An average garbage disposal generally operates for several years without an issue. However, after a while, you may find that it begins to give you trouble (or in some cases, stop operating at all). When this happens, you will be left without one of the most useful appliances in your kitchen. At Tritan Plumbing, we can inspect your garbage disposal to find out why it is malfunctioning and inform you if it needs repair or replacement.
The Following Are Signs to Watch for in a Failing Garbage Disposal:
Foul Smells
Garbage disposals emitting foul odors is not an immediate sign that it needs repair. But, if you have tried several known methods such as citrus fruits or chemical agents to rid the odor with no success; you should contact a professional to take a look. They will come out and inspect your disposal and tell you what option is best to take.
Will Not Turn On
If you are flipping the garbage disposal switch to the on position and nothing happens, there is a problem. First, check your fuse box or circuit breaker that the disposal is connected to. Once you ensure they are working properly, and the disposal still don’t turn on the check to see if any blades are jammed. To do so, first, make sure all power is off going to the disposal. If there is nothing jamming the blades, and it still has no power, contact a plumber to inspect the garbage disposal. It will likely need to be replaced.
Grinding Noises
When your garbage disposal starts to make a grinding noise, such as metal-on-metal, check for any stuck silverware. If not, this can mean your disposals parts are moving incorrectly or are starting to grate. A professional plumber can perform a tune-up to resolve this issue before the motor burns out. However, if its parts are beyond repair, the can replace the disposal for you.
Leaking Water
If you notice leaking water from your disposal, a repair should be effective enough to resolve the problem. Likely, there are loose seals on the disposal that need replacing. In some cases, however, water leaking is coming from a crack on the disposal itself. If this is the cause of your leak, the disposal will need replacing.
Must Press Reset Button After Each Use
If you must press the reset button on the outlet after each use of the garbage disposal, there is a wiring issue or it has the disposal is too old. You will need to replace your garbage disposal that is what caused the problem. But, after contacting a plumber, and they say the disposal was not the issue, it is time to contact an electrician. This can be dangerous, do not attempt to repair the issue yourself, always contact a professional when having electrical problems.
Repairing or replacing a garbage disposal on your own can be dangerous. Always contact a member of the Tritan Plumbing team if you suspect that your garbage disposal is having issues. We will do a thorough inspection and tell you what your best options are.
