7 Signs a Garbage Disposal is Failing – When to Replace
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they aren’t always reliable. If you notice any signs of malfunction, it’s time to replace your garbage disposal.
Garbage disposal is a kitchen appliance that grinds food waste into smaller pieces. They come in two types: electric or gas-powered. Electric models usually cost less than $100, but they require regular maintenance. Gas models typically run between $150-$200, but they don’t need much maintenance.
You should only purchase new garbage disposal if it has been leaking water or grinding food scraps for longer than six months. This is because old models tend to break down over time.
Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Even Turn On
If the garbage disposal doesn’t turn on when you push the button, there could be several reasons why this happens. The first thing to check is whether the power cord is plugged incorrectly. Make sure that the plug fits snugly and isn’t damaged.
Next, try turning off the breaker switch at the wall socket. You can also use an electrical tester to see if there is electricity flowing through the circuit. If these tests fail, call a professional plumber to fix the problem.
This can be caused by a faulty motor. To test this, remove the cover from the top of the unit and look inside. If the motor looks worn out, replace it.
The second most common reason for non-working garbage disposal is a clogged drain line. Try flushing the pipes with hot water before calling a plumber.
The third possible cause is a broken pump. Check underneath the sink to make sure that the pump is securely attached to the plumbing system. If not, contact a plumber immediately. The final possibility is a bad control board. This is rare, but it does happen. Call a plumber immediately if you find one of these boards.
You Have to Press the Reset Button Every Time You Use Your Disposal
If you have to press the reset button every time you use your garbage disposal, then something may be wrong with the timer. First, check the manual to see what settings you need to adjust. Then, adjust them accordingly.
The next thing to do is to clean the area around the disposal. A buildup of grease or other debris can prevent the blades from cutting properly.
When you turn the disposal on, you will hear a series of beeps. These beeps indicate that the disposal is working correctly. However, if you hear no beeps, then the garbage disposal might be defective. In this case, you should contact a plumber.
When you turn the disposal on and off repeatedly, it means that something is blocking the blades. To fix this, simply unplug the disposal and let it sit overnight. Plugging it back in the following morning will solve the issue.
Your Garbage Disposal Has a Perpetually Bad Odor
If your garbage disposal smells like rotten eggs, then it probably needs cleaning. There are two ways to clean the interior of the garbage disposal. One way is to take apart the machine and wash the parts individually. Another method is to put the entire unit into a bucket filled with warm soapy water.
Let the unit soak for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse the unit thoroughly under running water.
If neither of these methods works, then you should call a professional plumber. They can help you get rid of the odor permanently.
Your Disposal Takes an Excessively Long Time to Break Down Food
If your garbage disposal takes too long to break down food, then it could be because the grinding mechanism is jammed. To fix this, unscrew the top of the unit. Remove the cover plate. Look inside the disposal. If you don’t see any obstructions, then it’s likely that the grinding mechanism is stuck.
In this case, you should call a professional to repair the disposal. Otherwise, the jamming could lead to serious health issues.
Your Disposal Clogs or Jams Every Time You Use It-Even When You Flush Small Food Items
Clogging or jamming your garbage disposal is very frustrating. It happens when small items such as bones, nuts, and seeds become lodged between the blades.
To prevent this problem, you should always flush small items down the toilet instead of putting them directly into the garbage disposal. Doing so prevents clogging.
To remove the obstruction, first shut off the power at the breaker box. Next, unscrew the top cover. Finally, open up the drain pipe. With the pipes exposed, look for anything that looks like a bone, nut, or seed. Once you find one, pull it out.
Your Garbage Disposal Makes a Loud Metal-on-Metal Noise When It Runs
A loud metal-on-metal noise indicates that there is a problem with the motor. This type of noise usually occurs when the motor overheats.
You should never try to fix this yourself. Instead, you should call a plumber immediately. He or she can replace the motor without causing further damage.
This can be done by removing the top of the unit and looking for the motor. The motor is located underneath the sink.
The motor has a number of wires coming from it. Each wire represents a different part of the motor. For example, each wire represents the armature winding, which is the part of the motor that creates the magnetic field.
The motor also has a stator winding, which is the coil of copper wire that surrounds the armature winding.
You See Water Leaking From the Disposal
If you see water leaking from the bottom of your garbage disposal, then you need to call a plumber right away. A leak in the plumbing system means that something is wrong with the garbage disposal.
Water leaking from the disposal may indicate that the seal on the motor is damaged. In this case, you should contact a plumber immediately.
Water leaking from the disposal could also mean that the motor is not working properly. This would require a replacement.
Conclusion
Garbage disposals are convenient appliances that make our lives easier. However, they aren’t perfect. There are many things that can go wrong with them.
