Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Kaput
Garbage disposals may last longer than you would think. Most come with a warranty, but if your disposal was already in place when you bought your home, you might be unclear about its age. While a garbage disposal can last 8-15 years, a twelve-year lifespan is average. With this guide, we’ll explore how to know your garbage disposal needs to be replaced.
You May Need a New Garbage Disposal if . . .
It Clogs
A garbage disposal’s job is to break down larger food waste. If your disposal clogs or jams frequently, don’t try to “make it work.” If you force the issue, the motor could overheat and break. You’ll end up needing a new garbage disposal ASAP, as motors can cost as much as a new unit and are oftentimes not worth repairing.
It Doesn’t Work
If flipping the switch and/or resetting the circuit breaker to the kitchen doesn’t help, it’s time to call in the pros. Without the proper training and tools, a DIY (do-it-yourself) fix may make it worse. If it’s fixable, a technician will do just that. If not, you may need a new garbage disposal.
It Is Noisy
Garbage disposals have their own kind of humming noise when they’re working properly and a metallic, clinking noise when they’re not working. Your unit may simply need a tune-up, or it could be time for a new garbage disposal.
It Leaks
A leaking garbage disposal is certainly a red flag, and shouldn’t be ignored. You may need your plumbing professional to seal the inner workings, but if the unit is cracked, chances are it’s time for a new garbage disposal.
It Smells Bad
If you’ve tried baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice, soaps, chemical drain cleaners, and there’s still a foul odor coming from your garbage disposal, it’s time to call us. We’ll disassemble and clean it, but if it’s going to continue to trap food (which causes the stink), we’ll probably recommend a new garbage disposal.
When A Garbage Disposal Repair Is Effective
Simple garbage disposal repairs can often be tackled without professional assistance, saving time and money.
Start by checking for clogs, a common issue that can be resolved with a few steps. Turn off the disposal and use a flashlight to inspect for any visible obstructions. If found, use tongs or pliers to remove the blockage, being careful not to damage the disposal blades.
Next, try resetting the disposal by locating the reset button underneath or on the side of the unit and pressing it. If the disposal still doesn’t work, check the power supply by ensuring it’s plugged in securely and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. For leaks, tighten the connections or replace damaged parts like the gasket.
Regular maintenance, such as grinding ice cubes to clean the blades and running cold water while in use, can prevent future problems. If issues persist, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber.
Be Good To Your Disposal
We throw a lot of things down the disposal to have it chopped, ground up, and washed away. However, to keep your disposal running smoothly for longer, make sure to avoid putting these things down the drain:
- Bones
- Pasta
- Oatmeal
- Coffee Grounds
- Potato Peels
- Fruit Pits
- Corn Husks
A good rule of thumb is to try and keep most things out of the disposal since a little goes a long way. So a few noodles is fine – a whole Italian dinner could harm your disposal.
Bradbury For Expert Disposal Services
Bradbury Brothers Services professionals live and work in Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Oak Ridge North, Magnolia, Pinehurst, Shenandoah, Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, and surrounding areas. Call us first at [phone_link] when you have any questions about commercial or residential plumbing.
