Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Failing

Whoever thought up the idea for a garbage disposal ought to be considered for some kind of special award. While it’s perfectly possible to live without one, once you have lived with the convenience of a garbage disposal, it can be difficult to imagine life any other way. It’s a life-changing kitchen appliance that is often taken for granted. That’s why at the first sign that it’s not working right, the first thing that pops into our heads is often something like, “Oh no, is my garbage disposal broken?”

But fear not—there are easy fixes to many common problems with garbage disposals. Here are common problems as well as some solutions to try next time you wonder, “Why isn’t my garbage disposal working?” If these suggestions don’t seem to do the trick, it’s time to reach out to a trusted plumber for assistance.

Weird noises

Garbage disposals are loud, and it’s a good thing they only need to be run for a few seconds at a time. But if they’re extra loud or are making an unusual sound when turned on, there may be a problem. The first thing to do is turn off the disposal; then check to see if a piece of silverware or any other errant kitchen utensil has fallen in. If nothing is found, there may be a misalignment with the disposal components, leading them to grind together unnaturally.

Too many clogs

If your garbage disposal keeps getting clogged, it may mean that the time has come for a new unit. If you are experiencing frequent clogs in the disposal, even if there isn’t that much in the trap, you may need a unit with a larger capacity. This may also indicate a problem with the disposal itself.

Too many resets required

Every garbage disposal should have a reset button on the unit under the sink. This is helpful when the disposal clogs up or has too large of a load. But if you have to press this button often (daily, for example), it may mean your disposal is wearing out. This may also mean that there is loose wiring in or around the unit, which a plumber would likely be able to diagnose and fix.

Water leaks

If you find that there is a leak under your sink, your first thought may be that it’s coming from the pipes or maybe the dishwasher. But it’s also possible that water has seeped into the areas where your garbage disposal connects to the plumbing system and caused a leak there. This may start as a small leak, but it can become a big problem if left unattended over time.

When you need to know, “Is my garbage disposal broken?” try the tips above. If all else fails, your best bet is to call a professional plumber to come take a look and fix the problem. When you need professionals to get your garbage disposal working again, contact Rooter Express right away. We look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Garbage Disposals