Why is my garbage disposal making loud or unusual noises?
Garbage disposals are an amazing invention that allows us to easily dispose of food waste efficiently and helps keep our kitchens clean. However, it’s not fun when they start making loud or unusual noises.
If you hear a strange noise coming from your garbage disposal, would you know what to do? Here’s a handy guide to common garbage disposal repair problems, what they mean, and how to fix them.
Common Garbage Disposal Noises and What They Mean
Here are a few common sound-related garbage disposal problems that you might hear from your garbage disposal, and the best way to handle them if you do. No matter which noise you hear, the most important thing to do first is to turn off the disposal and unplug it. This will help prevent any unpleasant accidents involving your hands and the motor.
Rattling or Clanking
Rattling or clanking usually means a foreign object has entered the garbage disposal. This could be steel wool, a kid’s toy, or any non-food object that’s too hard to be broken down by the disposal mechanism.
What to do: After turning off the power, use a flashlight to look inside, locate the object, and then pull it out with tongs or a gloved hand. If there is no object, the impeller blades are probably loose and can be tightened with a nut driver.
Grinding or Metal-on-Metal Noise
This usually means that a piece of silverware has fallen into the disposal, but it could also mean one of the internal components has come loose or fallen off.
What to do: After unplugging the unit, use a flashlight to see if there’s a piece of silverware or another metal object trapped inside. If there isn’t, there’s a hex hole at the bottom of the outside of the unit that you can turn with an Allen wrench that will tighten the impellers.
Humming or Buzzing Without Grinding
Humming or buzzing without grinding likely means that the impellers are jammed, typically because a foreign object like a plastic straw or something similar entered the disposal.
What to do: Use a hex wrench to move the impellers (similar to the grinding/metal-on-metal answer), or you can use a wooden spoon to gently rotate the impellers. Hit the reset button and try it again. If this doesn’t clear it, it’s likely a motor issue which means it’s time for a replacement.
Squealing or High-Pitched Whine
This usually means a motor issue or bad motor bearings (especially if it’s paired with the garbage disposal tripping the breaker), but it could also be due to a foreign object.
What to do: Use a flashlight to see if there’s anything obstructing the device. If there isn’t, you’ll want to call a professional to get the motor diagnosed.
Sudden Loud Noises After Years of Quiet Operation
The average garbage disposal lasts about 10 to 15 years, depending on the model and whether regular maintenance has been conducted. If it’s been quiet for many years, but has suddenly become loud, it’s probably a failing motor.
What to do: Contact the professionals for an inspection and to see about a possible replacement.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Disposal Noises
Garbage disposal issues should never be ignored because they’re always a sign that something is wrong with your device. It may be serious or it might be a quick fix, but even a simple problem can become a major headache if it isn’t fixed right away.
If you’ve completed the troubleshooting tips above or don’t feel comfortable attempting DIY fixes, call in the experts at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our highly trained professional technicians can diagnose any weird noises and repair or replace your garbage disposal anywhere in the Melbourne, Florida area.
Preventing Noisy Disposals
Here are a few tips on how to stop your garbage disposal from making unpleasant noises:
Avoid hard items: These include large seeds (especially avocados) or pits, egg shells, peanut shells, and other hard items that can’t be broken up easily by the impellers.
Skip fibrous foods: Celery, asparagus, and other foods can get wrapped up in the impeller blades and harm the unit. Potatoes, oats, and even coffee grounds might seem harmless enough, but when mixed with water, they’ll congeal into a gross paste that can clog the disposal.
Run plenty of cold water: Cold water cools down the unit and stops the motor from overheating. It also helps move down any fats or grease that accidentally made it into the unit and prevents them from causing clogs.
Clean with ice and citrus peels: Ice and a small amount of citrus peels will clean up any residues left in the unit before they can cause problems. It’ll also make your kitchen smell nicer!
Schedule inspections: Periodic inspections with a certified plumber will make sure everything works as it should. The frequency can vary, so it’s best to check with the plumber as to how often an inspection is needed.
Don’t wait till it stops working
If your garbage disposal is making strange or loud noises and you’re in Melbourne, Florida, or the surrounding area, don’t wait until your garbage disposal stops working! Call Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, the Punctual Plumber. We’re on time, every time, and if we’re late, it’s YOU we pay!
If you’re tired of hearing weird noises, the garbage disposal resetting the breakers, or your unit is more than 10 years old, give us a call at 321-378-3845 or set up an appointment by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of this page. Our experts can diagnose any garbage disposal issue.
Don’t wait until your garbage disposal stops working – call Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today!