Common Issues with Garbage Disposals

For many people, a garbage disposal is a must-have. They make life in the kitchen a bit easier and can make chores go that much faster. But what happens when something goes wrong? Would you know how to fix it? Here’s how a garbage disposal works, and a few common problems you might run into. How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?Many people just push extra food down the drain, turn the garbage disposal on, and go about their way.

But have you ever wondered how a garbage disposal actually works? Inside the garbage disposal is what’s called a grinding chamber, where all the food that goes in the disposal is shredded by blades. After food is shredded, an impeller arm and plate force all the food particles and liquid down the drain. Many dishwashers also drain water through a garbage disposal to make sure there aren’t any large pieces of food going through the drain pipes.

Common Problems

‍There are a few different problems you can run into when it comes to your garbage disposal. Some you can fix yourself, and others will require you to call in a plumber.

• If your disposal is running, but not making any noise, there are a few things that could be causing this problem. First, make sure that your disposal is plugged in and that there isn’t anything with the electrical wires. If you’ve reset it and it still isn’t working, this could mean there’s a bigger problem and you may have to replace the entire unit. This will require a more seasoned hand, so call your local plumber for help.
• If you find your garbage disposal is leaking, this may just mean you need to re-seal something. If you’ve tried a few different fixes, and nothing has worked, this could mean you have a bigger problem going on. If you’ve tried a few self-fixes and still have problems, call your local plumber in to check over your entire system so that they can assess the problem and figure out a solution.
• Sometimes garbage disposals can drain slower than we’d like, and this usually means that you’ve clogged the drain. Before you reach for the chemical drain cleaners, we recommend trying the homemade remedy of baking soda and vinegar. Chemical drain cleaners can often do more harm than good, so try this before anything. If you find that this doesn’t work, give a plumber a call.

Don't let any minor issues with your disposal become a major headache down the road. If you’re looking for help repairing your garbage disposal, or looking to replace and install your old one, give the experts at JTM Plumbing a call today at 402-203-6193 to set up an appointment.

References:

‍https://www.johnmooreservices.com/garbage-disposals-and-when-you-need-a-plumber-to-fix-them/

‍https://www.mrgarbagedisposal.com/5-common-garbage-disposal-problems-plus-quick-fixes/

‍https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/garbage-disposal-diagrams.html