Garbage Disposals and the Problems They Can Have

When it comes to garbage disposals, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. These problems can be costly to repair and could also shorten the life of your disposal.

Fortunately, most common issues can be avoided with just a little care and attention to the proper way to use your garbage disposal. Keep reading to learn more about the most common garbage disposal problems and how to prevent them from happening in the first place!

Clogged Drains

Garbage disposals are great for grinding up food scraps, but they also have a tendency to clog. When a clog happens, it can be very frustrating.

In most cases, a clog can be fixed with a simple plunger. However, in some cases, a chemical drain cleaner may be necessary.

The best option for unclogging your garbage disposal is to use a natural solution made from baking soda and vinegar. This method will loosen the clog without damaging the plastic parts within your unit.

Alternatively, you can clean the P-trap. The trap on your disposal is usually a pipe that looks like a P or an S.

Typically, a clog in this trap is caused by debris accumulated inside the trap. To manually clean the trap, place a bucket under it and use channel-type pliers to loosen the slip-nut fittings on the trap.

Jammed Flywheel

When a flywheel in a garbage disposal gets jammed, it prevents the unit from pulverizing food waste. This can happen for a number of reasons, including hard objects or corrosion.

The good news is that this is one of the simplest problems to fix. You can usually unjam a flywheel by rotating it manually using a wrench or a firm, wooden object.

First, check to see if your disposal is receiving power. If not, turn off the breaker or fuse box.

Next, open the base of the disposal and remove any large items that might be stuck in there. Then, restart it and see if the hums go away.

If the humming still persists, it means that the motor bearing has ceased functioning. Press the reset button on the bottom of your disposal and try to use it in short bursts to clear the obstruction. If that doesn’t work, it may be time for a replacement.

Water Leaks

Garbage disposals are convenient kitchen appliances that grind food waste into small particles so it can easily be flushed down the sink. However, they can also cause problems when it comes to leaking water.

Leaks can occur anywhere along the drain line and in the garbage disposal itself. It is important to identify the source of the leak, so that you can repair it as quickly as possible.

One common problem is a leak from the flange, which connects the disposal to the drain. This is typically caused by the mounting bolts being too loose or by the plumber’s putty that seals it in place becoming deteriorated or worn.

If the flange is leaking, check the mounting bolts for tightness and add fresh plumber’s putty to further secure it in place. Once the flange is re-sealed, the leak should stop. If it still persists, the gasket or seal may need to be replaced.

Electrical Issues

When garbage disposal does not work, it can be frustrating. Thankfully, most problems are relatively simple to fix with just a few tools and a little bit of knowledge.

One of the first things to check is whether your disposal is plugged in. Disposals get their power from a cord that plugs into an outlet under your sink, and it can be easy to lose that connection.

If your disposal is plugged in, try pushing the reset button under the unit. If that does not work, it could be that the circuit breaker has tripped.

If neither of these issues resolves your problem, then it may be time to replace the disposal. A qualified plumber can help you find the right replacement for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly.

It may require you to consult a plumber in Melbourne if the garbage disposal needs to be replaced or if there are leaks from the garbage disposal. Many plumbing problems can be fixed at home but because it is connected to the water lines, you want to be sure that it gets fixed correctly.