Can I fix a garbage disposal myself?
Let’s talk about garbage disposals, those workhorses of the kitchen that keep things running smoothly by breaking down our food waste and protecting our plumbing. Like any appliance in your home, they can start acting up over time. When that happens, you’ll need to make a call: fix it or replace it. Let me walk you through what you need to know to make the right choice.
For more on what to do if your disposal isn’t working properly, go here.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal May Need Attention
Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
If you flip that switch and nothing happens, don’t panic! It’s often something super simple. First, check if it’s plugged in (I know, but you’d be surprised how often this is the culprit!). If it’s plugged in but still playing dead, look for that little red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Just press it; sometimes the motor gets overwhelmed and needs a quick break.
Still no luck? Take a peek at your circuit breaker. Sometimes, it trips and cuts power to your disposal. Now, if you’re dealing with loose wiring inside the unit, that’s when things get tricky. It’s best to leave electrical work to the pros; it’s not worth the risk!
Frequent Leaks
Leaks are another headache you might run into. Sometimes, it means your disposal has a crack (time for a replacement). But often, it’s just loose bolts or worn-out seals doing their thing. You might need to quickly tighten the mounting bolts or swap out those rubber gaskets. That said, if the actual body of your disposal is leaking, don’t mess around. Replace it before you end up with water damage under your sink.
Frequent Clogs
If you’re constantly dealing with clogs, you might be asking too much of your disposal! Not everything should go down there. Those stringy veggies, fats, and bones are just asking for trouble. Even with normal use, those blades can get dull over time. Here’s a neat trick: run some ice cubes and rock salt through there. Works like magic to freshen up those blades!
Still getting clogs? Might be that your disposal’s motor is too small for your needs. If you feed a big family or cook up a storm regularly, upgrading to a beefier model could be your ticket to smoother running.
Slow Performance
Notice your disposal taking its sweet time breaking down food? Could be those dull blades again – try that ice and rock salt trick I mentioned. But if it’s still sluggish, your motor might be throwing in the towel. Sure, you could replace just the motor, but at that point, you might want to think about a whole new unit, especially if yours is getting up there in years.
Foul Odors
Getting some funky smells from your disposal? Usually, it means some food got trapped and isn’t breaking down properly. Here’s a simple fix – toss in some ice and citrus peels. The ice helps knock loose any stuck bits, and the citrus freshens everything up. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might need a pro to get in there for a deep clean. And if those smells just won’t quit? Your disposal might be ready for retirement.
Loud Noise but No Grinding
Hear a loud racket, but nothing’s actually grinding? Probably something stuck in there. Turn it off (please!) and use pliers or tongs to fish out whatever’s causing trouble. Keep those hands out of there! If you don’t see anything obvious, it could be motor or wiring trouble, but it’s still making a racket. At this point, especially with an older unit, replacement might be your best bet.
Lifespan of a Garbage Disposal
You can expect about 10-12 years from your disposal, but treat it right and you might squeeze out 15 years! Want to keep it running like a champ? Here’s the secret sauce: always run cold water (hot water just causes trouble with grease), feed it slowly (it’s not a race!), and skip those harsh chemical cleaners. They’re actually doing more harm than good.
Before Deciding to Replace
Let’s try some quick fixes before you rush to buy a new disposal. Hit that reset button; sometimes that’s all it takes after it’s overheated or jammed up. Check for obvious clogs too, but please, use tongs or pliers. Never stick your hands in there!
Making the Right Choice
So how do you know whether to repair or replace? It really comes down to what’s wrong and how old your disposal is. Those little issues, like needing a reset or clearing a clog, are usually quick fixes you can handle yourself.
But if you’re dealing with an older unit constantly leaking or a failed motor, it’s time to say goodbye. Those older models tend to be like old cars; repair costs start adding up fast. Sometimes, getting a newer, more efficient model is a money-saving move in the long run.
Not sure which way to go? That’s what plumbers are for! They can check out your situation and give you the straight talk on whether it’s worth fixing or upgrading your garbage disposal.
Remember, while there are plenty of disposal issues you can tackle yourself, some problems need a pro’s touch. The key is knowing the difference so you can keep your kitchen running smoothly without wasting money on unnecessary repairs or replacements.
At Benjamin Franklin, we handle garbage disposal repairs and replacements, so if you need a hand, give us a shout. Remember, we’re your puntual plumbers, and we always show up on time!