While garbage disposals can be a real convenience in the kitchen, they can also prove to be a nuisance when they aren't working right. Unfortunately, many homeowners lack the understanding of the system enough to determine the source of the problem. Before you resolve to calling a local plumber, there are a few things you can check on your own. Here's a look at some common issues that you might encounter with your disposal.
Unusual Sounds From The Disposal
You're probably pretty accustomed to the sounds that your garbage disposal makes when it's running. If you start hearing something unusual, though, it's often a sign of a problem.
Rattling - Metallic rattling from the disposal is often caused by something hard falling into the disposal. It could be silverware or any of a number of other things. To fix it, you'll need to turn the disposal off and unplug it, then remove the object. It's not safe to reach directly into the disposal, so use a pair of tongs to remove whatever is in there.
Humming - If the disposal is humming or whirring, it's typically because the flywheel itself is stuck. If it's not spinning, it's going to cause that sound. In most cases, the flywheel is likely jammed by debris around the impellers. Shut the disposal off, unplug it, then use the wrench that comes with it to move the gear manually to dislodge the blockage. Then, run water down the drain to flush it away. Then, press the reset button to restart it. If you can't break the blockage free, you'll need a plumber's assistance. Talk with Power Pro Plumbing for more information.
Squealing - A squealing sound from your garbage disposal is a serious concern. It's typically the result of a bearing or drive belt problem. If you hear a sound like this, it's essential that you turn the disposal off right away and call a plumber to either repair or replace it.
Disposal Won't Stop Running
If you've tried to turn the disposal off and it won't stop running, check where the plug is connected. When the plug is connected to an outlet that's wired to a switch on the wall, sometimes the switch on the wall overrides the disposal's control. Change the outlet that the disposal is plugged into. If that doesn't fix the problem, there's a wiring issue that needs to be addressed.
These are a couple of the most common issues you might run into with your garbage disposal. If you're unsure about the issue you're dealing with, call a plumber right away for troubleshooting help.
Share29 July 2017
My homes have always had either copper or PVC plumbing pipes. But when my plumbing system needed an overhaul last spring, I wanted a piping system for my home that I could work on myself when needed. There were a lot of good reasons to choose PEX piping, but my favorite thing about the PEX piping is that it's easy to work with, even if you're a beginner like me. Now I can make small repairs myself instead of calling the plumber every time I have a minor leak or other small problem. I still call the plumber for the big stuff, but it's more affordable now that I can take care of small issues myself. I started this blog to help others learn how they, too, can do DIY plumbing repairs at home.