How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

Taking Care of Your Garbage Disposal

Prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and proper care and regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your garbage disposal, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.

For beginners, refrain from disposing of hard materials like bones, nutshells, or fibrous foods like celery or corn husks, as they can damage the disposal's blades and motor. To prevent overloading the disposal, cut larger food waste into small pieces before feeding it into the unit.

After each use, run cold water and a small amount of dish soap through the disposal to flush away food particles and residues. Occasional use of citrus peels can help freshen the disposal's scent.

Troubleshooting Your Garbage Disposal

Even with proper care, garbage disposals may encounter occasional problems. When you notice signs of trouble, it’s important to identify and address the root cause as soon as possible.

If the disposal stops working suddenly, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the unit and press it to reset the motor.

If the disposal is not draining or making a humming noise, it might be clogged. Turn off the power and use a disposal wrench or a broom handle to manually rotate the blades and dislodge the clog. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the unit.

Foul odors are also problematic. To combat unpleasant smells, grind ice cubes and baking soda in the disposal to eliminate odors and clean the blades.

If your garbage disposal is leaking, then it might be better to call in a plumber. Many times, the fix will involve removing the unit and replacing a part, or the whole thing.

When Should You Replace the Garbage Disposal?

Despite diligent care, most garbage disposals last around 10-15 years. If your unit is nearing or has exceeded this range and is experiencing frequent issues, it's a sign to consider a replacement. Other tell-tale signs that it’s time for a new garbage disposal include:

• Frequent repairs
• Unusual grinding, rattling, and scraping sounds during operation
• Persistent leaks
• Poor performance, or regularly getting jammed

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing ANY Time

A faulty garbage disposal can be an inconvenience at best and a cause of extensive water damage at worst. We understand that issues can arise at any given moment, which is why Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers emergency plumbing service. Call us at any time of the day to speak with a live member of our team.