A functioning garbage disposal helps keep your sink and pipes clean. When problems arise with your disposal, the issues could impact the way you cook, wash up, or keep your kitchen clean.
As much as we would like them to, appliances, unfortunately, do not last forever. In the case of garbage disposals, it can be difficult to know if a unit needs to be repaired or completely replaced.
While some garbage disposal problems may need plumbing repairs, others require a full replacement. In this blog, we list 8 indicators that you need a garbage disposal service and potentially a garbage disposal replacement. Garbage disposal repairs are tricky which is why we recommend contacting an experienced Colorado Springs plumber to help you with your fix.
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8 Signs You Need A New Garbage Disposal
Garbage Disposal Abnormal Noises
If you’ve ever had a piece of silverware slip into your garbage disposal unnoticed, you know just how loud disposals can be. When a new noise occurs, especially any metal-sounding noise, use your hand and a light to check for an obvious source, like a lost spoon.
If there doesn’t seem to be anything blocking the blades, the disposal components may be misaligned so that they grind together when you run the appliance. In most cases, a quick adjustment can resolve the problem. It’s important to address new disposal noises as soon as possible because obstructions damage the motor.
Frequent Resets of the Garbage Disposal
The reset button on your garbage disposal is intended to help the appliance recover from unusual situations, like large loads or clogs. But if your garbage disposal is in good shape, you shouldn’t need to use the reset button very often.
If you have to reset the disposal frequently, your garbage disposal may be aging out. Another common cause of frequent resets is loose wiring which you will need a Colorado Springs plumber or electrician to resolve safely.
Inexplicable Clogs in the Garbage Disposal
You know that you should wash food particles down the drain in small amounts to avoid clogging the garbage disposal. If you start to notice that no matter how small your loads are, they always seem to jam the appliance, the problem may not be with your cleaning habits.
In some cases, clogs can indicate that you simply need a higher-capacity model. In other situations, these clogs may indicate a malfunction in the device.
No Power to the Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal refuses to turn on or tends to shut off by itself while in use, check to see if the connected circuit has blown. If your electrical system seems to be working normally, schedule a garbage disposal inspection as soon as possible.
Generally, these unexplained power issues indicate a failing motor. The motor may be on its last legs or may have blown out entirely. Garbage disposal repairs are tricky which is why we recommend contacting an experienced Colorado Springs plumbing company to help you.
Persistent Odors in the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal odors can be unpleasant since they usually stem from the breakdown of wet food. However, most of these smells should respond to gentle and thorough rinsing or cleaning.
If nothing seems to help eliminate the odor, you may need professional help. Your plumber can take the appliance apart to find and remove any trapped particles that could be causing the issue.
It’s important to note that you should not resort to chemical cleaners when working with your disposal. Not only are most drain cleaners too hard for your plumbing, but all of these solvents can damage disposal blades and components.
Planned Renovation
While your disposal may not be strictly failing by the time you decide to remodel your kitchen or replace your sink, you should consider replacing this appliance during a renovation. An old garbage disposal may not often have the functionality you expect from a brand new kitchen.
You should especially consider replacing your disposal if it’s been at least a decade since your last renovation or garbage disposal installation project. Most disposals have a life expectancy of about 10 years, after which they may start clogging more often. Garbage disposal repairs are difficult which is why we recommend contacting an experienced Colorado Springs plumber near you to help.
Garbage Disposal has Poor Performance
Most loads should run through your disposal quickly. If it seems to take an excessive amount of time for your garbage disposal to break down food particles, the blades may need to be sharpened or replaced. Does your disposal take an unusually long time to grind food and clog easily? Your disposal’s blades have likely lost their sharp edge.
In some cases, extensive blade deterioration may actually require replacement of the entire unit so be sure to have a professional assess the condition of the appliance.
Water Leaks
Over time, water may seep through some of the areas where your disposal connects to the rest of your plumbing system. Often, by the time a disposal becomes large enough to be noticeable, it will require full appliance replacement. While many leaks in drain or dishwasher lines can be repaired easily by tightening connections or replacing O-rings, some other leaks can be far more complex and expensive to fix.
These leaks may leave puddles under your sink, pool on the floor by your cabinet, or drip from under the garbage disposal itself. It’s easy to mistake a dishwasher or sink leak for a disposal leak so have a plumber find the cause of any leak that seems like it could be coming from your disposal. Garbage disposal repairs are often difficult which is why we recommend contacting an experienced Colorado Springs plumber near you to help.
Contact an Experienced Colorado Springs Plumbing Company Near You
If you are looking for a trusted Colorado Springs plumber to help you with any garbage disposal issues, contact Jolly Plumbing at (719) 473-8545. The steps above are simply some things you can do as the homeowner to fix a garbage disposal, but if you are uncomfortable doing anything listed above, our team of highly qualified Colorado Springs plumbers is ready to jump in and take care of any needs you may have. Give us a call today!
Jolly Plumbing is your local plumbing and heating company. We promise to offer you upstanding customer service, experienced workers, and a job done right the first time. If you have questions about your water heater, have a leak, or need a replacement, we are here to help. Call Jolly Plumbing today for any Colorado Springs plumbing issues.
Colorado Springs Garbage Disposal Services Review
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