How to Tell the Garbage Disposal Is Malfunctioning
The home’s garbage disposal has a big job. Under the kitchen sink, it chews and grinds waste to help the kitchen waste travel safely through the plumbing. But, like every hardworking household appliance, eventually, it can break down or experience issues. Rather than try to fix the problem themselves, homeowners are better off consulting with an experienced professional once they notice signs of trouble. Some signs that the garbage disposal needs repair or replacement include:
Odd Sounds Come From the Disposal
On a good day, a garbage disposal shouldn’t make any sound outside of the business-as-usual loud grinding noise it makes. However, some noises that could warrant repair services include:
- Rattling: Rattling inside the garbage disposal could be something minor, like a utensil stuck in the drain. In other situations, it can require tightening the blades–or even replacing them altogether.
- Humming: When the garbage disposal hums, this could mean that the motor is turning on, but the blades aren’t spinning. As with the above example, the problem could lie with something stuck down the drain or a jam in the disposal.
- Clicking: A clicking noise may indicate that the motor is attempting to power on, but it can’t. In this instance, a homeowner should press the garbage disposal reset button and see if that helps.
If no sound is coming from the garbage disposal, this could mean an issue with the power supply. In any of the instances above, a professional can diagnose and repair the problem.
The Device Doesn’t Work Well
Some signs that a garbage disposal isn’t working well anymore and likely need repair or replacement include:
- Frequent clogs: When the garbage disposal doesn’t chop up waste well enough or quickly enough, the debris can get caught in the plumbing system and form clogs.
- Disposal has to be frequently reset: If the garbage disposal experiences issues that require the reset button to be used more regularly, there may be an underlying problem that needs attention.
The Garbage Disposal Smells
A garbage disposal, contrary to having “garbage” in the name, shouldn't smell awful. Yet, the device may smell bad, indicating an issue like a clog in the garbage disposal itself or the pipes under it. One way homeowners can try to eliminate the smell before contacting a plumber is by running ice cubes through the disposal. They can help dislodge food that has gotten stuck, which can help get rid of the smell.
To prevent this issue, homeowners should also be careful what they put down their garbage disposals. Kitchen waste such as coffee grounds, eggshells, or grease and oil should never be put down the disposal, as they can damage the garbage disposal and clog the pipes. There is no reason to struggle with faulty garbage disposals. A plumber can inspect the garbage disposal, correct the issue, and explain how to prevent these issues in the future.
About The Plumbing Dr
The Plumbing Dr has over four decades of experience serving Falls Church and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, 24/7 emergency support, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for garbage disposal services in Falls Church, VA.
