Garbage Disposal Repairs
It is always there, waiting for you, never fails to answer your needs, until the most inconvenient bad time possible. Don’t worry though, yours isn’t the only one! We’re talking about garbage disposals. They only seem to quit working in the middle of the holidays or cooking a fancy meal for the in-laws. So, does this mean a new one is needed, or is there such a thing as garbage disposal repair?
Unless you have an ancient garbage disposal, repairs are possible, depending on the problem. How do I know if my garbage disposal is bad and how do you fix a garbage disposal that isn’t working? While some problems with the garbage disposal, repairs are possible, some by you and some need a professional. The following is a list of problems that garbage disposal repair probably isn’t going to be possible:
1. Abnormal Noises
If you have ever had a spoon fall into the garbage disposal drain, you know that noise! For these kinds of issues, you can turn the unit off, unplug it and reach in with your hand and remove the item. If that doesn’t stop the noise, the blades and other components may be misaligned, which should be done by a professional plumber. Do not use the unit anymore until your garbage disposal repair is complete or you will need a replacement.
2. Frequent Resetting
Every garbage disposal unit has a reset button that recovers the unit when it shuts down from a large load or a clog, but it shouldn’t need this very often. If you’re having to reset the unit more and more, then it probably needs to be replaced, but an electrician can inspect the wiring and make sure there isn’t another issue.
3. Baffling Clogs
You know that you should only put in small amounts of food to avoid clogging your garbage disposal. But if regardless of how small the amount, the garbage disposal is still clogging, and you may need to replace the unit with a higher capacity model. First, you should try to clear the clog. How do you unclog garbage disposal?
Here are three ways to try to unclog the garbage disposal, which are the same steps you can use to unclog the drain without garbage disposal:
- 1. Manual Checkup: Use a flashlight and see if there is anything in the drain where the garbage disposal is located. With the unit off and unplugged, use pliers or tongs and remove anything you see, which may require several attempts to get everything.
- 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Place the stopper over the drain and wait 20 minutes. Then pour boiling hot water into the drain.
- 3. Plunger: Using a sink plunger, cover the drain opening and plug up the other drain. Fill the garbage disposal side with water and start plunging up and down. You may need to do this for several minutes until the clog loosens.
4. No Power
A garbage disposal that won’t turn on or shut off while you’re using it could be a problem with the circuit breaker. Check the circuit breaker box and make sure it is on, and if not, turn it back on then try using the unit again. If it is still without power or shutting off, you should call a professional plumber to inspect the unit and see if a garbage disposal repair is possible.
5. Persistent Smells
Garbage disposal smells are one of the most unpleasant and typically are because of wet food that hasn’t broken down flushed on through the drain. Thorough cleaning and rinsing should get rid of those smells, but if not, you may need a professional plumber to perform a garbage disposal repair. They will take the unit apart, remove any trapped food particles and hook it back up. Once a week you should grind up lemon peelings to keep your garbage disposal smelling clean and fresh.
6. Poor Performance
If the loads you’re putting into your garbage disposal aren’t running through as quickly as they should, you may be asking, “Why won’t my garbage disposal grind?” and it could be that the blades may need sharpening or replacing. Do garbage disposal blades wear out? Absolutely, think about all the food you’re putting into the unit and expect it to grind up to wash on down to the sewer system!
7. Water Leaks
Between where your garbage disposal connects to the plumbing, it isn’t unusual overtime for water to seep through. By the time it has become noticeable, garbage disposal repair isn’t possible. If you are starting to notice small leaks, garbage disposal repairs may be an option. How do you fix a leaky garbage disposal?
The first thing you should do is determine where the leak is coming from, and if it is coming from the bottom, there isn’t any garbage disposal repair for this, it is time for a replacement. If it is leaking from the top of the unit, you can replace the seal, or check the plumbing connections and simply tighten them.
Why is my garbage disposal humming and not working?
Humming garbage disposal is usually because there is an object jamming the blades and they can’t rotate. Usually, a DIY garbage disposal repair can be done by turning the unit off and unplugging the power cord. Use a flashlight to see what is in there and remove it. If that doesn’t fix it, then you’ll need to call a plumber.
Can I use the sink if the garbage disposal is broken, can I run the dishwasher if the garbage disposal is broken?
If the problem is electrical or mechanical with the dishwasher, yes, you can still use the dishwasher and sink. If the problem is with the plumbing, like a clogged drain, it should not be used.
In Closing
Once your garbage disposal is 8 to 10 years old, garbage disposal repairs are going to get more expensive. At this point, consider replacing the unit.
Westside Plumbing provides help with garbage disposal repair in Fort Worth, TX. Call (817) 560-4144 for assistance.