Signs the Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
Garbage disposals are handy devices that can help prevent kitchen drain clogs. By reducing the size of food debris that is scraped off plates and dumped in the sink, the garbage disposal makes it easier to rinse scraps down the drain. With a good garbage disposal, homeowners can expect fewer headaches, but eventually, the garbage disposal will experience problems.
Learning the signs that garbage disposal replacement or repair may be needed can help homeowners get it fixed quickly and prevent a small problem from turning into a serious clogged drain. Keep reading to learn the signs that indicate problems with the garbage disposal, like strange noises, poor performance, and foul odors.
New Noises
Garbage disposals don’t have many moving parts, so spotting signs of trouble can be pretty easy. The motor is the largest component of the unit, so it makes sense that paying attention to it and the noises made can expose problems. During normal operations, the garbage disposal motor makes a loud but smooth and consistent noise. One of the most common problems with faulty garbage disposals is when the motor won’t turn on or is clogged. Instead of making its normal noise, the noise can be a loud humming. Additionally, there may be no sign that the garbage disposal is moving.
Garbage disposals can jam for a couple of reasons. First, they can become overwhelmed by a large volume of debris being put down at once. Similarly, if not enough water is used to rinse the sink while the garbage disposal is running, the grinder plate can become stuck. Finally, dishes and cutlery can be big enough to fall down the drain and jam the motor, which can also cause loud metal rattling or screeching noises. In any of these cases, professionals can help with garbage disposal repairs.
Poor Performance
Another sign that garbage disposal replacement or repairs are necessary is poor performance. When the motor of the garbage disposal is the source of poor performance, homeowners may find that they have to constantly hit the garbage disposal reset button located on the unit. This indicates that the motor will probably need to be repaired or replaced.
If kitchen drain problems are becoming common even with the garbage disposal, there may be problems with the grinder. Over time, the blades of a garbage disposal can become dull. Replacing or sharpening them can restore performance and protect the kitchen sink plumbing and pipes.
Foul Smells
Another common sign of something wrong with the garbage disposal is terrible odors coming from the sink. While foul odors from the drain can indicate that professional drain cleaning is needed because of a clog, the source of the bad smells in the drain could also be the garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals can cause foul odors from the drain for a couple of reasons. Food may not be getting ground fine enough by the garbage disposal to rinse down the drain, or food debris is too large to fit through the P trap under the sink, causing garbage disposal clogs that smell bad. Repairing the unit and learning the best habits to take care of the garbage disposal is the easiest way to eliminate the odors.
About PlumbCrazy
PlumbCrazy has over three decades of experience serving Abingdon and the surrounding communities. They provide emergency plumbing services, personalized solutions, and financing. Call them today for garbage disposal repair or installation in Abingdon, MD.
