Solved! Does Your Garbage Disposal Need a Repair or a Replacement?

Invented over 95 years ago, the humble garbage disposal has become a mainstay of the modern American kitchen. This convenient machine continues to provide an extremely valuable service to those looking for a quick clean-up after a messy dinner. Garbage disposals are designed to pulverize food and other waste ensuring that your kitchen pipes remain clean and functional.

But what does it mean if your appliance stops working? Is it time for a garbage disposal replacement, or will a repair suffice? Let’s look at the common problems…

• Humming Sound
  Unlike the call of a bird, this humming sound isn’t music to your ears! This low humming sound radiating from your garbage disposal could be an indication that although there’s ample power to the appliance, the blades are not rotating. This is likely caused by an object that has jammed the blades, or the garbage disposal has been overfilled on this occasion.
  
  Turn off the power on your appliance before looking for the problem. If the garbage disposal is switched on whilst a blockage is present, then you run the risk of burning out the unit’s motor. In the instance of a faulty motor, a garbage disposal replacement, rather than a repair, is recommended.
  
  
• Leaking
  A leaking garbage disposal is a common problem for many homeowners. There are several reasons why this may be happening to your garbage disposal, and the solution may only involve a little tightening!
  
  Not sure if your unit is leaking from the top or the bottom? Or, if you require a garbage disposal replacement? Our professional, trusted plumbers at Gary’s Plumbing & Heating are here to navigate the cause of the leak for you, and with years of experience we’re able to advise on the best outcome for your needs, whether that’s a garbage disposal repair or replacement.
  
  
• Slow Running Drains or a Bad Odor
  Ugh! If your garbage disposal is omitting a foul smell, then it may be a sign that your food waste has not been properly disposed of. This unpleasant smell, along with slow running drains, are usually due to a build-up within your garbage disposal that has caused a clog, resulting in food particles sitting stagnant. Ew!
  
  Get rid of the unsavory smell filling your kitchen with a garbage disposal repair. An experienced plumber from Gary’s Plumbing & Heating will be able to use the right tools and techniques to banish that odor!
  
  
• Frequent Clogs
  Are you noticing that no matter how small your loads are, they always seem to jam your unit? Although fruit pits and bones are common culprits of clogged garbage disposals, the problem may not be with your sink habits! A clogged garbage disposal is a smelly nuisance, and one that you’ll want to fix quickly.
  
  Frequent clogs may also indicate that your family needs a higher capacity model, let the Gary’s Plumbing & Heating service team know of your woes, and we’ll be able to assess your requirements for the perfect garbage disposal replacement.
  
  
• Loud Clanging
  Hmm, that doesn’t sound right… If your garbage disposal is making new, strange noises then it may be a sign that something has fallen into your appliance that shouldn’t be in there. That could be a foreign object or a piece of the unit itself that has snapped and dropped in.
  
  Although a garbage disposal repair may be your first thought, it may be useful to assess how often you use your disposal. If yours gets frequent use, then you may consider investing in an appliance that has stainless steel parts that are more durable and hard-wearing.
  
  
• No Power
  Uh oh! If there’s no power reaching your unit then this may indicate that you’ve blown a circuit or the motor itself is on its way out. To ensure that you continue to have a safe, reliable appliance, our professional plumbers may recommend a garbage disposal replacement.

We understand that your garbage disposal is an essential piece of kit in your kitchen, and our plumbers are here to help evaluate if your garbage disposal requires a repair or a replacement. The best way to keep your appliance happy and healthy is with a service from our friendly team!

Here at Gary's Plumbing and Heating, we’re dedicate to providing a fast, friendly and reliable service. Call us today at (360) 734-9700 to book a service for your garbage disposal.