Does Your Garbage Disposal Need to Be Repaired?

How Homeowners Can Tell Their Garbage Disposal Is Broken

A home’s garbage disposal is an integral part of cleaning operations in the kitchen. When working correctly, it helps homeowners dispose of kitchen waste safely without clogging up the plumbing or resorting to time-consuming waste disposal methods. Because garbage disposals are sturdy and built to last anywhere between 10 to 15 years, most homeowners don’t have to worry about replacing them for a while, and if they are well maintained, neither should they need constant repair.

But life rarely goes according to plan, and there will be times when the garbage disposal just won’t work the way it should or begins to fail before it’s reached its intended life expectancy. If this is the case, homeowners should watch out for the following signs that could mean they need garbage disposal repair or replacement.

Unusual Noises

It is typical for garbage disposals to make loud sounds while it is running. What is considered out of the ordinary is for the disposal to make the same noise or hum, but fail to run, indicating the likelihood of a jam somewhere in the system. 

Other strange sounds that may indicate it’s time to repair garbage disposals are loud,  screeching noises or metal grinding against each other. This problem could occur due to loose, jammed, or malfunctioning parts that have come out of place and need to be repaired by a plumbing professional. It could also result from metal silverware falling down the garbage disposal. 

Not Working as It Should

Daily use of the garbage disposal does wear it down to some degree, usually in the form of dull blades that may not be as effective at breaking down waste material. Other times, garbage disposals may not work correctly or not turn on for no apparent reason. Most homeowners who want to get their garbage disposal started again may use the garbage disposal reset button, which may get it to work again. However, that could be a temporary solution to a bigger problem. 

If homeowners find themselves using the reset button more and more frequently, then it’s a sign that there is something wrong internally that needs to be fixed by a professional, or the entire disposal system may have to be replaced. Plumbers can inspect the unit to determine the cause and recommend the best solution. 

Foul Odors

Dealing with food waste means garbage disposals are bound to exude certain unsavory aromas. Still, with a properly used machine, those smells should clear pretty quickly, especially if cleaned and maintained regularly. Running water when using the disposal and occasionally putting ice cubes down the disposal can help dislodge food that has gotten stuck and help it go down the drain. 

However, if garbage disposal smells persist, this could be a sign of a clogged garbage disposal or even a clog in the drain or sewer line that requires the expertise and equipment of a professional plumber to repair it. Once homeowners notice these signs of issues with their garbage disposal, plumbers can get to the bottom of the problem and come up with a solution.

About Plumb Perfect Plumbing

Plumb Perfect Plumbing has over two decades of experience serving Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and polite and professional service. Call them today for garbage disposal repair and installation in Fredericksburg, VA. 

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