Unusual noises like metal-on-metal grinding and loud rattling can signal that something is amiss. Our experts can help you identify and address the issue, often for less than replacing a disposal. Contact Houston Garbage Disposal Repair for professional help.
Always prioritize safety when working on a garbage disposal, and never use your hands inside. Before beginning, make sure the power is completely off at the wall switch and circuit breaker.
Clogged garbage disposals are one of the most common problems that homeowners encounter with their appliances. Clogs can lead to bad odors, leaks beneath the sink, and even permanent damage to your disposal unit if left unchecked for too long. Thankfully, there are several simple do-it-yourself solutions you can try to clear the clog before calling a plumber.
The first thing to do if your disposal is clogged is check the circuit breaker. If it has been tripped, turn it off and reset it. Next, remove the cover and look down into the drain for a visible obstruction. If you can see something, remove it with tongs or pliers and dump the waste in the trash.
After clearing away any visible obstructions, try running some cold water down the drain while using a plunger to break up any food waste that may be trapped in the pipe. If you don’t have a plunger, try using a drain snake or auger to loosen any food waste. Once you have removed the clog, reassemble the disposal trap and discharge drain line and run water to test the unit.
If your disposal continues to clog, try turning off the power and using tongs or needle-nose pliers to manually dislodge any remaining debris from the blades. Be sure to use caution and wear gloves when using these tools. Finally, try running cold water while you’re doing this to flush out the system and help prevent grease from solidifying in the pipes and blocking the drain.
Clogged disposals are most often caused by improper care and maintenance. To avoid clogs and other issues, be selective about the foods you send down your disposal. Chop food waste into small pieces and never put hard, fibrous items like celery or potato peels in the disposal. Also, remember to always run water before, during and after using the disposal, and keep a supply of ice cubes in your disposal for regular cleaning and deodorization. If you still can’t fix a disposal that is clogged or isn’t operating properly, it’s time to call a plumber.
Leaks
Leaks are a major problem, and one that should never go untreated. They’re a clear indication that something’s wrong with your disposal, and they can lead to serious water damage if left unattended. If you have a garbage disposal leak, contact the experts for repairs or replacement before it gets worse.
Most of the time, garbage disposal leaks occur around the area where the unit mounts to the sink. This is because this area is fitted with a flange and a seal, which can deteriorate over time from constant use or just normal wear and tear. This issue usually requires opening up the disposal and cleaning off any old putty, then resealing it properly using new putty.
Another common place for leaks to occur is around the drain pipe. This is because the rubber gasket that sits between the drain pipe and the disposal may be worn out. This is also a job for a plumber, as it’s likely going to require disconnecting the drain pipe and disposing of any existing rubber gasket material.
Sometimes, leaks are caused by the seals themselves wearing down, which isn’t always a big deal. A lot of the time, the most cost-effective solution is to simply replace these seals to prevent leaks from forming.
The last big cause of leaks is that the disposal itself is starting to break down. This isn’t a good sign, as it means that the internal components are starting to wear out too, and may start to cause more problems later on down the line.
The best way to avoid this is to be vigilant with your maintenance and follow these simple tips for keeping your disposal running smoothly. Also, remember that the only way to protect your warranty is to hire a professional, as this shows the manufacturer that no non-certified person tampered with the unit, which is important in case you need to make a claim later on.
Overheating
An overheated disposal can be a dangerous combination of water, electricity, and sharp blades. You must always be careful when addressing this issue to prevent injury and potential damage to your home. First, cut power to the disposal by turning off the switch or flipping the circuit breaker. Once the unit has cooled, you can proceed with removing any visible blockages and running cold water through the drain to flush out the motor.
If your disposal is constantly shutting off during operation, you likely have a major clog or jam. Turn off the power and use tongs or pliers to remove any non-food items that may be blocking the impeller. If you can’t dislodge an item, try plunging or using a wrench to manually rotate the flywheel through a hex hole on the bottom of the unit. If a clog persists, you may need to clear the P-trap (the curved section of plumbing below your sink) by unscrewing it and clearing out the clog. Finally, regularly cleaning and running cold water before and after each use can help prevent future clogs.
Garbage disposals can trip the overload protector when too much food is processed all at once, or if there are hard, fibrous, or sticky materials in the unit. In these instances, the overload protector turns off the motor in order to avoid a fire hazard or serious electrical issues. The good news is that this problem can usually be solved by resetting the overload protector.
To reset the overload protector, you must first cut power to the unit by either locating where the wall switch is located and turning it off or finding the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the unit and inserting the wrench that came with your disposal (or a 1/4 inch Allen wrench). Next, locate the thermal overload button, which will be labeled with an “overload” sign, and push it in. Wait 10 minutes to ensure that the disposal is not still hot and then flip the breaker back on to restore power to the unit. If the unit continues to overload, you’ll need to contact a professional plumber to inspect and repair the disposal.
Motor Burnout
When a disposal motor burns out, it won’t turn the blades and will produce loud or unusual noises. These include grinding sounds, rattling or screeching, and may be accompanied by a burning smell or smoke. If you notice these signs, it’s important to shut off the disposal power and check for a circuit breaker or other electrical problem. If your disposal is plugged into a GFCI outlet, make sure it hasn’t been tripped and reset the button if necessary.
A common cause of a burned-out motor is repeatedly putting hard or fibrous food waste items into the disposal. These items can clog, damage the blades, and overheat the motor. Frequent clogs, strange or unexplained noises, constant resetting, and leaks are all indicators that the disposal’s motor is nearing the end of its life and may need to be replaced.
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your garbage disposal. Always running cold water while operating the unit and avoiding putting hard or fibrous foods into the disposal will help it last longer.
It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the inside of your disposal with a drain cleaning solution. Adding a cup of vinegar will help dissolve grease and prevent buildup. You can also avoid costly repairs by only putting food waste in the disposal that is easily digested and broken down by the machine.