Garbage disposals are a lifesaver when it comes to household chores and making cleaning up after meals a breeze. However, like any other electrical appliance, they may encounter problems from time to time. It’s important to know how to troubleshoot common garbage disposal issues in your home so you don’t have to waste your money on repairs. In this blog post, you’ll find some of the most common problems homeowners face and how to fix them on your own. For more complex issues with your garbage disposal, schedule a garbage disposal service in Midlothian as soon as possible.
Garbage disposal is not working.
One of the most common problems with garbage disposal is that it’s not working correctly. The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to ensure it’s connected to the electrical supply. There should be a switch located on the wall that’s connected to the garbage disposal. If it’s turned off, flip the switch to on and see if it powers up.
If it still doesn’t work, your garbage disposal may be jammed. Try manually turning the blades with a hex or Allen wrench to loosen any debris that may be caught. If that doesn’t work, call a professional plumber to remove the jammed item.
Garbage disposal is leaking.
A leaking garbage disposal can be a nuisance and a potential health hazard if left unattended. One of the most common causes of leaking is a damaged or cracked seal that connects the garbage disposal to the sink.
To fix this issue, turn off the power to the garbage disposal and locate the seal. Remove any debris that may be stuck there, and inspect it closely for any cracks or damage. If you find any, replacing the seal will solve the issue.
Garbage disposal smells bad.
A smelly garbage disposal can create an uncomfortable environment in your home. The issue is usually caused by food particles trapped inside the disposal. To fix the problem, try running some ice cubes through the disposal while it’s running. Ice helps dislodge and remove any stuck debris and helps sharpen the blades.
Another effective technique is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. This creates a bubbling reaction that helps in cleaning and deodorizing the disposal. Leave the mixture in for 10-15 minutes before running cold water and turning on the disposal.
Garbage disposal is making strange noises.
A garbage disposal making strange noises is a cause for concern. A common reason is that something foreign and hard has entered the disposal that has damaged the blades. To fix this issue, turn off the power to the disposal and try manually turning the blades to locate the foreign object. Once located, remove it using pliers or tongs.
If it still makes a strange noise after the foreign object is removed, it may be due to worn-out blades. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to replace the blades.
A garbage disposal is an integral part of any modern kitchen, and it’s important to know how to troubleshoot common problems. Some of the most common issues include the disposal not working, leaking, smelling bad, or making strange noises. By following the tips in this blog post, you can address these problems on your own, saving time and money. However, if the problem is beyond your skills, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.