Insinkerator not digesting its load

[John Keith]

I have a Insinkerator, model Badger 5, 1/2 HP, that is not very consistent at grinding a load. The motor runs quietly and the blades on the on the rotating plate seem to swivel freely yet it doesn't complete the job. The unit is about 6 years old and the cutting surface on the outside perimeter does look a little worn and is rusty but I wouldn't expect that to affect the operation. I'm looking at this for an older couple so I have no day-to-day experience with the unit but i did not do much with a handful of carrots we tried to feed it. And the homemaker says it just doesn't work well.

Any advice? I hate to replace it for them without seeing something really out of whack with it.

John Keith [e-mail]

[JoeSpareBedroom]

Ask them what sorts of stuff they're trying to dispose of. Get a list of

5-10 things. There *are* foods that no disposal will deal with. Let us know what you find out.

[DanG]

Wive's tale or not, the old adage is ice cubes, fruit pits, and steak bones will sharpen a disposer. It won't cost much to try, it won't harm anything, and worst case, will require replacement.

[Red Green]

"DanG" wrote in news:NrsTj.69777$y05.18593 @newsfe22.lga:

I've used ice cubes for years in many disposers. I personally don't believe it sharpens. I just believe it clears the accumulated small bits and pieces that won't go down and are stuck in a place where the disposer grinding can't get at it.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Thanks for the laugh.

[John Keith]

The list was typical table scraps and running water was always used (which was the only tip I got from Insinerators web page regarding possible problems.)

The home owners are willing to spring for a new unit so that's what we're going to do for them.

John Keith [e-mail]