Why Is My InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Not Working?

This guide on InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Not Working will break down:

• What is garbage disposal air switch
• Reasons behind garbage disposal not working
• How do you check garbage disposal air switch
• How do you replace garbage disposal air switch

In This Article:

• What Is Garbage Disposal Air Switch?
• Why Is My InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Not Working?
  • Defective Air Switch
  • Kinked Air Switch Tubing 
  • Tripped Reset Button 
• How To Check Garbage Disposal Air Switch Electrically?
• How To Replace InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What Is Garbage Disposal Air Switch?

A garbage disposal air switch  is a non-electric button that turns on and off your garbage disposal by sending a burst of air through the tubing to the control box. 

The garbage disposal air switch is a safe and convenient way to operate the garbage disposal. When you press the air switch, it sends air through the tubing to activate the garbage disposal. 

Why Is My InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Not Working?

Your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal air switch won’t work due to a defective air switch, kinked air switch tube, and tripped reset button.

Defective Air Switch

A faulty air switch is the first culprit that throws a wrench into work.

When you press the air switch, no air will go through the tube to activate the garbage disposal if the switch is at fault.

Generally, the following reasons are responsible for a faulty garbage disposal air switch, including:

• The air switch gets stuck
• The air switch wire connection comes loose

How To Check Garbage Disposal Air Switch:

Place the thumb over the end of the air switch hose. You should feel some resistance when pressing the button and some air traveling through the hose.

If no air is traveling through the hose and you don’t feel any resistance, I bet the air switch is at fault. In other words, you need to replace the air switch on your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal.

Check the ‘How To Replace InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch’ section to discover the replacement procedure. 

Kinked Air Switch Tubing

Kinks in the air switch tubing are another reason behind a non-functioning air switch. 

Because of the kinked air switch tube, no air will travel through the tube to activate the garbage disposal when you press the air switch button. 

Restrictions in the air switch tube can prevent the garbage disposal from turning on.

How To Fix: 

First, check the air switch tube from the switch to the control box under the sink. Straighten up the air switch tube if the tube gets kinked or bent.

If straightening up the tubing doesn’t bring luck, I bet there is a blockage in the tube. 

To remove the restriction from the air switch tube, detach the tubing from the air switch port and control box. Then, use an air compressor to eliminate blockage from the air switch tubing. 

Finally, reattach the air switch tubing to the air switch and the control box.

Tripped Reset Button

The garbage disposal’s air switch may not work if the reset button gets tripped.

Every garbage disposal has a reset button at the bottom of the unit. It’s a safety feature that shuts off the electric supply to the unit due to overload or overheating.

Generally, the garbage disposal gets overheated because of a jam in the grinding chamber.

How To Fix:

Resetting the garbage disposal will be a simple fix if the air switch doesn’t work due to a tripped reset button. To reset your garbage disposal:

• Disconnect your garbage disposal from the power source.
• Remove the obstruction from the grinding chamber.
• Locate the reset button at the bottom of the unit.
• Press the reset button.
• Restore the power to the garbage disposal.
• Run cold water and press the air switch to turn on your garbage disposal.

How To Check Garbage Disposal Air Switch Electrically?

To check the garbage disposal air switch electrically, go along with the following steps:

• Ensure that the garbage disposal switch circuit is operating correctly.
• Attach the probes of the multimeter to a set of switch leg poles.
• Operate the garbage disposal.
• When you press the air switch button, the multimeter should show continuity if the switch functions correctly.

If the multimeter shows no continuity, understand the air switch is at fault. In other words, you should replace the garbage disposal air switch. 

How To Replace InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch?

To replace the InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch, try these steps:

• Detach your garbage disposal from the electric connection to ensure safety.

• Unscrew the fixing from the old air switch until it becomes loose.

• Disconnect the air switch hose from the bottom of the garbage disposal unit.

• Remove the air switch and hose from the placement hole.

• Unpack the new air switch and unscrew the fixing from the new air switch.

• Connect the hose to the new air switch.

• Feed the other end of the hose through the placement hole.

• Insert the new air switch into the placement hole and secure the air switch with the provided fixing.

• Attach the new button to the front of the air switch.

• Reconnect the hose to the bottom of the garbage disposal hose. 

FAQs

Why is my InSinkErator garbage disposal air switch not responding?

The InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch won’t respond because of issues like a disconnected or damaged air tube, a faulty switch button, a problem with the control box, or an electrical issue with the disposal unit itself.

What should I do if the air tube is damaged?

Replace the air tube if it gets damaged. You can find the air tube in your local hardware store or contact the InSinkErator Customer Support. 

How do I check if the control box is working properly?

To check if the control board is working:

• Press the air switch button and listen for a clicking sound in the control box, indicating it’s receiving the air signal.
• If there’s no click, the control box might be defective, and you need to replace it.
• Ensure the control box is attached to the power and the garbage disposal unit.

What can cause the air switch button to fail?

The air switch button gets defective due to wear and tear, accumulation of dirt or debris, or internal mechanical failure. Cleaning or replacing the button might resolve the issue.

Is it possible for the air switch mechanism to get clogged?

Yes, debris or grime can clog the air switch mechanism. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent this. Ensure the area around the button and air tube is kept clean.

Can electrical issues affect the air switch operation?

Yes, electrical problems such as a tripped circuit breaker, faulty outlet, or issues within the garbage disposal unit can prevent the air switch from functioning.

When should I call a professional for help?

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the air switch issue, it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber or an authorized InSinkErator service technician. Persistent problems might indicate deeper electrical or mechanical issues.

Read: InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

Conclusion

The garbage disposal air switch helps you operate your garbage disposal safely instead of tapping the traditional wall switch.

However, your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch won’t work if:

• The air switch gets faulty
• Kinked or damaged air switch tube
• Tripped reset button

To resolve the air switch issue, replace the air switch if required. Then, straighten up the air switch tube or replace it. Lastly, reset the garbage disposal if the reset button gets tripped.

Keep the air switch area clean and dry. Ensure the air switch connection and the control box wiring are secure & tight to prevent the air switch issue in the future. 

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