Badger 1 Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

The Badger 1 garbage disposal unit comes with a space-saving compact design and sports a heavy-duty motor. Like other models in the InSinkErator Badger Series, it is a functional and reliable choice when your primary concern is affordability. As you can see, it comes with an array of great features, including a galvanized steel construction, the 1/3 Horsepower Dura-Drive Induction Motor and the Quick Lock Sink Mount that allows for easy installation and replacement.

Now, like other garbage disposers, you will experience some problems with the Badger 1 along the way. To make sure that the unit lasts long, you should know some troubleshooting tips that will keep it up and running.

It Hums, But Does Not Work.

Like most garbage disposal units, the Badger 1 has an opening at the bottom of its housing. If you see that the shredding plate is stuck, you can insert a disposer wrench that came with the package (it is shaped like a little crank, about 4 inches long) or a ¼-inch Allen wrench into the bottom and then wiggle the plate back and forth until it moves freely. If your unit does not have an opening at the bottom, you can instead insert a broom handle into the opening of the drain to perform the wiggling maneuver. If the shredding plate is not stuck and the motor still hums after freeing up the plate, this indicates a defective or worn-out motor, which is not repairable, so you need to replace it.

In case the grinding plate is jammed, you can insert an Allen wrench into the opening at the bottom of its housing and turn the plate to make it clear of obstruction. If your unit does not have such an opening, you can do the same step with the broom handle stated above. If there is still a humming sound after the plate is freed up, or if it does not turn freely, then you might need to replace the entire disposer.

Its Grinding Plate Is Stuck.

As previously mentioned, you can insert the appropriate wrench into its bottom and wiggle the grinding plate back and forth until it moves freely. However, you can do it manually to get the plate clear of any debris. If this does not solve the problem, then the motor bearings may be defective. Through the bottom opening of the housing again, you can insert a disposer wrench or a compatible inch Allen wrench to free up the plate. If the problem persists, then one of the most possible causes is that the bearings are damaged. As these are parts of the disposer motor, which is not replaceable, it is high time that you get another garbage disposal unit.

It Is Generating a Very Loud Noise.

If your Badger 1 garbage disposal is producing a loud noise, then you should check its shredding plate. See if it wiggles or wobbles up and down or if its blades are stuck, which entails replacement of the unit.

It Leaks Water.

Your disposer would leak water when its sink flange gasket is torn. If this is the problem, you can just replace the gasket. Aside from this, make sure that the sink flange is tightened properly. Moreover, this problem can also be caused by torn or broken O-ring or splash guard, which you should replace if this is the case.

It Only Hums When The Reset Button Is Hit.

If your Badger 1 unit hums but does not grind, it could be that the device is jammed. Using its self-service wrench or your own standard ¼-inch Allen wrench, you can start troubleshooting this problem. First, you should see to it that the switch of the disposal unit is in the OFF position and make sure that water is not running during this procedure. Looking under the sink, you can locate the hole, at the center of the bottom of its housing. Insert the wrench into the hole, and while holding the tool up in the hole, try to make a complete revolution, where you should be able to turn the wrench freely, both clockwise and counter-clockwise. If you feel that there is resistance in both directions, work the wrench in a back and forth motion and you may use force if needed. You will be able to know that you are applying too much force if the entire unit starts to turn.

Once you are able to turn the wrench freely in a complete revolution in both directions, you can remove the tool from the hole. With the disposer still switched off, look down into the chamber, which you can view from the opening of the sink hole. Now, hold the black flaps back and look down into the chamber with a flashlight and check if there is anything that may still be binding or hindering the plate, or something that might have dislodged during the previous procedures.

Remember not to put your hands into the chamber and pay special attention to the area around the shredding disk’s outer edge. You will see that there is a small space between the floor—the flat surface of the shredding disk—and the wall of the unit. After you carefully checked the space, follow the circumference of the ring to try to see if there is anything that should not be there. If you do find debris or obstruction, then retrieve it by using a pair of tongs or pliers. And again, do not put your hands inside the garbage disposal. After all these, you can now turn the faucet on and run water through for fifteen to twenty seconds and then turn the switch of the unit onto check if it is operating properly.

If the troubleshooting tips outlined in this article do not resolve the issue at hand, it might indicate that the unit may need to be serviced or replaced. Contact the professionals to take care of the matter for you and avoid costly problems.

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