Having trouble with our 20 + year old (?) InSinkErator 333 garbage disposal. It was installed by a plumber/neighbor prior to our purchase of the house. It has worked fine for the 18 years that we have used it. The problem started with a jam. I was able to clean it out and losen the fly wheel such that it would turn freely all the way around except some friction on one side as if it were no longer concentric within the housing. Useing the allen wrench below, I was able to free it completely. However after turning the motor on, it seemed to work for about 20 seconds, but then it started making a louder grinding noise, while the flywheel stopped turning completely. I haven't taken it apart or evern removed it yet (Everytime I'm about ready to dig into this task, It seems to be about the time my wife is about to start preparing dinner... I do have priorities!), but it seems as if either the shaft has sheared off or the fastener that connects the flywheel to the shaft has sheared off.
Regardeless of the problem, I have acknwoledged that the disposer is over 20 years old, and I accept that it may be time to replace it! My question is... The previous disposer was a model available to plumbing contractors and not the retail public. The Current InSinkErator model line seams to consist of the "Evolution" line and the "Badger" line. At first glance the Badger line appears to "look" like my no-nonsense old unit. But reading consumer reviews, there seems to be a common problem with the plastic grind chamber, after about 2-3 years. I know it's quieter and Has more features, but is the Evolution series a higher quality better longevity unit?
And my REAL question is, is there a better series or disposer available from a professional plumbing store as compared to the Orange Depot Store? (I know that is the case with many products, but not all) I would rather spend a few dollars more for a quality product that will last another 20 years... or even 10 years as opposed to 3!
Regardeless of the problem, I have acknwoledged that the disposer is over 20 years old, and I accept that it may be time to replace it! My question is... The previous disposer was a model available to plumbing contractors and not the retail public. The Current InSinkErator model line seams to consist of the "Evolution" line and the "Badger" line. At first glance the Badger line appears to "look" like my no-nonsense old unit. But reading consumer reviews, there seems to be a common problem with the plastic grind chamber, after about 2-3 years. I know it's quieter and Has more features, but is the Evolution series a higher quality better longevity unit?
And my REAL question is, is there a better series or disposer available from a professional plumbing store as compared to the Orange Depot Store? (I know that is the case with many products, but not all) I would rather spend a few dollars more for a quality product that will last another 20 years... or even 10 years as opposed to 3!