Garbage disposals are not regularly on the minds of homeowners. This popular kitchen feature is used on a daily basis and consumes a variety of different foods, textures, and substances. Homeowners generally don’t worry about it until something goes wrong. There are a variety of common signs that suggest a garbage disposal is broken and needs repair or replacement.
- Smelly odor – If your garbage disposal has a strong odor it is a sign that it needs to be cleaned by a professional. There are some home remedies you can try to eliminate the odor until the plumber arrives. Popular deodorizing remedies include flushing hot water and vinegar down the sink. Vinegar has a disinfecting property and helps destroy bacteria that can be responsible for the odor.
- The disposal won’t turn on – If the garbage disposal doesn’t turn on with the flip of the switch there is an issue. The most common explanation is related to the outlet the disposal is connected to. First, try to turn the breaker switch connected with the outlet on and off then on again. You should also try to hit the reset button on the outlet itself. If this doesn’t fix the issue it’s time to contact a professional plumber for further assistance.
- The disposal takes too long – If it takes a long period of time for the disposal to chop up food it’s a sign the blades are dull. The good news is you won’t need to replace the entire disposal and you only need to have the blades sharpened by a professional plumber.
- You hear a metal noise – If you hear a noise that sounds like metal scraping against metal it’s time to call for help. The cause could be due to a foreign object falling into the disposal or it could be a significant sign new parts are needed.
- It clogs easily – A disposal that clogs on a regular basis needs to be inspected by a professional. There are a number of issues that can cause this situation. Only a professional can determine if maintenance and repair are necessary.
Don’t wait until your garbage disposal doesn’t work anymore. Make sure you take care of it by only putting food into the disposal and flushing it with water during use. Also, cleaning the disposal with a combination of one cup of water and one cup of white vinegar will help keep the disposal clean and free of odor. If you are having trouble with your garbage disposal contact a plumber today.
Since 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com