5. Garbage Disposal

A: Hi, Tom. This is Hannah from apartment 4C.

B: Oh, hi, Hannah.

A: There is something wrong with my garbage disposal.

B: Exactly what's going on?

A: When I turn on the disposal switch, all I get is silence.

B: When did this happen?

A: Well, about a week ago is when it started sounding strange.

B: Did you accidentally drop something in the disposal?

A: No. I only use it about once a week. I hardly ever put anything into it.

B: Actually, I've heard that too little use is bad for a disposal.

A: Well, no one ever told me that.

B: Did you try to turn it with the disposal key?

A: I don't have a key.

B: Well, I've got a spare key, so I'll come over to show you how to use it.

A: Okay, come on over now, and show me how to use it.

B: If the key doesn't work, I'll have to call the repairman.

A: Well, if it doesn't work, it's no big deal.

B: Yes, but if something's broken, I like to get it fixed ASAP.

A: Tom, are you there? It's Hannah from 4C.

B: Hey, Hannah. Long time no hear from.

A: My garbage disposal refuses to work.

B: What happens when you turn on the switch?

A: When I turn on the switch, nothing happens.

B: When did you first notice this?

A: A week ago it started sounding different.

B: Did you put something in it that you shouldn't have?

A: I use it rarely. When I do use it, I put pasta or other soft food into it.

B: Maybe you haven't been using the disposal enough.

A: Sort of like an air conditioner in your home or car?

B: Exactly. However, sometimes you can get it going again by using the key.

A: What key?

B: A disposal key. I've got a spare one, so I'll come over to show you.

A: Okay, come on over now, and show me how to use it.

B: If the key doesn't correct the problem, I'll have to call someone.

A: Well, like I said, I rarely use it so it won't be a problem.

B: Well, it's my nature to fix things as soon as I can.

A: Is anybody home? It's me--Hannah.

B: Hey, Hannah. How's everything going?

A: My garbage disposal isn't working.

B: Can you be a little more specific?

A: Nothing happens when I turn on the switch.

B: Do you remember how it started?

A: about a week ago I noticed a new sound.

B: You didn't drop a fork or anything into it, did you?

A: I don't use it very often. When I do use it, I put only soft food into it.

B: I've heard that disposals need to be run frequently.

A: That's interesting. I never heard that before.

B: Have you tried to turn it manually using the key?

A: I don't have a key, and I wouldn't know how to use it.

B: I've got an extra key. I'll show you how to use it.

A: I'm always willing to learn something new. Come on over.

B: The key might not work. Then I'll have to call the plumber.

A: If it works or doesn't work, it doesn't matter much to me.

B: Yes, but I prefer to fix things now instead of later.