How to diagnose a broken garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals are essential kitchen helpers, grinding food waste into tiny particles that easily flow through your plumbing. When your disposal isn’t working properly, you can end up with clogged drains and unpleasant smells in your kitchen. Let’s talk about how to keep your disposal running smoothly and what to watch out for.
Lifespan of Garbage Disposals
With proper care, your disposal can last up to 15 years! The key is regular maintenance; one of the simplest things you can do is run it frequently with cold water. Think of it like exercise for your disposal; regular use keeps everything working smoothly and prevents buildup that could wear it out faster.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal
Strange or Unusual Noises
If your disposal starts making weird noises – grinding, rattling, or humming – there’s probably something stuck in there. Usually, it’s just a piece of silverware that fell in (we’ve all been there!). Just remember to turn off the power before you reach in to remove anything. If those strange sounds stick around after removing any objects, you might be dealing with internal damage that needs professional attention.
A humming sound usually indicates an electrical problem.
Persistent Bad Smells
Nobody likes a stinky kitchen. If your disposal has an odor that just won’t quit, you’ve probably got food particles trapped in hard-to-reach places. Even with thorough cleaning, some debris might be hiding in there, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. When the smell won’t go away despite your best cleaning efforts, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement, especially if your unit is getting older.
Disposal Won’t Turn On
When your disposal stops working entirely, start with the basics. First, look for the reset button on the bottom of the unit; it’s amazing how often this simple fix does the trick! If that doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker. Still no luck? You might be dealing with a failing motor, which usually means it’s time to call in a pro.
Disposal Leak
Finding water under your sink? That’s often a sign that your disposal has developed cracks or the seals have worn out. This is more than just annoying; it can lead to water damage if you wait to address it. Whether it’s leaking from the top or leaking from the bottom, it’s a problem.
Since repairs for these issues often don’t last long, replacement is usually your best bet.
Garbage Disposal Reset Button
Having to press the reset button once in a while is normal, but if you’re doing it all the time, your disposal is probably telling you something’s wrong. A motor on its last legs or other internal problems could make it struggle with even basic tasks. At this point, it’s usually smarter (and more cost-effective) to replace the unit.
Best Practices for Daily Use and Maintenance
Running your disposal correctly can significantly affect how long it lasts. Always use cold water (not hot) when grinding food waste. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils so they can be chopped up and washed away. In contrast, hot water can cause grease to liquefy and coat the disposal’s components.
Keep the water running for about 30 seconds after you turn off the disposal, too. This extra flush helps make sure all the food particles make it all the way through your plumbing. Some people swear by natural cleaning methods; tossing in citrus peels can help freshen things up, and running ice cubes through occasionally can help clean and sharpen the blades.
But just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery stalks or corn husks down your disposal; they can wrap around the blades and cause jams. The same goes for coffee grounds, eggshells, and pasta; these items create nasty clogs and can expand and gum up the works. And, of course, never put non-food items, bones, or grease down your disposal. A little care in what you dispose of can prevent a lot of problems down the road.
Keeping your disposal in good working order isn’t just about convenience. It’s about maintaining a clean, efficient kitchen. You can avoid more significant headaches by paying attention to these warning signs and addressing problems early. Remember, regular maintenance and proper use are your best tools for extending the life of your disposal.
If you need professional garbage disposal repair services in the Daytona area, reach out to the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!