Appliances & Fixtures · Dishwasher & Disposal
Dishwasher and Disposal — real answers.
Install, replacement, clog fixes, common leaks.
All questions in this topic
Can a handyman install a dishwasher in Washington?
Yes — a handyman can install a like-for-like dishwasher replacement: pull the old unit, disconnect the water supply and drain, slide the new unit in, and reconnect. What we can't do without a licensed electrician: hardwire a new circuit or upgrade the receptacle. Almost all replacements reuse the existing power connection, so this rarely comes up.
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?
A humming-but-not-spinning disposal is almost always jammed. There's a hex slot on the bottom of the disposal — insert the little Allen wrench (usually taped to the disposal or included with it) and turn it back and forth to free the flywheel. Then press the reset button on the bottom. If it runs, remove whatever caused the jam (usually a fruit pit, a bone, or a rubber band).