Before you consider contacting service, it helps to try out simple troubleshooting procedures to see if the problem resolves. The company has included a self-service wrench that comes with the unit. In this guide, we look at some common issues with the Badger 5 and what to do to resolve them.
InSinkErator Badger 5 troubleshooting
If your garbage disposal stops as soon as you turn it on, and the reset button keeps tripping, it is likely because of the following reasons:
The garbage disposal is overheated. Wait 3-5 minutes before trying again.A large piece of debris is interfering with the rotor. Inspect the grinding chamber and use tongs or pliers to remove any object that you may see. Never reach into the mouth of the garbage disposal with your hands.
If the reset button pops out immediately you release it, that’s usually indicates a problem with the internal circuitry. You may need to call a licensed service technician to check it out.
What does it mean when your garbage disposal just hums?
If your garbage disposal won’t turn on but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the inner flywheel is jammed. This problem is usually as a result of food or a foreign objected being stuck between the impeller(s) and the shredder ring inside the disposal. Usually, this causes the garbage disposal’s reset button to pop.
Does a Badger 5 garbage disposal have a reset button?
The Badger 5 garbage disposal is equipped with a device called an overload protector or reset button. The overload protector/reset button is located under the sink, on the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. It is a red square button. Check this too: How to sharpen garbage disposal blades The overload protector will automatically turn the garbage disposal off if jammed, if the garbage disposal is run for a very long time, or if there is another issue. If the overload protector is tripped, you will see the red button dropped down about a quarter of an inch (5mm). Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait 10 minutes and try again.
Why did my Badger 5 garbage disposal stop working?
There may be several different reasons why your garbage disposal has jammed or stopped working. To fix a garbage disposal that has stopped working, you’ll need a wrench (a self-service wrench is normally included, or you can use a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench), flashlight, and tongs or pliers. Then follow these instructions below: Additionally, consider the following tips:
Run garbage disposal along with moderate flow of cold water. Continue to run cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete.Avoid using hot water when grinding food waste. It is ok to drain hot water into the garbage disposal between grinding periods.Never pour grease or fat into your garbage disposal or drain.
How do you know if your garbage disposal is broken?
There are several signs which could indicate your garbage disposal is broken and needs to be replaced:
Badger 5 garbage disposal leaking
If your garbage disposal is leaking, follow the troubleshooting instructions below.
If the garbage disposal is leaking from the mounting assembly:
Check that the mounting assembly is properly assembled.Ensure that the garbage disposal locking ring is rotated fully to the right.Check the three screws, making sure each is tight and secure.If it is a new installation, check under the sink flange for excessive plumber’s putty. Remove the garbage disposal, remove any excess plumber’s putty, tighten the screws, remount the garbage disposal and test for leaks again.
If the garbage disposal is leaking at the discharge:
Check that the discharge nut or bolts are tight.Check the gasket for accumulated debris or cracks. Replace any cracked parts.Check the discharge elbow for any cracks and verify that the elbow/trap joint is tight. Replace any cracked parts.
If the garbage disposal is leaking at the dishwasher inlet:
Check if the knockout plug was removed. The knockout plug is a small piece inside of the garbage disposal at the dishwasher inlet. In needs to be removed in order to hook up the dishwasher drain hose properly.Check to see if the clamps are tight.If using a hose adapter, check that the hose adapter is intact and tight.Verify that the elbow/trap joint is tight.
If garbage disposal is leaking through the wall of the container body, confirm it is not leaking from the top of the garbage disposal at the mounting assembly and dripping down through the wall. If confirmed, your garbage disposal may need service. If water appears to be leaking from the bottom, confirm it is not leaking from somewhere else and dripping down to the bottom. If confirmed, your garbage disposal may need service. If garbage disposal is leaking from adjacent plumbing, tighten joints as required.
Badger 5 garbage disposal won’t turn on
To fix a garbage disposal that won’t turn on, first determine if your garbage disposal is hardwired or connected to an outlet. If your garbage disposal is plugged into a standard wall outlet, follow these troubleshooting steps: If your garbage disposal is hardwired, follow these troubleshooting steps:
How to unclog a Badger 5 garbage disposal
When your garbage disposal is clogged and won’t drain water from the sink, try the following tips to fix the problem:
How to remove a Badger 5 garbage disposal
You may need to remove your garbage disposal to install a replacement. To remove a garbage disposal, you will need the following materials:
Adjustable pliersWrenchette (small wrench)Flathead screwdriverPhilips screwdriver
Then follow these steps:
Badger garbage disposal not draining
If your garbage disposal is not draining, it is likely because of a clog. The way garbage disposal work, they have a spinning impeller(s) and a canister with serrations on it. When the rotor spins, the impellers push food waste against the serrations. The shredded food then washes through a gap between the rotor and the canister. The gap isn’t wide, so it is common for debris, especially stingy foods and small bones to get stuck. When the debris fills the entire gap, water can’t pass through and it backs up into the sink. Check this too: Barracuda Garbage Disposal How to & Troubleshooting Guide To strategy for getting debris out of the gap involves reversing the rotor, flushing the garbage disposal with water, and then turning on the garbage disposal and allowing the debris to wash through. Follow these steps to fix a Badger 5 garbage disposal that is not draining:
