American Standard Intermittent Mechanical Binding

Disposal runs but occasionally seizes or slows dramatically, then recovers.

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Possible Causes

Loose debris intermittently jamming impellers, Warped turntable, Partially broken impeller lug catching on shredder ring, Misaligned grinding components

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF power before inspecting.

Thoroughly clean chamber: Use tongs and a flashlight to remove all loose debris, then flush with plenty of water.
Rotate manually: Use a hex wrench or wooden stick to rotate the turntable several full revolutions, feeling for any tight spots.
Short test runs: Restore power and run the American Standard disposal in short bursts with water, listening for binding.
Persistent binding: If the unit continues to seize intermittently with no debris present, internal damage is likely. Plan for replacement.

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Grinding Chamber and Impeller Assembly

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