Is your Badger 500 garbage disposal acting up? Don’t worry, you likely won’t need to replace it just yet – a quick reset could be the answer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Badger 500 garbage disposal reset process to restore its operation and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Common Signs That a Reset is Needed: A Troubleshooter’s Checklist
First things first: is a reset really what you need, here? Before we go through the steps, let’s look at some of the most common reasons why you may need to reset your Badger 500 garbage disposal.
1. Humming Without Operation
The unmistakable hum from your disposal without any actual grinding is a clear signal that something is wrong. There are a few reasons why it may be humming, but it usually happens when your garbage disposal is overloaded or jammed.
2. Frequent Jams
While we’re on the subject, does your Badger 500 seem prone to jams, disrupting its otherwise smooth operation? Frequent jams can not only be a result of overloading, but also introducing items that shouldn’t be in there. Your garbage disposal may be powerful, but it can’t handle everything!
3. Slow or No Draining
Finally, a slow drain or complete lack of drainage is another sign of a potential problem with the disposal. This issue could be due to a jam, a clog, or an overload.
How to Reset Your Badger 500 Garbage Disposal
If you have been encountering any of the above problems then yes, resetting your Badger 500 may be the answer! Simply follow the step-by-step instructions below to perform one.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off all power to the disposal. You don’t want the power to turn on when you’re working, especially if you need to clear a jam before the reset.
So, be sure to turn it off using the power switch on the wall or under the sink, or unplug the unit to eliminate any potential electrical hazards.
Step 2: Clear Any Jams
Now that the power is off, it’s time to check for any visible jams or obstructions. Using a flashlight, look into the garbage disposal to see if you can find anything.
If you do see something and it’s large enough, you can use tongs or something similar to pull it out. Otherwise, use the Allen key that should have come with the disposal (or a replacement key) to manually turn the impellers and dislodge the obstruction.
Step 3: Locate the Reset Button
After clearing any obstructions, you can officially move forward with the reset. Just look for the red square button on the bottom of the garbage disposal, and press it to perform a reset.
Step 4: Reconnect the Power and Test the Disposal
Finally, you can reconnect the power to see if the reset has fixed the problem. Simply turn on the disposal with running water, and check for any unusual sounds or vibrations. If all appears to be running smoothly, then you’re done!
What If It Won’t Reset?
Unfortunately, you may run into a situation where the reset button just won’t work. So, if the reset button pops back out right after you release it, then you may be looking at a much bigger problem.
This often happens when there’s an issue with the disposal’s internal circuitry, and there’s no easy fix here. In this case, the best thing you can do is replace the garbage disposal or call in a professional to fix your current one.
How to Prevent Issues with Your Garbage Disposal
If you don’t want to go through the reset process again anytime soon, then the good news is that there are a few things you can do to help prevent future issues with your Badger 500. Check out some of our top maintenance tips below.
Don’t Overload It
Don’t cram too much into the disposal. Put in smaller amounts of food at a time to keep things running smoothly.
Use Cold Water
When you’re using the disposal, turn on the cold water. It helps clean things out and keeps the disposal from getting too hot, which can make it last longer.
Use a Disposal Cleaner
Every so often, use a disposal cleaner to keep things smelling fresh and clean. It stops gunk from building up, so your disposal works like a champ.
Skip Tough and Hard Foods
Do you know what you can put in a garbage disposal? Well, you should certainly avoid putting tough stuff like celery, potato peels, and pasta down the disposal, as well as hard things like bones, fruit pits, or seafood shells. They can clog your disposal and/or break its blades.
Citrus Freshness
Every now and then, toss in some citrus peels. It freshens up the disposal and helps clean it out. Citrus fruits are like a natural scrub brush.
Turn it on Regularly
Even if there’s nothing to get rid of, turn on the disposal every so often. It helps prevent rust and keeps things moving smoothly.
Check for Drips
Keep an eye out for leaks around your disposal. If you see any, fix them up fast to avoid water damage and keep your disposal working well.
By incorporating these preventative maintenance tips into your routine, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal, minimize the need for resets, and ensure a more reliable and efficient kitchen appliance.
A Quick Fix for Badger 500 Woes
Resetting your Badger 500 garbage disposal is a straightforward solution that can save you from unnecessary kitchen headaches. By following these simple steps and integrating basic troubleshooting and maintenance tips into your routine, you’re well-equipped to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Remember, if the reset doesn’t do the trick, or if things seem tricky, it’s entirely acceptable to call in the professionals. Now, go ahead and get that disposal back in action!
Need a new Badger 500 garbage disposal? Find one here.