These warning signs might mean garbage disposal repairs in Conyers is in your future.
How can you tell if you need to schedule garbage disposal repairs in Conyers? While this helpful appliance can last for up to 15 years, you may find yourself needing service every so often. You probably turn your garbage disposal on and off without giving it a second thought. At least that’s the case until you start experiencing problems. Don’t assume you need a new unit just yet. In many cases, a plumber can get your disposal up and running once again. Watch out for the following warning signs that something is amiss.
The Garage Disposal Is Louder Than Usual
All garbage disposals make some sound when in use. Some are louder than others, depending on the quality of the unit. But, if your appliance seems like it’s hollering out in pain, something isn’t right. You need to investigate any odd noises.
Banging is a common complaint. You may hear a single loud jolt or a continuous clanking whenever you turn on the disposal. When this occurs, the odds are good that something hard is blocking the blade. Use a flashlight to look down the drain. Do not stick your hands in the disposal until it’s shut off—unless you want to lose one. If you notice a foreign object lodged inside, you’ll need to remove it.
Always disconnect the garbage disposal from all power sources. That may mean unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Only then should you attempt to retrieve the blockage. If you can’t reach it, call a plumber for quick and simple garbage disposal repair.
You Notice a Quiet Humming Sound
Humming is another warning sign that your garbage disposal isn’t functioning correctly. You may notice a faint buzzing sound whenever the power is on. If the blade doesn’t turn, however, you have a problem. Once again, something is most likely jamming the blade.
If after further inspection you can’t find anything in the drain, you may try to turn the blade manually. Grease, oil, and other fats may form a sticky film on the inside of the disposal. If this layer gets too thick, the chopping mechanism may get stuck in place. Wipe away the oil with a shop cloth, and the unit should work like new. But, if it doesn’t, you may need to hire a professional for help.
The Disposal Keeps Shutting Off
Under normal conditions, your disposal should continue to run until you flip the switch. However, if the appliance overheats, it will shut off on its own. This critical safety feature protects your home from a possible fire. When this happens, wait a few minutes for the unit to cool down. Then push the reset button. If nothing else is wrong with the disposal, it should come back on again.
Sometimes, however, this is often the first sign of a failing motor. If the device is nearing the age of 15, you had a good run and should replace it. But, even if the appliance is still relatively young, it can still go out without warning. Depending on how much you use your disposal, it may wear out sooner than anticipated. For example, large households usually put more food down the drain. If the garbage disposal is too small for a family’s needs, it will have a shorter lifespan.
Nothing Happens When You Turn It On
All it takes is a flip of the switch, and your garbage disposal will begin working. But, if you try to turn on the unit and hear nothing at all, it’s a good indicator the disposal isn’t getting any power. In many cases, this is a fix you can do without any help.
First, you need to check the plug. If the plug is loose or disconnected, put it back into place. You should try to determine what caused the disposal to become unplugged in the first place. Is the outlet wearing out? If the plug easily falls out of the outlet, you may want to find an electrician to replace the wall plate. Did someone trip over the cord? If this is the case, you should hide the wire or tape it down flat so that it doesn’t become a hazard.
After you examine the plug, try turning on the disposal again. If it still doesn’t get any power, head over to the circuit breaker. A tripped circuit can also be to blame. Make sure all the circuits are in the “on” position. Once a circuit trips, it’s likely to do so again. You may have too much power running into a single circuit. Work with an electrician to determine if this is the case.
Not Grinding Like It Used To
When you put food into the disposal, it should only take a few seconds until it’s completely ground up and rinsed away. But, as the years pass, you may notice your disposal getting weaker. Foods that were once easy to chop up may take longer. You may find large food remnants stuck inside. Even worse, you may smell your leftovers rotting in the drain.
A dull blade is most likely the culprit in this scenario. Let’s take a more in-depth look down the garbage disposal. While commonly referred to as a blade, the chopping mechanism actually looks more like a circular shredder. Putting the wrong foods, like bones, celery, or even paper, down the drain may dull this vital component. Some experts recommend chopping ice to sharpen this crucial blade, but in actuality, you need to buy a new disposal from a plumber.
There Is Water Under the Kitchen Sink
No water should escape from the base of the garbage disposal. If you hear a dripping sound whenever you turn on the device, you need to take a look underneath the kitchen sink. Any wetness indicates a leak. Take note of any condensation or puddling, and try to pinpoint the source of the leak. A dislodged or cracked disposal may be your culprit.
Of course, without specialized training, you won’t be able to tell for sure where the water is leaking. You should schedule service with a plumber to resolve the problem. If they determine the disposal is to blame, they can install a new one right away. If the leak is coming from another pipe, they can fix that, too.
Household leaks are a leading cause of water waste. In fact, a leaking garbage disposal could cause you to waste about 10,000 gallons of water a year. Never put off fixing a water leak, or you may find yourself mopping up a much bigger mess.
Play It Safe and Hire a Plumber
When the garbage disposal acts up, it may not be a top priority on your to-do list. You may find yourself regretting that decision later on, however. While your home probably isn’t in any immediate danger, you’re sure to smell the consequences of your actions sooner than later. Without a functioning disposal, your sink is more likely to clog. Old food particles will grow bacteria, and you’ll notice a pungent aroma every time you walk into the kitchen. Plus, a slow draining kitchen sink is inconvenient. While these warning signs may point to nothing, it’s best to have your disposal checked out by a plumber.
The team at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing wants to make sure you’re never without a working garbage disposal again. We have a reputation for providing all our customers with unbeatable service. When you schedule a repair with us, we’ll send out a plumber right away. You won’t have to wait very long to have your plumbing problems revolved by an expert.
As a family-owned business, we know how important it is to develop a lasting relationship with every customer. Once you call us, you become part of the Anthony Wimpy family! Contact us today to schedule garbage disposal repair in Conyers with the best plumbers in town.