4 Garbage Disposal Complications to Look Out For
Garbage disposals are convenient devices to own in Madison homes, until they experience complications. When a problem with your garbage disposal occurs, you can attempt to determine the source of the dilemma and fix it or hire an experienced plumber for repair services. If you maintain your garbage disposal properly, the need for repairs should occur infrequently.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
- Odors and Noises – Foul odors can develop in garbage disposals if proper maintenance is not performed. These smells form as a result of a collection of wet food, but natural remedies can eliminate the odor. Your plumber may steer you away from using chemical drain cleaners because they’re known to damage plumbing systems. Additionally, a garbage disposal that makes grinding sounds should be fixed quickly so the motor doesn’t become damaged. Silverware may be lodged in the unit, or the unit’s components may need to be readjusted.
- Jamming – Garbage disposals that don’t work but still make a humming sound when turned on are probably jammed. An object could be stuck in the impellers, so you should make sure the unit is turned off, remove the bottom housing, and pull out the lodged object.
- Leaking – Leaking can occur in several places of a garbage disposal. Leaks are often found on the sink flange, the discharge drainpipe, and the dishwasher connection. Your plumber can fix a leak at the sink flange with silicone caulk or putty.
- Overheating – Signs of an overheating garbage disposal include a failure to activate and a humming sound when turned on. If either of these signals occur, press the red “reset” button. If resetting the unit doesn’t work, your circuit breaker may have tripped.
Discharge drainpipe leaks can be repaired with replaced gaskets or tightened bolts, and dishwasher connection leaks can be fixed by tightening the hose clamps.
How to Avoid Garbage Disposal Complications
Maintaining your garbage disposal now can help prevent problems in the future. Plumbers recommend several garbage disposal maintenance tips, such as refraining from grinding coffee grounds, rubber, metal, bones, potato peelings, and eggshells. Additionally, you should abstain from overfilling the unit, but you should run cold water while using it. Homeowners can eliminate odors by cleaning their garbage disposals with vinegar and baking soda.
If you experience problems with your garbage disposal, reach out to a plumber that serves Madison homeowners as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the unit. Skilled plumbers at Old World Plumbing & Restoration, LLC will be able to determine the source of the complication and perform the appropriate repairs.