Garbage Disposal Problems and Solutions

How-To,

It might surprise you to learn that houses in the United States now cost over $350,000 on average. As a result, it’s become more difficult than ever before for first-time homebuyers to find a place of their own. Although there are plenty of benefits that come with owning a home (such as building equity over time), there are also certain drawbacks. One of the most notable is the responsibility to replace or repair things that break. Garbage disposal issues are some of the most common that homeowners experience, but not everybody understands when they should organize a garbage disposal repair or garbage disposal replacement.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about common garbage disposal problems and when you should consider hiring a plumber.

The Garbage Disposal Stopped Working

One of the most common issues people have with their garbage disposals is that they simply stop working.

If your garbage disposal has stopped spinning or grinding, there may be an issue with its power supply. The good news is that this is relatively easy to resolve. Many garbage disposals have a button that you can use to reset the device.

This often comes in the form of a red, protrusive piece of plastic found on the bottom of the disposal itself. Simply pressing the button will reset the device.

However, if it still does not work, this is a sign of a larger issue that you will need to contact a professional to help resolve.

The Garbage Disposal Is Leaking Water

If you notice that your garbage disposal is leaking water, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

Leaks can cause major water damage if they’re left unchecked, so it’s best to call a plumber as soon as you notice the issue. In some cases, the leak may be coming from a loose connection or a cracked disposal unit.

Replacing the disposal unit is usually the best way to fix this problem. If you choose to investigate the problem on your own, be sure that you use your electrical service panel to cut off the power to the device.

It is extremely dangerous to attempt to resolve garbage disposal problems without doing so.

The Garbage Disposal Smells Bad

If your garbage disposal starts emitting foul odors, it’s probably because there’s food trapped somewhere in the unit.

You can attempt to dislodge the food or run hot water and dish soap through the disposal. You can also use a long object like a wooden spoon to dislodge whatever is clogging the disposal.

This isn’t always effective, though. Sometimes, something may be lodged so deeply within the disposal that you are not able to reach it without dismantling the device.

If the smell persists, it’s best to call a professional. They can clean the unit and identify any other potential issues.

The Garbage Disposal Is Making Strange Noise

Sometimes, a garbage disposal will make a strange noise as opposed to its traditional grinding sound.

More often than not, this is a sort of electric hum. In some cases, it could be an abrasive sound that gives the impression that something is wrong with the device. The cause of this noise can vary from case to case.

For example, a harsh, unpleasant sound could be the result of dishware getting caught in the disposal. If the disposal hums but does not grind, there could be a mechanical issue that prevents it from functioning correctly.

Unfortunately, this is a notoriously difficult problem to deal with on your own. This is simply because there could be a variety of different causes behind the sound you hear.

The Garbage Disposal Slowly Drains

Similar to the above situation, this could also have numerous different causes. In general, though, it’s caused by a clog.

To take care of this without professional help, you will need to disassemble the drain trap and discharge pipe. This involves removing the bolts that hold the disposal and a discharge pipe together.

From here, you will need to clean the disposal thoroughly to get rid of any clogs. If you manage to do so, run warm water to the disposal and turn it on for a few moments. If all goes well, you should no longer have this issue.

How Do I Find a Reputable Plumber?

It might seem complicated at first to find plumbers in Detroit.

The process is much simpler than most people anticipate, though. One of the best ways you can do so is to check online reviews to see what past clients have had to say. A simple Google search can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that you work with a reliable professional.

However, you should keep an eye out for feedback that does not seem genuine. When you know how to recognize fake reviews, you can avoid many complications you may have otherwise encountered.

It’s also recommended to work with a plumber that has extensive experience in the industry.

Although working with a less experienced plumber isn’t guaranteed to provide poor results, it’s not in your best interest to do so. You’ll want someone with a proven track record so you know exactly what kind of outcome you’re going to get. Keep this in mind when wondering “where can I find plumbers near me?”

Garbage Disposal Repair Is Easier Than It Seems

It can be frustrating to deal with garbage disposal repair issues on your own. Luckily, you don’t have to. By getting in touch with a qualified professional, you can handle this problem as soon as possible and get your kitchen back in working order.

Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.