04 Apr Top-4 Issues, AVOIDED! Affordable Garbage Disposal Repair Solano
Affordable Garbage Disposal Repair | Always Affordable Plumbing Solano
Here Are 4 of the Most Common Garbage Disposal Issues, and How to Fix Them!
When it comes to garbage disposals, we often expect them to be indestructible. We put things into the disposal expecting them to get chewed up and destroyed, magically reduced to nothing to wash down our pipes. Unfortunately, the reality is much different. In fact, garbage disposals can break just like any other appliance. Here are some common issues with disposals, and how to avoid them.
Common Garbage Disposal Issues
Before we get started, let’s have a quick technical review. The most common misconception about garbage disposals is that they have “blades” that chop up food waste. People often think of a garbage disposal like they think of a blender. In fact, this is not the case. A garbage disposal actually uses “impellers”. The impellers spin and push the waste against and through a grinding ring. Think of the grinding ring like a cylindrical cheese grater. Food waste spins around and is pushed outwards and through the grinding ring.
There are no “blades”. That means, there are no blades to sharpen to make your disposal work better. If you understand this, you are already ahead of the curve. When it comes to garbage disposal maintenance, it is about keeping the grinding ring and impellers clean and clear of waste product. That being said, let’s talk about some of the most common garbage disposal issues.
IT WON’T TURN ON
You flip the switch to grind away, and nothing happens. No buzz. No hum. There is not even any grinding. If this is the case, chances are the breaker has been tripped from a power surge. Check the outlet GFCI to see if it needs a reset, and check your breaker box for a trip. Most disposals plug into a designated outlet that is located underneath the sink.
Not the problem? If it is not a “power” issue, then it is possible that the disposal itself is broken. This would be a good time to call Always Affordable Plumbing to have your disposal inspected and tested.
IT TURNS ON, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS
Alternatively, sometimes you flip the switch and hear a hum, but there is no grinding going on. If you hear a hum, or the disposal trying to work, then at least there is power getting to the disposal. However, there is something jamming the impellers or grinding rings. The first thing to do is to turn off the switch. Next, unplug the garbage disposal. With the power off, you can carefully reach into the disposal drain to feel for what may be jamming the impellers. Typically, this is a utensil that accidentally fell into the drain, or other non-food item. Occasionally, this can be caused by food. Fiberous and stringy foods, fruit pits, bones, and egg shells are common culprits.
If you can pull out the item, do so and then dispose of it in the garbage CAN. If you can’t remove it, you can attempt to dislodge it in a different way. Access the disposal unit underneath the sink. On the bottom of it, in the center, you will find a small hole that is designed for an Allen wrench. With the proper wrench in place, you should be able to manually turn the impellers to dislodge the jammed item. It may take some “back-and-forth” motion, and some pretty strong wrenching, but this is usually very effective. If you are unable to clear the jam, call Always Affordable Plumbing Solano and Sacramento to have a professional plumber come help. Forcing the jam could make things worse!
THE DRAIN IS SLOW
Notice that water backs up in the garbage disposal drain? Food particles caught up in the grinders will clog the drain. As your disposal wears, it becomes less efficient at breaking waste down. This can lead to clogs in the drain, around the grinding ring, or even further down the pipes. You will want to run water down the drain and turn on the disposal. This will give the disposal a chance to grind any food waste still in the grinding ring. If this does not resolve the slow drain, you should have a professional plumber come out to inspect the disposal. A plumber will be able to inspect the impellers for trapped food. Additionally, a plumber will be able to inspect your drain lines for clogs. Often times we find the kitchen drain line can clog up with FOG (fats, oils, grease) and will need to be cleared.
SOMETHING DOESN’T SMELL RIGHT
A very common complaint we get is a mysterious and unwelcomed odor coming from the disposal. Of course, with all the various things we run through the disposal, it should be no surprise that it can smell bad! However, this should only occur if the impellers and grinding ring are dirty and impacted with food particles. An easy way to clean your disposal is to use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Poor the mixture into the disposal drain and let it soak for about 5 minutes. Then run water down the drain and turn the disposal on for about 30 seconds.
Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation
Hopefully our best plumber tips about garbage disposals helps you troubleshoot any problems you come across. If you find that you still need a plumber, Always Affordable Plumbing provides the best in garbage disposal repair. Additionally, we can install a new garbage disposal if need be. We are always just a phone call away, happy to go over all of your options and help you find the best solution for your problem. Whether you need a new hot water heater, your drains cleared, or a leak fixed, Always Affordable Plumbing is here for you.
READ MORE ABOUT GARBAGE DISPOSALS RIGHT HERE!
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Find out more about Always Affordable Plumbing (Lic. #1003782) by calling:
SACRAMENTO VALLEY: (916) 970-0188
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Affordable Garbage Disposal Repair | Always Affordable Plumbing Solano