How To Tell When the Garbage Disposal Is Busted
A garbage disposal can add a whole new level of convenience to a kitchen by allowing homeowners to easily get rid of food scraps from dirty dishes and trimmings from fruits & veggies. Many homeowners even find it inconceivable to go back to an ordinary sink after using a garbage disposal for a while – after all, who wants to fish bits of food waste out of the drain every night?
So if the garbage disposal decides to quit, it can throw a major wrench in the food prep and cleanup routine. Not only that but if relatively minor issues go unnoticed or unresolved long enough, they can cause further damage to the disposal, which may mean having to shell out for a garbage disposal replacement years ahead of schedule. So to ensure homeowners catch problems as early as possible, this article will lay out three common signs that a garbage disposal needs repairs!
Unusual Noises
The first thing to watch (or listen) for is if the garbage disposal makes strange sounds when turned on. A scraping, rattling, or grinding noise may be a piece of silverware or another hard object falling into the grinding chamber. Homeowners can look inside the chamber with a flashlight and carefully remove the object if they see one. If nothing seems to have fallen in, the sound may be due to a loose or damaged component, such as an impeller.
If the garbage disposal is humming or buzzing when turned on but doesn't seem to run, the impeller is likely jammed. Again, this could be caused by a rigid object that's fallen in or a broken component. Homeowners shouldn't run the disposal in this case, as doing so can burn out the motor or break internal components very quickly.
Poor Performance
Another sure sign of trouble is if the garbage disposal is slow to break down foods or doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to. This could be caused by various factors, including a worn impeller or shredding wheel, a failing motor, or simply old age (most garbage disposals don't last more than 10 years).
If homeowners frequently have to press the garbage disposal reset button, an internal issue will likely require professional repair. The reset button is essentially an internal circuit breaker that may trip if the disposal is overheating, the motor is in danger of burning out, or a loose electrical connection is causing a short circuit. Depending on the root cause and the age of the unit, garbage disposal repair may not be possible or economical, and a replacement may be the better option.
Foul Odors
If a bad smell comes from the garbage disposal or the kitchen sink drain, it usually indicates a clog or a buildup of nasty food waste and grime inside the grinding chamber. The latter can often be resolved by putting equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain and letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it. Homeowners can also grind up some ice cubes and citrus peel in the disposal to help remove buildup and eliminate bad garbage disposal smells.
But in the case of clogged garbage disposal, homeowners are usually better off calling a professional to fix the problem. Clearing these clogs often involves turning off the power to the disposal, dismantling the P-trap, and sometimes even removing the disposal. Fortunately, as unpleasant as they can be, these issues can usually be resolved without replacing the garbage disposal!
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing has been one of Philadelphia's most trusted and top-rated plumbers for over 20 years. Known for their outstanding customer service, fast turnarounds, and honest pricing, they are the proud recipients of numerous awards, including the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the title of "Best Plumber in Philadelphia" from Expertise.com. Their licensed, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call City Plumbing for plumbing repair in Philadelphia, PA!
