When it comes to saving time, reducing waste, and simplifying your post-dinner kitchen cleanup process, garbage disposals are absolutely necessary. There’s no doubt that a garbage disposal is one of the handiest appliances in your home, and when it malfunctions, it quickly becomes clear just how convenient garbage disposals are in everyday life and how much we take them for granted.
Garbage disposals can be damaged if non-food objects like silverware, sponges, or straws end up down the drain with the appliance on. They don’t usually have a problem with grinding food waste, but clogs can happen because of the way that waste reacts to water in the drain line. Over time, the drain line and trap are coated with food waste, and, eventually, that build-up can obstruct the flow of water. When a garbage disposal clogs, the problem is often located in the trap which is on the waste discharge side of the disposal.
Turn to the experts you can trust at Jarboe’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our garbage disposal repair specialists will find the problem and recommend options to you. All of your questions will be answered so you can make an informed decision.
Clogged Garbage Disposal
If the motor makes a humming noise but the waste is not being sent down the drain, it may be clogged.
Jamming
If the garbage disposal won’t grind but the motor makes a humming noise, it may be jammed.
Garbage Disposal Leak
A pool of water underneath your sink may be from a leaky garbage disposal.
Overheating
If you flip the switch and your garbage disposal doesn’t make a sound, it probably overheated due to overfilling and has tripped itself off. See if resetting the GFCI outlet solves the problem.
Please note: Before trying a DIY fix, make sure the garbage disposal is turned off and the circuit breaker is shut off.
Most garbage disposal problems are avoidable, and garbage disposal maintenance is very easy.
The do’s…
The number one rule of using a garbage disposal… Never grind anything that is not a food item. It can damage the garbage disposal blades and motor.
The don’ts…
If your garbage disposal won’t start, reset your GFI outlet. If it still doesn’t work, it’s important to have the unit professionally inspected before trying to use it again. Continual use can burn the motor up. If your garbage disposal stops working correctly or starts making loud or unusual noises, get it checked out. Most disposal problems are minor and can be repaired quickly.
It’s easy for grease, fibrous foods, and metal to go down your garbage disposal and cause issues with its functionality, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be left without the convenience of this kitchen appliance. When you need service to repair your garbage disposal, our licensed Louisville plumbers are ready to find and fix the problem. Whether the fix is a repair or a new garbage disposal, we have fully-stocked trucks and the experience and training to get the job done in a timely manner.
Your disposal may just need a simple repair if the blades are loose or broken. However, you may need a new unit if the disposal has a larger issue like a motor that has burned out. Sometimes a repair can be close in cost to a new disposal. With our upfront pricing, there won’t be any surprises. Our plumber will assess the situation and let you know all the options available to you so that you can make an informed decision.
If you want to try unclogging your garbage disposal, the first thing you need to do is unplug the garbage disposal. You can then use a natural cleaner made from baking soda and vinegar, allowing it to fizz in the drain for a few minutes before washing it out.
Since there is no plumbing line for the dishwasher, it is connected to the garbage disposal pipes. If the disposal pipes are clogged, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain correctly.
It’s best to avoid putting: fibrous or stringy fruits and vegetables down your garbage disposal, potato peels, grease, egg shells, coffee grounds, animal bones, and nuts/shells.
You should first find out whether only the disposal is broken, or if the power has gone out completely in the areas near your kitchen sink. Try resetting the circuit breaker that leads to the kitchen, or replacing a fuse if you have an older electrical box. If the garbage disposal makes no noises at all when you flip the switch, you might also want to check under the sink to see that it’s plugged in.
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