Most homeowners enjoy the convenience of a garbage disposal not only for disposing of food scraps and leftovers, but for helping to keep their home atmosphere clean and fresh. Most of us would agree that the garbage disposal is one of the most used and valuable appliances in our homes. However, it is also one appliance that is often neglected, misused or entirely mistreated resulting in a number of common garbage disposal issues. These issues can also lead to other problems such as sink clogs, unpleasant odors and messy kitchen cleanups.
Here at Steve Mull Plumbing our team of highly experienced and certified plumbers wants to provide insight on how our many clients can avoid these annoying problems. First and foremost, by performing routine maintenance of your disposal and being able to recognize the warning signs that there is a problem in the making. Our team is steadfast in their commitment to meet the individual needs of all our valued clients and to provide insight needed on all types of plumbing issues. With that said, we have put together this list of quick and effective fixes when you are faced with garbage disposal issues.
Quick and Effective Fixes
Here are a few of the most common issues that occur with garbage disposals and how you can resolve the issues yourself.
- Jams – Jams are by far the most common issue homeowners find themselves faced with when it comes to their garbage disposals. When a disposal jam occurs, start by turning the switch on to confirm that there is a humming sound present rather than the typical grinding sound of your disposal. This humming noise typically indicates that there is something caught between the shredding ring and the impellers. To resolve this issue, you can use an offset wrench. Insert it into the bottom of the garbage disposal, turn it clockwise and then counter clockwise. This should loosen the jam and start the disposal up again.
- Regular Clogs – Clogs are very common garbage disposal issues in nearly every household. The quickest and most effective way to resolve your ongoing clogging issue is by being cautious about what you are putting down your garbage disposal. You should never toss oil, grease, corn husks, egg shells, banana peels and other large chunks of food into the disposal since they are sure to cause a clog. If you find that your disposal is continuously clogging it may be time to have it professionally cleaned along with the adjacent sink.
- Ongoing Leaks – Another very common problem with disposals is that of leaking. When a leak occurs, be certain to shut down your disposal before attempting to repair it. The culprit of nearly all disposal leaks is that of the top flange on the disposal. Tightening the flange can solve the leak and, in some cases, replacing the flange altogether may be necessary.
- Won’t Start – No Power – If your garbage disposal is without power or will simply not turn on, we highly recommend you start by ensuring that the appliance is properly plugged in. Next, you want to check your home’s circuit breaker. If both appear to be intact, it may very well be that your switch or even the disposal itself is either faulty or has been damaged. If this is the case, then rest assured our team has got you covered.
To Sum It Up
Here at Steve Mull Plumbing we strive to deliver the highest quality plumbing parts and services to all our valued clients. We take pride in our affordable prices and our attractive turnaround times. If you find yourself faced with garbage disposal issues, or any other plumbing issues in your home, put your trust into the hands of some of the absolute best in the industry. We look forward to our every opportunity to serve you and send along wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2023 Year ahead!
Get A Quote
