My garbage disposal hums and I cannot seem to get the flywheel free with the broom handle trick. I've done it before but this time, it seems permanently stuck.

It's about 10 years old, is this a sign that I need to replace it? If so, how difficult is it to replace by someone not terribly handy? Thanks!

At some point there was a allen wrench that goes in the end of the shaft on the bottom of the motor. See if it's under the sink someplace.
It's made to be able to work the shaft back and forth to free it up.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecaption,

And sometimes some hard debris will get really jammed between the blades and the outside edge of the disposal. It is possible to reach down inside to feel if anything is stuck and then take steps to work it free. HIGHLY advisable to turn off the breaker to the disposal or make sure that nobody else is around who may accidentally "help" you by turning on that light switch by the sink.

Replacing a disposal is not too hard - even easier if you get the same type. There is one electrical connection, one exit drain connection and the slip connection to the sink base. If the new disposal is the same then it's just a matter of disconnecting and reconnecting these few parts.

Ten years is a good life for a disposal. After than amount of time the motor could go and the rubber entry flap is looking pretty sad. Be prepared to replace not only the motor but the new rubber flap that comes with it.