A garbage disposal that becomes unusually hot can be alarming and may indicate electrical, mechanical, or usage problems. This article explains common causes, safety precautions, diagnostic steps, and fixes you can try yourself — plus when to call a pro.
The overload protector has triggered to prevent the motor from burning out.
When running your disposal, always use a steady stream of cold water. Cold water solidifies grease and fats so they can be chopped up and washed away safely, whereas hot water melts grease, allowing it to coat the motor and solidify deeper in your plumbing.
Cut power
While these steps will solve the vast majority of problems, there are times when it's best to call a professional.
Insert the specialized InSinkErator Jam-Buster™ wrench (or a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench
Overheating is frequently caused by the motor straining against a jam. Even if the power is off, the motor may still be "hot" if it was recently trying to turn a stuck flywheel. how to fix a insinkerator garbage disposal hot
A hot disposal is often a stuck disposal. Even after resetting, the motor will overheat again if the impellers can’t spin.
This is where 90% of overheating failures happen.
If your InSinkErator continues to run hot even when there are no physical obstructions and the flywheel spins freely with a wrench, the unit is experiencing an internal component failure. A garbage disposal that becomes unusually hot can
Flip the wall switch or press the sink-top air switch to the "OFF" position.
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