Common Garbage Disposal Problems
A working garbage disposal saves time and effort in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what should and shouldn’t go in them, which results in clogs or damage. Here are a few problems we commonly handle:
- Garbage disposal won’t start.
- Disposal makes noise but won’t work correctly.
- Disposal is leaking.
- An unpleasant odor has formed.
- Water won’t drain or is draining gradually through the disposal.
You should always run cold water into the disposal while it’s on since cold water solidifies any oil poured in, making it easier for the blades to break waste down. Garbage disposals should also be used regularly to avoid the formation of rust.
Fixing a Leaky Garbage Disposal
A leaky garbage disposal is an easy fix if you can find the root cause. Any old or damaged parts should be replaced. Disposals may start to leak due to:
- Deterioration of the seals.
- Loose pipes.
- Cracked flanges or gaskets.
- Damage to the garbage disposal itself.
- Some disposals are hooked up to the dishwasher, allowing for self-cleaning. This connection can leak if it’s not securely fastened.
Most leaks can be fixed except when in the body or interior lining of the disposal. If this is your problem, you will need to get a new garbage disposal.
It can take a DIYer an entire afternoon to locate and complete this and other simple repairs, so keep that in mind when considering calling a pro. Having an Expert technician like one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing diagnose and repair your problem offers time to notice other components about to fail. You can resolve both issues right then and there.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
My garbage disposal smells. What do I do?
To eliminate the risk of your garbage disposal smelling, food scraps should be ground up right away with cold water. Thirty seconds should be more than enough time. Avoid dumping coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels and banana peels into your disposal, because they frequently cause drainage issues and unpleasant smells. While bleach seems like a good idea for cleaning your garbage disposal, it hardens grease and other food residue in your pipes, creating clogs.
Our plumbing Experts suggest using these cleaning solutions each week to keep your disposal smelling fresh:
- Hot water and baking soda
- Hot water and dish soap
- Hot water and vinegar
You can also buy garbage disposal pods or grind up citrus peels to help clear out odors. If your garbage disposal still smells, you might be dealing with a leak (especially if the smell resembles a sewer). Contact us at 866-397-3787 for Expert plumbing service.