward. I was being far too gentle at first, afraid I’d break the wrench or the disposal. At last, I gave the wrench shorter and slightly harder turns until I was able to turn it completely from one side to the other. You should hear whatever is in there break free, too.
• Press the reset button.
• Turn the switch on.

I spent a few dollars and haven’t had a day of trouble sense. My only regret now is that I let so much time pass before I actually fixed it.

Have a D.I.Y. idea or need help with a simple D.I.Y. project? Email rcash@ajc.com or comment below.

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