My garbage disposal (Insinkerator 1996) does not stop running. I had to use the fuse to turn it off. It is a batch feeder, and should stop when I turn the top part. There is probably a broken wire somewhere. Could it be fixed?

Sonia Galletti, April 2007

My batch feed was stuck in the on position so as the user above I hit the breaker to stop electricity. After reading all you other users have done, I poured soft scrub on a toothbrush and scrubbed the switch then rinsed. When that didn't work I poured white vinegar over the switch and let set for a few seconds, then ran water over it and EUREKA, it works great now, THX so much for the information. This information has saved me a service call. Nicky

nicky whelan, August 2009

Here is a post I just found:

This unit is very slow to shut off, as if the switch sticks. An appliance parts website shows a kit with what appears to be a microswitch. I expected that the switch would be magnetic and sealed. Or is there a magnetically-activated piston which activates the microswitch? A word about theory would be very helpful to me. Since nothing appears to be sealed, I would assume the switch assembly might be repairable, perhaps by cleaning??? The kit is over $40!
Help much appreciated!
>>> Frank
It is a pushrod that is mechanically pushed in to activate a microswitch when you rotate the cover. It apparently gets gunky and will start to stick Mine stuck in the on position and was slow to shutoff.
You can feel it and push it in with your finger. I put some cleaner (forgot which one--WD-40 or a Silicone spray) on a tooth brush and worked on the switch from inside the disposal. It worked for a while and then I had to repeat the cleaning, eventually I got a replacement switch assembly from one pf their service shops. Didn't pay because it just made it under the
warranty. Was an easy replacement.
>MLD

wrote:
I couldn't seem to find the pushrod, but I will look again. If the end of the rod doesn't have a boot or something I would think the rod would get gummy all the time due to water splashing in.
> Thank you! Will report back!
>
I've found it. I think I will take the cover off the switch and see if I can extract the pushrod from the outside. Ought to be easier to give it a more thorough cleaning that way.

Rick, July 2008

the top actuates a button in the top og unit to turnn on, it is stuck, you may be able to remove and clean it, or you could in stall a switch in line under your cabinet for a contiuos feed action

bob, April 2007