Choosing New Appliances

Garbage disposals are one of those modern conveniences that can quickly become a nightmare if you don't know how to use and maintain them properly. Luckily, there are professional garbage disposal repair contractors who can help resolve any issues you might be having with your home's garbage disposal. Here's a look at some of the issues that you might encounter, and tips for when you should call a repair technician.

Is Your Disposal Not Running?

There are a couple of different symptoms that homeowners classify as the garbage disposal not running. The most obvious of those symptoms is if the disposal doesn't turn on when you flip the switch. 

If this happens, you should start by turning off the switch and checking to be sure that the garbage disposal is plugged in. Check the reset button and ensure that there are no tripped breakers in your breaker panel. If it still won't turn on, you'll need to call a repair technician because the motor may have failed.

In addition to a garbage disposal that won't turn on, many people also say that their garbage disposal isn't running if they turn it on and all it does is hum. If you hear the motor humming but the blades don't spin, you'll need to shut the disposal off right away and reach out to a repair technician. There may be something binding the blades, or you may need to have the unit replaced.

Is Your Disposal Draining Slowly?

If the drain on the disposal side of your sink has started to drain slower than it used to, that's a key indication that your disposal is clogged with debris or there's debris further down the pipe from the disposal unit. 

You can try to disconnect the pipe running to the disposal and check it yourself, or you can reach out to a garbage disposal repair technician. Your technician can flush the system and identify the culprit for you much easier because they have tools specifically designed for the job.

Is Your Disposal Leaking?

As with any plumbing system fixture, your garbage disposal is at risk of developing leaks. You might find that the leak is a simple fix. Check the fittings and connections on the pipes around the disposal to be sure that everything is tight and secure. Many times, a garbage disposal leak is the result of a loose connection like this.

However, you should also inspect the garbage disposal unit. If the unit is cracked or the leak is coming from the unit itself, you'll need to call a garbage disposal repair technician. Sometimes, the leak can be sealed to repair this issue. In other cases, you may need to have the disposal assembly replaced.