Turn of events

So from everything I had been told and from all that I had researched, it looked like replacing the garbage disposal would be an easy job.  And I love do-it-yourself projects (a friend is probably chuckling right now about my “Oh, I think can fix that” comments) and learning how to fix things.  Unfortunately I don’t seem to have much retention if I just read up on something applying it quickly.  I learn best by doing so when things go wrong with my car or around the house, as long as I have the time and tools (and there’s little chance that I’ll make the situation worse, haha) I see those situations as opportunities.  And I feel kinda cool being able to handle some things on my own.

So I decided to tackle this project of replacing the disposal.  From what I read, it should be completed in about 30-60 minutes max.  I decided to allot a good 2-3 hours since I would likely read/re-read instructions and compare pictures and video with what I actually saw in front of me.

After much research and reading customer reviews I decided on the replacement disposal and went to the store to get it.  I came home with a different one because it was cheaper and seemed good enough.  In fact, the store employee told me I really didn’t need to have a disposal at all and explained the pipe adjustments I would make if I wanted to go that route.  (A friend had just told me today that a disposal wasn’t necessary and I thought he was joking!)  I decided not to go that route because I hadn’t researched it and didn’t want to delay things any longer.

Back at home I prepped for work.  I arranged my sorry collection of tools, towels & paper towels, and my phone near me.  As I was taking the old disposal off, I suddenly noticed a reset button on the back!  It had been hidden from view previously so even though we looked for it, we couldn’t find it and assumed there wasn’t one.  I was afraid to get excited but decided it was worth putting the disposal back in and seeing if it would work.  When all was ready, I flipped the switch and it hummed – good sign!!  Then I tried to unjam the blades and they finally turned!  (Yes, yes, I had the power off at all the right times.)  I tested the disposal again and it worked just like it used to!  Praise the Lord!

I felt giddy!  I just got the benefits of learning how a disposal would be removed and replaced without actually needing a new disposal!  A tiny bit more knowledgeable but money back in my pocket.    WOOOO HOOOO!!!