21 Apr How To Fix a Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a mechanical device typically installed under the kitchen sink and designed to shred and dispose of food waste. It uses a motor to power a spinning plate with sharp blades attached to it. When you add waste to the disposal, the blades chop it into tiny pieces that can easily pass through the drain pipes.
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How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
To use a garbage disposal, turn on the water and flip a switch to activate the motor. You can then add small amounts of waste to the disposal while running. Once you have added all the waste, you turn off the circuit breaker and let the water run for a few seconds to help flush everything down the drain.
Usually, garbage disposals have a drain line connecting them to the dishwashers. The dishwasher drains through the disposal, which helps keep the drain line clear and clog-free.
Can You Still Run Your Dishwasher if Your Disposal Is Broken?
If your garbage disposal breaks, you should avoid putting large amounts of waste down the drain, which can lead to clogs in the pipes. Instead, you can scrape excess food off dishes and dispose of it in the trash before loading them into the dishwasher.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
If your garbage disposal is not turning on, the first thing to check is if it is plugged in and then if the circuit breaker tripped.
If it is not draining, it may be due to a clog in the pipes.
If you notice water leaking from your garbage disposal, it may be due to a loose or damaged seal.
If you hear a sound like glass or rocks when you turn on the garbage disposal, it may be due to a foreign object stuck in the disposal.
If your garbage disposal is backed-up, it may be due to a clog in the drain pipes. You can use a plunger or a drain cleaner to clear the clog.
If your garbage disposal is stuck, it may be due to something lodged in the blades or motor. You can try using a special disposal wrench tool to rotate the blades and free the object manually.
The garbage disposal blades can become jammed if something hard or a non-food item gets caught. For example, coffee grounds can be abrasive and damage the blades of your garbage disposal over time.
If your garbage disposal jams, it may be due to something lodged in the blades or motor. You can try using a special disposal wrench tool to rotate the blades and free the object manually.
If it is clogged, it may be due to a waste buildup or other debris like grease or coffee grounds. You can use a plunger or a drain cleaner to clear the clog.
If your garbage disposal smells bad, it may be due to a buildup of waste or other debris. You can try cleaning the disposal with vinegar and baking soda or a commercial disposal cleaner.
Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working
Here are some additional reasons why a garbage disposal may not be working:
Clogged Drain: A clogged drain line can prevent the disposal from draining properly, causing it to back up and stop working.
Faulty Wiring: If the wiring to the disposal is faulty or damaged, it can prevent it from working properly.
Faulty Switch: If the switch that controls the disposal is faulty, it may not turn on or off properly, preventing the disposal from working.
Rust or Corrosion: Over time, rust and corrosion can cause the blades or other components of the disposal to become damaged or degraded, making it less effective or causing it to stop working altogether.
Overuse: If you use the disposal frequently or for large amounts of waste, it can become worn out or damaged, causing it to stop working.
Tripped Breaker: If the circuit breaker that controls the disposal has tripped, it will prevent it from working until the breaker resets.
It’s important to note that many of these issues are preventable by using the disposal properly and following manufacturer guidelines.
How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?
The lifespan of a garbage disposal can vary depending on several factors, such as usage, maintenance, and quality. On average, a well-maintained garbage disposal runs between 8 to 15 years.
Why Is My Disposal Humming and Not Working?
If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, the blades are likely stuck and unable to turn. Here are some common reasons why this may be happening:
Food Waste Jam: A common cause of a humming garbage disposal is a jammed blade. Jams can occur when waste or other debris gets stuck between the blades, preventing them from turning.
Faulty Motor: If the blades have no jam, the humming sound could be due to a faulty motor. Over time, the motor can become worn out or damaged, making it difficult for the blades to turn.
Electrical Issue: Sometimes, a humming garbage disposal can is due to an electrical problem, such as a faulty switch or wiring issue.
If you are unsure how to fix the issue, it’s best to call a professional plumber to safely fix garbage disposal.
How Do You Know if Your Garbage Disposal Motor Is Burnt Out?
If your garbage disposal is not working at all and you suspect that the motor may be burnt out, here are some signs to look out for:
No Noise or Movement: If you turn on the disposal switch and there is no noise or movement at all, it could be a sign that the motor is burnt out.
Strong Burning Smell: A strong burning smell coming from the disposal unit can be an indication of a burnt out motor. This could be caused by overheating or electrical issues and will need garbage disposal repair.
Tripped Circuit Breaker: If the garbage disposal trips the circuit breaker frequently, it may be a sign that the motor is struggling and could be burnt out.
Loud or Unusual Noise: If you hear unusual noises coming from the unit, such as grinding or whirring sounds, it could be a sign that the motor is struggling and could be burnt out, calling for garbage disposal repair.
Age of the Disposal: If your garbage disposal is more than 10 years old and you are experiencing any of the above issues, it could be a sign that the motor is burnt out or on its way out.
If you suspect that the motor of your garbage disposal is burnt out, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix garbage disposal. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than trying to repair the motor.
How to Fix Garbage Disposal
There are a few simple ways to fix garbage disposal. But taking safety precautions and avoiding damaging the unit further is important.
Here are some simple fixes you can try to fix garbage disposal:
Reset the Disposal: If the disposal is not working at all, it may have tripped the circuit breaker. Press the reset button on the disposal unit, usually located at the bottom of the disposal. Resetting can fix garbage disposal repair problems.
Clear Waste Jams: If the disposal is humming but not working, waste or other debris is likely stuck in the blades. Turn off the disposal and use pliers or tongs to remove any visible blockages to fix garbage disposal.
Clean the Disposal: If the disposal is clogged or not working efficiently, it may be due to waste and other debris buildup.
Check the Power Supply: If the disposal is not turning on, check that it is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped.
Replace the Disposal: If the disposal is old or damaged beyond repair, it may be time to replace it with a new unit.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Garbage Disposal?
The garbage disposal repair decision depends on your specific situation and needs. It’s best to consult with a professional plumber or electrician to evaluate the issue and provide recommendations on whether to repair or replace the unit.
Does Drano Fix Garbage Disposal?
No, Drano does not fix garbage disposal. Drano is a chemical drain cleaner designed to dissolve clogs in pipes. It can damage the plastic or rubber components of the garbage disposal.
Who Fixes Garbage Disposals Near Me?
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler is a fully licensed, insured, and family-owned plumbing contractor in the Whitehouse & Longview areas. The company aims to provide honest and dependable service to residential customers at reasonable prices for garbage disposal repair in Tyler.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler has been in garbage disposal repair in Tyler for over 25 years and is happy to help everyone throughout Longview and surrounding areas.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler serves the East Texas cities of Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (903) 730-6611 to schedule an appointment!