InSinkErator is one of the most popular garbage disposal brands. The Badger 5, just like the other inSinkErator models, lives up to the reputation. It is a reliable and functional choice when affordability is the prime concern. Your Badger 5 garbage disposal can develop issues, just like any other garbage disposal.
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.
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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:
- Start by making sure the garbage disposal’s switch is in the off position. Also, if the sink is full of water, wait for it to drain, or use a bucket to bail the water.
- Then, insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal. The hole is located under the sink at the bottom of the garbage disposal, dead center, facing the floor. Use the wrench like a crank.
- Work the wrench back and forth in both directions. Use some force if the wrench will not turn easily.
- Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.
- Check the overload protector located under the sink, on the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. It is a small square red button. If the overload protector has tripped, the red will have dropped down about a quarter of an inch. Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait 10 minutes and try again.
- Using a flashlight, look down into the garbage disposal to inspect the grinding chamber. Do not put your hand into the garbage disposal. Pay close attention to the area around the outer edge of the garbage disposal’s shredding disk where you see the little teeth. If you see anything in the garbage disposal, use tongs or pliers to remove it.
- Turn on the water, then the garbage disposal. It should now run. If it jams again, use the wrench again. You may need to repeat the process several times.
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:
- Leaking- if you see a puddle beneath your sink or on the floor, the unit may be leaking. Leaking can be as a result of bad sealing or connection to other areas of the plumbing system. The garbage disposal can also leak if the unit is broken.
- Unusual noises- If your garbage disposal continues to make unusual rattling, humming, or screeching noises, it could be a sign it is broken.
- Foul odor- If you smell foul odor around your garbage disposal, it could be indicative of a broken garbage disposal. The source of the odor comes from food particles trapped in the unit over a long period of time, or the garbage disposal’s blades are getting stuck and not spinning properly due to years of wear and tear.
- Constant reset- If you constantly have to reset your garbage disposal, this indicates a severe issue. This sign also indicates the possibility of a broken garbage disposal.
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:
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse. To be certain, switch the breaker off then on, or replace the fuse.
- If the breaker or fuse is OK, check that the electrical switch is working properly. To do this, unplug the garbage disposal and plug something else into the outlet for a test. Make sure that the test device is turned on.
- Flip the switch on and off several times. Your electrical device should turn on and off with the switch.
- If the test device turns on and off with the switch, your garbage disposal needs service. If the test device does not turn on and off, the outlet has a problem and needs to be fixed.
If your garbage disposal is hardwired, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse. To be certain, switch the breaker off then on, or replace the fuse.
- If the garbage disposal still does not run, the problem may be in the garbage disposal, or in the electrical system.
- Check the red reset button on the garbage disposal. If the reset button has popped, gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait 10 minutes and try again.
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:
- Use a plunger or plumber’s helper to free the clog. If you have a multiple bowl sink, place a stopper to block off the other sinkhole opening.
- Fill the sink with four inches (10 cm) of water. Place the plunger over the garbage disposal opening and press down slowly and gently. Then, using your strength, quickly pull the plunger upwards. Repeat this pulling action several times.
- When the clog is dislodged, run the water and the garbage disposal for about two minutes.
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 pliers
- Wrenchette (small wrench)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver
Then follow these steps:
- Turn off the electrical power at the fuse or circuit breaker. Then, using adjustable pliers, disconnect the drain top from the garbage disposal waste discharge tube.
- Support the garbage disposal with one hand and insert the end of the wrenchette or screwdriver into the right side of one mounting lug on the lower mounting ring. Slightly lift the garbage disposal and loosen the lower mounting ring by pushing or pulling the wrenchette or screwdriver to the left until the garbage disposal is free from the mounting assembly.
- Lay the garbage disposal on its side and remove the electrical cover plate from the bottom. Loosen the green ground screw and remove wire connectors. Disconnect garbage disposal wires from electrical supply wires. Loosen screws on the electrical clamp connector and remove wires from the garbage disposal.
- To remove the existing mounting hardware, loosen the three mounting screws, pry the snap ring off with a screwdriver and remove the old mounting assembly.
- Push the old sink flange up through the sink hole. Use a screwdriver or putty knife to carefully scrape all old putty from the edge of the sink hole.
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.
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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:
- Start by making sure the garbage disposal’s switch is in the off position. Also, if the sink is full use a bucket to bail the water.
- Then, insert the jam-buster wrench that came with the garbage disposal (or you can use any 1/4-inch hex wrench) into the hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal. The hole is located under the sink at the bottom of the garbage disposal, dead center, facing the floor. Use the wrench like a crank.
- Work the wrench back and forth in both directions. Use some force if the wrench will not turn easily.
- Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.
- Check the overload protector located under the sink, on the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. It is a small square red button. If the overload protector has tripped, the red will have dropped down about a quarter of an inch. Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait 10 minutes and try again.