Kenmore 17560563 garbage disposal Parts

On the Kenmore garbage disposal model 17560563, the reset button is on the bottom of the disposer housing (under the sink). If the motor stops from a jam or overload, let it cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then press the red reset button on the bottom.

What to do before you press reset

We follow these steps to prevent injury and avoid damaging the disposer:

• Turn the wall switch OFF before reaching under the sink
• Keep hands and fingers out of the disposer opening
• If the unit is hardwired, turn power off at the circuit breaker or fuse box
• If the disposer is hot or humming, let the motor cool 3 to 5 minutes
• Use tools (tongs or pliers) to remove objects, not your hands

If the disposer is jammed (common reason the reset pops)

Many Kenmore disposers include a self-service “wrenchette” feature. We use it to free the motor safely.

1. Turn off the disposer and water.
2. Insert the self-service wrenchette into the center hole on the bottom of the disposer.
3. Work it back and forth until it turns one full revolution.
4. Remove the object(s) with tongs or pliers.
5. Let the motor cool 3 to 5 minutes, then press the red reset button.

For the exact illustrations and steps for your unit, use the owner's manual.

Quick troubleshooting after reset

If pressing reset does not get it running, we check power and the simplest failure points first.

Symptom	What it usually means	What we do next
No sound at all	No power to disposer	Check breaker/fuse, outlet, switch
Hums but will not spin	Jammed grinding plate	Free jam with wrenchette, then reset
Runs briefly then stops	Overload or repeated jam	Clear debris, cool motor, reset
Stops and reset pops again	Ongoing obstruction or electrical issue	Remove object, verify wiring and circuit

Why it matters

The reset button is an overload protector. Using it correctly (after turning the switch off, clearing jams, and letting the motor cool) prevents repeated trips, protects the motor, and reduces the chance of injury.

Last updated: February 2026

Plumbers often dislike garbage disposals because they are a common source of drain clogs and service calls when they are used like a trash can. With the Kenmore 17560563 garbage disposal, following the do’s and don’ts in the owner's manual prevents most of the problems plumbers get called to fix.

What typically causes the problems

Most “garbage disposal issues” are really drain line issues caused by what gets put into the disposer.

• Grease or fat builds up in pipes and creates blockages
• Fibrous foods (corn husks, artichokes) can tangle and clog
• Large amounts of peels at once can pack the drain line
• Hard or non-food items can jam the grind chamber
• Hot grease or hot liquids can contribute to buildup and clogs

What we recommend for the Kenmore 17560563

Use habits that keep food waste moving through the trap and branch drain.

• Run a moderate to strong flow of cold water before switching the disposer on
• Keep cold water running while grinding, then run it about 15 seconds after to flush the line
• Feed scraps gradually instead of loading the chamber
• Avoid grease, fat, and extremely fibrous materials
• Use ice or small hard items (like small bones or fruit pits) occasionally for a scouring action

Quick “OK vs. not OK” guide

Category	Better choice	Avoid putting in the disposer
Fats and oils	Dispose in trash	Grease, fat, hot grease
Fibrous scraps	Compost or trash	Corn husks, artichokes
Hard items	Small amounts only	Glass, metal, large bones
Chemicals	Use proper disposal	Solvents, paints, harsh chemicals

Why it matters

When the disposer grinds food, it still has to travel through your sink trap and household drain piping. Items like grease and fibrous scraps can build up downstream, so the disposer “works” but the plumbing system slowly plugs, which is exactly what plumbers end up clearing.

Last updated: February 2026

Repairing a Kenmore garbage disposal like model 17560563 is cheaper when the problem is minor (a jam, a trip to the reset button, or a simple clog). Replacing the unit is the better value when the motor is failing, leaks keep coming back, or the disposal is older and needs repeated service.

Quick decision guide

• Repair when it is jammed but the motor still runs or hums.
• Repair when it just needs a reset and then runs normally.
• Repair when the issue is a drain-line blockage you can clear.
• Replace when the motor is burnt out or repeatedly overheats.
• Replace when leaks are persistent (especially from the housing).
• Replace when repairs add up to about half the cost of a new disposal.

What we recommend checking first (low-cost fixes)

Before you decide, use the safe, basic steps described in the owner's manual:

• Turn the power switch off before clearing a jam or pressing reset.
• Use the disposer wrenchette or a wooden handle to free a jam (not your hands).
• Use tongs or pliers to remove objects.
• Run cold water during grinding and for about 15 seconds after to flush the drain line.
• If the drain is slow, clean the sink drain line (for example, removing the P-trap and clearing hardened waste in the horizontal line).

Repair vs. replace: cost and value comparison

Situation	Usually cheaper choice	Why
Jam, reset trips once, minor clog	Repair	Little to no parts cost; mostly labor and safe clearing
Repeated jams, frequent resets, loud grinding	Replace	Wear adds up; performance and reliability drop
Persistent leak or failing motor	Replace	Major repair cost approaches replacement value

Why it matters

A disposal that is frequently jammed or not flushing properly can lead to drain line blockages and more kitchen downtime. Following the operating do’s and don’ts (cold water, avoid grease, avoid fibrous waste) helps you get the most life out of the unit and reduces repeat problems.

Last updated: February 2026

Most garbage disposals last 8 to 15 years, and 10 to 12 years is a common average with normal household use. For your Kenmore 17560563, lifespan depends most on daily habits like using cold water, avoiding grease, and clearing jams safely as outlined in the owner's manual.

What shortens (or extends) disposal life

Good use and basic maintenance reduce clogs, overheating, and leak risk.

• Run a moderate to strong flow of cold water before switching the disposer on.
• Keep cold water running for about 15 seconds after grinding to flush the drain line.
• Do not pour grease or fat into the disposer or any drain.
• Avoid grinding extremely fibrous foods (corn husks, artichokes) that can cause blockages.
• Feed peels and scraps gradually, not all at once.
• Grind ice or small hard items (like fruit pits) occasionally to help scour the grind chamber.

Signs it is near end of life

These symptoms usually mean the motor, seals, or grind components are wearing out.

Symptom	What it often points to	What to do next
Frequent resets or humming	Jam or motor strain	Clear jam, then press reset after cooling
Persistent bad odor	Grease and food buildup	Clean baffle and grind chamber
Leaks under the sink	Worn seals or loose fittings	Inspect fittings and mounting, address leaks promptly
Slow draining	Partial blockage	Stop using, clear blockage, flush with cold water

Safe jam clearing basics (important)

We follow the safety steps used for Kenmore disposers.

• Turn the power switch off before clearing a jam or pressing reset.
• Use the self-service wrenchette (or a long wooden spoon handle) to free the jam.
• Remove objects with long-handled tongs or pliers, not your hands.
• Let the motor cool 3 to 5 minutes, then press the red reset button.

Why it matters

A disposal that is used with hot water, grease, or frequent overloads tends to clog and overheat more often, which shortens motor life and can contribute to leaks. Consistent cold-water flushing and safe jam clearing help your Kenmore 17560563 run longer.

Last updated: February 2026

Most garbage disposals are not a universal fit. Many units (including typical Kenmore-style disposers like model 17560563) mount to a standard sink drain opening, but the mounting hardware style, discharge tube alignment, dishwasher inlet setup, and under-sink clearance can vary.

What is usually “standard” (and what is not)

Many kitchen sinks use a common drain opening size, so the sink connection is often compatible. Fit problems usually come from the plumbing and mounting details, not the sink hole.

• Sink opening compatibility: often standard, but confirm your sink flange and mounting assembly style
• Mounting system: 3-bolt style vs. other mounting ring designs
• Discharge outlet height and direction: must line up with your P-trap and drain arm
• Dishwasher connection: some installs need a dishwasher drain connection kit or an air gap
• Electrical hookup: corded vs. hardwired, plus grounding requirements

For the exact mounting parts and installation steps used with this disposer, use the owner's manual.

Quick fit checklist before you buy

Use this checklist to avoid a return and a second teardown.

• Measure cabinet clearance (height and diameter) under the sink
• Check whether your current unit uses a mounting ring you want to reuse
• Note where the waste discharge tube meets the drain trap
• Confirm whether you need a dishwasher inlet connection
• Verify your electrical setup (switch, wiring, grounding)

Common replacement scenarios

Scenario	What it usually means for fit
Replacing an existing disposer	You may be able to reuse the sink flange and mounting assembly if the new unit matches the same style
First-time disposer install	You will install the full sink flange and mounting assembly and may need extra plumbing parts
Adding dishwasher drain	You may need a dishwasher drain connection kit and proper routing (sometimes with an air gap)

Why it matters

A disposer that “almost fits” can create leaks, vibration, or a drain line that sits under stress. Matching the mounting assembly and discharge alignment saves time and helps prevent repeat clogs and drips.

Last updated: February 2026