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Garbage disposals are an important appliance in your kitchen that has become increasingly relied on throughout the years. Garbage disposals are mounted underneath the sink and are used to collect food waste that goes down the sink in a grinding chamber. When the disposal is turned on, the disc or plate in the grinding chamber spins rapidly to grind the food into tiny pieces that are washed out through water holes in the grinding chamber.
While garbage disposals are hardy and can seem indestructible, there are many food scraps and liquids that should not be put through them. Doing so can result in clogs and jams that create standing water in your sink with pieces of food and other things floating. So how do you determine if you can fix it yourself or if you need to call a professional plumber for help?
In certain instances, the presence of oil, grease, and food residue can lead to clogs in your garbage disposal, resulting in stagnant water in the sink as it cannot flow through the water holes in the grinding chamber. In some cases, you can address this issue on your own by removing the liquids and debris causing the clog, thus restoring proper drainage. The first step is to ensure that the garbage disposal is turned off. Next, using gloves, pull up any remaining food and trash from the drain and dispose of it properly. Once you have cleared the drain (remember to remove your hand, of course!), test the garbage disposal switch to check if the problem has been resolved. If this action successfully resolves the issue, consider installing a strainer in the drain to prevent large food particles from entering the disposal and causing future clogs. However, if the clog does not resolve, you may have a bigger problem at hand. In the event that this happens, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help. A professional will be able to thoroughly assess the issue and take the next steps to ensure resolution.
If you observe a leak originating from the bottom of your garbage disposal, it is likely due to incorrect installation, age-related deterioration, or damage to the unit. Seeking assistance from a professional plumber is recommended in order to accurately diagnose the issue. The plumber will inspect the garbage disposal to ensure it was installed properly, as well as check the unit for any visible damage that could be the culprit. With the assessment of a professional, you can confidently move forward with an informed decision on whether repair or replacement is necessary.
If your garbage disposal emits a humming sound when turned on but the blades don’t rotate, it is likely that food or another object has caused a blockage in the system. Begin by ensuring that the disposal is switched off, and then carefully remove any obstructions from the blades. Afterward, try flipping the switch again to see if the problem is resolved. If the issue persists despite clearing the blockage, you can attempt to reset the garbage disposal by locating and pressing the red button typically found on the bottom of most disposals. If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the problem, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber. They will have the expertise to diagnose and address the underlying issue with your garbage disposal effectively.
Garbage disposals are hardy appliances we’ve come to rely on. If you’re having issues with your garbage disposal and are unsure of what steps to take to fix or replace it, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Core Plumbing. Our professional plumbers can troubleshoot and diagnose any issues with your garbage disposal to help you find the best outcome to solve your problem. Call 858-293-4182 today to schedule an appointment.