Common Issues with Garbage Disposals

For many people, a garbage disposal is a must-have. They make life in the kitchen a bit easier and can make chores go that much faster. Many people just push extra food down the drain, turn the garbage disposal on, and go about their way. But what happens when something goes wrong? Would you know how to fix it? 

In this blog, we will look into the world of garbage disposals and their common problems. As professionals in the industry, we understand the frustrations that can arise when your disposal unit is not functioning as it should. From strange noises to clogs and leaks, we will provide you with expert advice on troubleshooting these issues efficiently and effectively. Here’s how a garbage disposal works, and a few common problems you might run into. 

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How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?

Have you ever wondered how a garbage disposal actually works? Inside the garbage disposal is what’s called a grinding chamber, where all the food that goes in the disposal is shredded by blades. After food is shredded, an impeller arm and plate force all the food particles and liquid down the drain. Many dishwashers also drain water through a garbage disposal to make sure there aren’t any large pieces of food going through the drain pipes.

Leaky or Clogged Garbage Disposal?

‍There are a few different problems you can run into when it comes to your garbage disposal. Some you can fix yourself, and others will require you to call in a plumber.

• If you find your garbage disposal is leaking, this may just mean you need to re-seal something. If you’ve tried a few different fixes, and nothing has worked, this could mean you have a bigger problem going on. If you’ve tried a few self-fixes and still have problems, call your local plumber in to check over your entire system so that they can assess the problem and figure out a solution.
  
  
• Sometimes garbage disposals can drain slower than we’d like, and this usually means that you’ve clogged the drain. Before you reach for the chemical drain cleaners, we recommend trying the homemade remedy of baking soda and vinegar. Chemical drain cleaners can often do more harm than good, so try this before anything. If you find that this doesn’t work, give a plumber a call.

Further Issues With Garbage Disposals

In addition to having a leaky or clogged disposal, further problems that can arise with garbage disposals include:

• Loud or unusual noises can indicate foreign objects inside the disposal, loose mounting screws, or worn-out components. Identifying and removing the cause can resolve the noise issue.
  
  
• If the disposal doesn't turn on, it could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a reset button needing to be pressed. Sometimes, the unit itself might need to be replaced if the motor has burned out.
  
  
• If your disposal is running, but not making any noise, there are a few things that could be causing this problem. First, make sure that your disposal is plugged in and that there isn’t anything with the electrical wires. If you’ve reset it and it still isn’t working, this could mean there’s a bigger problem and you may have to replace the entire unit. This will require a more seasoned hand, so call your local plumber for help.
  
  
• Bad smells can develop from food particles stuck in the disposal or pipes. Cleaning the disposal with baking soda and vinegar, or grinding citrus peels, can help eliminate odors.

How Long are Garbage Disposals Supposed to Last?

Garbage disposals typically last between 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular use combined with proper care can extend their lifespan. Over time, components may wear out or become less efficient, leading to reduced performance or the need for replacement. To maximize the life of a garbage disposal, it's important to avoid grinding hard items like bones or fibrous materials like celery, which can cause clogs and damage the blades. Additionally, regular cleaning without harsh chemicals can help maintain the disposal's efficiency and prevent odors. If you notice persistent issues, such as frequent clogs or strange noises, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Call JTM Plumbing & Drain for Garbage Disposal Repair or Replacement

Don't let any minor issues with your disposal become a major headache down the road. Regular maintenance, proper use, and addressing issues promptly can help keep a garbage disposal functioning smoothly and extend its lifespan. If you’re looking for help repairing your garbage disposal in Omaha, NE, or looking to replace your old one, look no further than JTM Plumbing. Contact us online or give us a call at 402-203-6193 to set up an appointment!

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Common Problems

‍There are a few different problems you can run into when it comes to your garbage disposal. Some you can fix yourself, and others will require you to call in a plumber.

• If your disposal is running, but not making any noise, there are a few things that could be causing this problem. First, make sure that your disposal is plugged in and that there isn’t anything with the electrical wires. If you’ve reset it and it still isn’t working, this could mean there’s a bigger problem and you may have to replace the entire unit. This will require a more seasoned hand, so call your local plumber for help.
• If you find your garbage disposal is leaking, this may just mean you need to re-seal something. If you’ve tried a few different fixes, and nothing has worked, this could mean you have a bigger problem going on. If you’ve tried a few self-fixes and still have problems, call your local plumber in to check over your entire system so that they can assess the problem and figure out a solution.
• Sometimes garbage disposals can drain slower than we’d like, and this usually means that you’ve clogged the drain. Before you reach for the chemical drain cleaners, we recommend trying the homemade remedy of baking soda and vinegar. Chemical drain cleaners can often do more harm than good, so try this before anything. If you find that this doesn’t work, give a plumber a call.

Don't let any minor issues with your disposal become a major headache down the road. If you’re looking for help repairing your garbage disposal, or looking to replace and install your old one, give the experts at JTM Plumbing a call today at 402-203-6193 to set up an appointment.

References:

‍https://www.mrgarbagedisposal.com/5-common-garbage-disposal-problems-plus-quick-fixes/

‍https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/garbage-disposal-diagrams.html