Common Garbage Disposal Issues (And What You Can Do About These)
Most people pay little attention to their garbage disposal systems despite the convenience these provide us. Until the garbage disposal unit acts up and needs repair that is. Just imagine how your cooking and cleanup routines are put in disarray with just one day without the garbage disposal unit.
This is why it is important to learn how to properly use and care for your garbage disposal. Experts recommend cutting or breaking up large chunks of food into smaller pieces. Avoid throwing non-food items, hard foods and oil. Fats and grease are also a main source of clogged garbage disposals.
It is important for homeowners to look for common garbage disposal issues which can lead to bigger problems when left unchecked. What are these common issues?
Bad smells coming from my sink
As you continue to use your garbage disposal on a daily basis, food and liquids can leave residues. This happens especially in the drain and the main unit itself. In turn, these residues may give off a bad odor. The simplest solution to this problem is to pour a solution made of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. However, if the bad smell persists, it is best to call in your local plumber to solve this problem for you.
Build-up of oils, fats, and grease
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is to pour oils, grease and fatty food into the garbage disposal system. Over time, these liquids can solidify and build up in the pipes of the actual garbage disposal system. As much as possible, avoid throwing these into the garbage disposal unit. Instead, use a separate receptacle for these. If the garbage disposal seems to work sluggishly due to the build-up of these materials, you can pour hot water to break these up.
Motor failure
Your garbage disposal has a definite lifespan. However, bad practices can significantly shorten this. In particular, its motor can be vulnerable to a host of garbage disposal issues, including overheating, which often arises due to throwing items that the garbage disposal system was not designed to handle.
If the motor seems to be not working, you can look for the reset button and press it. Sometimes, this will solve your woes. In case the motor does not work despite resetting, call in a Fox Cities Plumber. A simple repair could get the job done. In other cases, your garbage disposal system may need a replacement.
Leaks
Leaks can arise from different areas in the system. If the leak seems to come from the drain pipe, a simple replacement of the rubber gasket will solve the problem. If the system has been newly installed, you need to check the ring found near the sink flange. It is important to ensure that the ring is tight. However, if the leak seems to be coming from the body of the unit itself, it may be time to get a new one.
Noises
Most noises occur when a hard foreign object finds its way into the disposal system. If the foreign object does not get jammed, it will eventually go down the drain.
Sometimes, the disposal unit can become noisy when its parts become loose. You simply have to tighten these up. There are also instances wherein the unit’s lugs and blades have become worn down due to overuse. Some models allow you to replace these; however, in most instances, this is a sign that you need to invest in a new one.
If your garbage disposal issues match some of the above listed problems give us a call. We are located in Appleton and have service trucks available to surrounding Fox City and Oshkosh residents.