How To Fix A Garbage Disposal: DIY Or Call A Plumber?
A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that can make cleanup a breeze. Many homeowners rely on it to reduce food waste. However, if something goes wrong with your garbage disposal, it can quickly become a messy and smelly problem.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem and get your garbage disposal back in working order. So whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a major repair, we’ve got you covered.
Garbage Disposal Not Working
If your garbage disposal is on the fritz, the first step is to identify where the problem is coming from. Is the garbage disposal itself making strange noises? Or is the issue with the plumbing leading to and from the garbage disposal?
Let’s look at few of the most common issues:
Garbage Disposal Is Leaking
There are a couple of reasons your garbage disposal might be leaking.
The most common cause is a cracked or damaged garbage disposal unit. If the garbage disposal is made of plastic, it is particularly susceptible to cracking.
Another cause of leaks is improper installation. If the garbage disposal isn’t properly sealed to the sink, water can seep through and cause a leak. This can also be due to cracks in the sealant.
It’s also possible that the drain pipe is leaking. This problem can be fixed by tightening the connections or replacing the pipe. If you notice a garbage disposal leak, it’s important to take immediate action to repair it. Otherwise, the leak can cause water damage to your kitchen cabinets or countertops.
The Garbage Disposal Is Clogged
If your garbage disposal is clogged, there are a few telltale signs:
- The disposer is making a humming noise when you turn it on, but the blades aren’t spinning.
- Garbage disposal not draining.
- Food waste is beginning to accumulate around the disposal unit.
- The disposer is emitting a foul odor.
Garbage Disposal Not Turning On
One of the most common reasons a garbage disposal will not turn on is because it is not receiving power. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
Another possibility is that the switch that controls the garbage disposal is turned off. In some cases, the switch may be located near the sink, while in others it may be located on the wall. If you cannot locate the switch, check your home’s electrical panel to see if there is a dedicated circuit for the garbage disposal.
How To Fix A Garbage Disposal
If it’s the garbage disposal itself, you may be able to fix it by resetting it. To do so, make sure your garbage disposal switch is set to “Off”. Then press and hold the reset button. After that, turn on a cold stream of water and try running the garbage disposal to see if that fixed the issue.
For other problems such as a minor clog, you may be able to remove the debris yourself and get your garbage disposal back in working order.
However, if neither of those two solutions work or if the issue is with the plumbing, you’ll need to call a plumber to come and take a look. Taking care of a broken or leaking garbage disposal as quickly as possible will help prevent any further damage to your home.
How Much To Replace A Garbage Disposal Or Repair it?
The cost of repairing or replacing a garbage disposal can vary depending on the severity of the issue. For example, a clogged disposal may simply require the removal of an object that is blocking the blades.
In contrast, a more serious issue such as a jammed motor may require the replacement of major components. As a result, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer when it comes to garbage disposal repair or replacement cost.
However, it is important to note that many issues can be prevented with regular maintenance, such as running cold water while using the disposal and avoiding the use of hard objects such as bones or fruit pits.
Garbage Disposal Repair Services Near Me
If you’re looking for a plumber in the Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, or Chesapeake areas, we hope that you will consider us here at Newman’s Plumbing. We know that a broken garbage disposal can be a real pain, so we’ll work quickly and efficiently to get your disposal running like new again.
We have a team of experienced and certified professionals who are available 24/7 to help with plumbing emergencies. Call us today at 757-465-0883.