You know how frustrating it is when your garbage disposal stops working properly? It’s one of those appliances we take for granted until something goes wrong. Let’s talk about how you can figure out what’s causing the problem and whether you can fix your garbage disposal yourself or need to call in the pros.
Abnormal Noises
Ever hear your disposal making scary grinding or rattling sounds? That’s definitely not normal. Usually, it means something’s stuck in there. Maybe, a fork or spoon slipped down unnoticed. Sometimes, it could be that something’s come loose inside.
What should you do? First things first: turn the disposal off right away! Look inside (carefully!) and see if you can spot anything obvious. If you find something, grab some pliers and fish it out. Still making noise? That’s when you need a pro to take a look, because ignoring it could burn out your motor.
Frequent Resets
You know that little red button on the bottom of your disposal? That’s the garbage disposal reset button. It’s a safety feature that pops when the motor gets too hot or stressed. Having to press the reset button it once in a while isn’t a big deal, but if you’re doing it all the time, something’s definitely up.
It could be your motor’s getting tired, or maybe there’s an electrical problem in there. Or something might be stuck where you can’t see it, making the motor work too hard.
What’s next? Time to get someone who knows what they’re doing to check it out. A plumber or electrician can tell you if it’s fixable or if you need a new unit.
Inexplicable Clogs
Garbage disposals can handle quite a bit, but they’re not invincible. If you’re being careful about what you put down there (no coffee grounds or banana peels, right?) and it’s still getting clogged up regularly, that’s a red flag.
Maybe your disposal just isn’t strong enough for how much food waste your household produces. Or the parts inside might be getting worn down and not chopping things up as well as they used to.
Here’s the deal: You should consider upgrading to a more powerful model. A good plumber can help you pick one that’s right for your kitchen.
No Power
You flip the switch and… nothing. No humming, no noise, just silence. Before you panic, this could be something super simple or, well, not so simple.
The first thing to check? Your electrical panel. It might have tripped the circuit breaker (happens to the best of us). If that’s not it, and your disposal’s still playing dead, your motor might be done for.
What to do about it: This is a professional job. They can tell you if it’s fixable or if it’s time to say goodbye to your old disposal.
Persistent Odors
Nobody expects their garbage disposal to smell like roses, especially if there’s been food sitting in there a while. But if you’ve cleaned it and that funky smell just won’t go away? That’s not good.
It could be food stuck somewhere you can’t reach, or gunk built up in places you didn’t even know existed.
Word of warning: Don’t go dumping harsh chemicals down there thinking it’ll help. That can actually make things worse! Get a pro to properly clean it; if that doesn’t do the trick, you might be shopping for a new disposal.
Planned Renovation
If you’re already tearing up your kitchen for a renovation, this is the perfect time to consider upgrading your disposal. Even if your current one is still chugging along, newer models have some pretty cool features and work a lot better.
Fun fact: Most disposals last about 10 years. If yours is getting up there in age, why not replace it while you’ve already got the contractors in?
Poor Performance
Remember when your disposal would chew through anything in seconds? If it’s taking forever to grind up even the smallest bits of food, that’s usually a sign it’s getting tired.
Sometimes, you can fix this by sharpening or replacing the blades. If your disposal’s getting old, you might be better off putting that money toward a new one.
My advice? Have a pro take a look. They can tell you whether it’s worth fixing or you’d be happier with a new, more efficient model.
Water Leaks
Finding puddles under your sink? Or have you noticed water dripping from your disposal? That’s definitely not something to ignore. A disposal leak can mess up your cabinets and even lead to mold.
Usually, this means you’ve got worn-out seals, damaged gaskets, the flange to the sink or connections that have come loose over time.
Time to act: Whether it’s leaking from the top or leaking from the bottom, this is another job for the pros. They can track down where that water’s coming from and let you know if a repair will do the trick or if you’re better off replacing the whole unit.
The key is catching these problems early. It’s like going to the doctor: the sooner you deal with it, the better off you’ll be. Whether it’s weird noises, constant clogs, or power issues, don’t just hope it gets better.
Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Melbourne, FL, we’ve seen it all when it comes to garbage disposal repairs and replacements. Whether yours needs a quick fix or it’s time for an upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call, and we’ll arrive right on time to help keep your kitchen running smoothly!