We got a call from Massillon about an Admiral disposal that just hums when turned on with water that doesn’t go down. The unit had frozen up from lack of use, but breaking it loose got it running again.
The Problem
The customer reported that their disposal just hums when they turn it on and there is water in it that doesn’t go down. This is a classic sign of a jammed disposal unit that can’t rotate properly.
Diagnosis
The disposal had frozen up with unuse. When a disposal sits unused for extended periods, food particles and grease can harden and lock up the grinding mechanism, preventing the impeller from turning even though the motor tries to run.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: None required
- Work performed: Broke the disposal loose with a hex wrench
- Result: The unit is now operating correctly
Is It Worth Repairing?
Admiral disposals from this era were built to last, and this 5-81A model responded well to the service. However, given its age, it could eventually start leaking and need replacement. For now, regular use should prevent future freeze-ups.
Maintenance Tips for Admiral Disposals
- Run the disposal regularly, even if just with water, to prevent freeze-ups from disuse
- Use cold water when grinding to help solidify grease so it gets chopped up rather than coating the walls
- Keep the hex wrench that came with your Admiral disposal handy for manual rotation if needed
Appliance Repair in Massillon, OH
Massillon is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Canton, North Canton, and Alliance. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service in Massillon, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.