Press the switch and nothing happens at all. Here's what to do about disposal problems in Chicago — including the local factors that change the advice.
Do this right now
Hit the reset button
Under the unit there's a small red/black reset button. Press it firmly, then try the switch. This fixes the majority of 'dead' disposals.
Clear the jam safely
Turn the switch OFF. Insert an Allen wrench in the bottom socket and work it back and forth to free the flywheel. Use tongs — never fingers — to remove the obstruction.
Check for power
Make sure it's plugged in and the breaker hasn't tripped. If the reset keeps tripping, the motor is likely done.
Run cold water when using it
Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding — it keeps grease solid so it flushes through instead of coating the drain.
Call if it's leaking or dead
Call (844) 699-1165. Leaking disposals and burned-out motors mean replacement — a straightforward pro job.
Garbage Disposal Issues in Chicago? Talk to a local pro now.
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What makes disposal problems different in Chicago
- brick bungalows and vintage two-flats, nearly all with basements
- Moderately hard Lake Michigan water
- In Chicago, polar-vortex winters with brutal freeze-thaw cycles
- Combined sewers mean heavy rains back up into basements — sump pumps and overhead sewers are Chicago essentials
Neighborhoods
If you're in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Naperville, Aurora, Evanston, Pilsen, Oak Park, Joliet, or anywhere across the Chicago metro — Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin — the steps above apply. Call (844) 699-1165 and mention your neighborhood so we match you with a pro who knows the area.
What to tell the pro when you call
- Exactly what it does: dead, humming, jammed, leaking, or tripping the reset
- The brand and approximate age if visible
- Whether it's leaking — and from where
- Whether the sink drains normally otherwise
- Whether you want repair or are open to replacement (units are affordable)
Not quite your problem?
| Both sink sides draining slowly | Drain clog beyond the disposal in Chicago → |
| Disposal fine, but odor from the drain | Drain buildup — describe on the call in Chicago → |
| Leak from the faucet above | Faucet issue in Chicago → |
Garbage Disposal Issues in Chicago — FAQs
My Chicago disposal jams constantly — why?
Anything special about disposal replacement in Chicago?
How long do garbage disposals last?
Can I replace it myself?
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