A garbage disposal is a godsend appliance that offers a great way to dispose of food waste conveniently. When you turn on the disposal, the motor activates, and the grinding chamber starts to spin, breaking down food into smaller particles. The disposal has two main parts: the grinding chamber and the motor. The grinding chamber houses the impeller, which grinds up the food waste into tiny particles that can be easily washed away.
Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are the go-to plumbing service for all things related to garbage disposals. In this article, you’ll learn how to keep your garbage disposal in top shape and how to troubleshoot common garbage disposal problems.
Good Garbage Disposal Habits
Just like changing your car’s oil keeps the engine running smoothly, there are things you can do to keep your garbage in tip-top shape. Here are some tips to maintain your garbage disposal:
- Always run cold water when grinding food waste: Grind good waste with a strong flow of cold water to allow chopped food particles to easily flow through the drain pipes. It may sound counterintuitive to use cold water instead of hot, but it’s actually more effective.
- Cut up large foods: The fact that your garbage disposal unit pulverizes food waste with much ease doesn’t mean you should feed it with large chunks. Do not let your garbage disposal’s grinding power fool you. Breaking down food into smaller pieces helps prevent clogs and reduces strain on the disposal's motor, ensuring it functions efficiently for longer.
- Use your garbage disposal regularly: It may seem counterproductive to use your garbage disposal regularly if your goal is to extend its lifespan, but regular use is actually a good thing. Regular use prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring that the parts stay in good working condition.
- Keep it clean: Run a little amount of dish soap and water through the disposal to prevent clogs and keep the appliance smelling good.
- Schedule garbage disposal repair in a timely manner: If you notice signs of trouble such as unusual noises, a burning odor, or water leaking from the disposal unit, call a premier plumbing service for a professional diagnosis.
Garbage Disposal Safety Tips
- Never put hands or objects into the disposal
- Use caution when cleaning around the disposal
- Avoid overloading the disposal
- Be mindful of what you put down the drain
- If you’re not a skilled plumber, leave garbage disposal repair and replacement to the experts
Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Problems
- Jams: This is one of the most common garbage disposal problems homeowners encounter. Unplug the disposal and use a wrench to manually loosen any jammed items. If your unit seems to jam frequently, it may be time to consider a garbage disposal replacement.
- Unusual noises: Grinding or humming sounds may indicate a jammed disposal or worn-out parts. However, loud clicking indicates a faulty motor or switch in most cases. Use a flashlight to inspect the disposal for visible obstructions or damage. If there are no visible obstructions, it’s a good idea to schedule garbage disposal repair service.
- Leaks: The main causes of garbage disposal leaks include worn-out gaskets, a loose drain line connection, cracks in the unit, and many more. If you notice water leaking from your garbage disposal, turn off the water supply and tighten loose connections. If the leak persists, call a qualified plumber to inspect the unit and make repairs.
- Slow draining: If water drains slowly from the sink, use a plumber’s snake to clear any obstructions. You can as well use a sink plunger to dislodge any blockages. If the problem persists, call a plumbing repair service for an inspection.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help you with all of your garbage disposal needs, including garbage disposal replacement. Contact us today and speak with our knowledgeable and experienced garbage disposal installers.
