Dealing with a malfunctioning garbage disposal can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily routine. While it’s always a good idea to call a licensed plumber when you’re dealing with plumbing issues, there are a few simple things you can try to repair your garbage disposal before calling in the experts.
Below you’ll find a list of common issues and solutions on how to repair a garbage disposal yourself from the team at Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning—your go-to plumbing professionals in the Inland Empire.
Garbage Disposal Repair: Safety First!
Before attempting garbage disposal repair yourself, it’s important to understand the potential safety risks involved. Garbage disposals are electrical appliances that use sharp blades to grind up food waste, and improper handling can result in serious injury.
- Always make sure to turn off the power to the disposal before attempting any repairs or maintenance, and avoid sticking your hand or any other object into the unit while it is running.
- Be cautious when working with sharp objects such as pliers or tongs, and wear protective gloves and eyewear if necessary.
- If you’re unsure about how to safely repair your garbage disposal, or if the issue is more complex than you anticipated, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working with any type of electrical appliance.
Garbage Disposal Repair: Common Issues and Solutions
Before searching the internet for garbage disposal repair costs, see if one of these common issues and solutions on how to repair a garbage disposal matches your situation. If not, or if the issue seems too complex, it’s time to search “garbage disposal repair near me” and call in the professionals.
Issue: Garbage disposal is not turning on
Solution: Before doing anything, ensure that your unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If your disposal is still not turning on, try resetting it by pressing the reset button located on the bottom of your unit.
If this doesn’t work, there may be a problem with the electrical wiring or motor, which will require the assistance of a professional plumber.
Issue: Garbage disposal is clogged
Solution: First, make sure to turn off the power to your disposal. Next, use a pair of pliers or tongs to remove any visible debris or food waste from your disposal. Then, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or dish soap and hot water down the drain to help break up any remaining clogs. If the clog is still present, use a plunger to try and dislodge it.
If none of these methods work, it may be necessary to remove your disposal and manually remove the clog, or call a professional plumber to handle the job.
Issue: Garbage disposal is making strange noises
Solution: Turn off the power to your disposal and check for any visible damage or debris. If your disposal blades appear to be damaged, they may need to be replaced. If there is debris or food waste trapped inside your unit, carefully remove it with a pair of pliers or tongs. After clearing any blockages, turn on your disposal to see if the problem is resolved.
If the noise persists, there may be a problem with the motor or other internal components, which will require the assistance of a professional plumber.
Issue: Garbage disposal is leaking
Solution: For leaking garbage disposal repair, you’ll first need to turn off the power to your disposal and check for any visible damage to your unit or pipes connected to it. Tighten any loose connections or replace damaged pipes as needed. If the unit itself is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
If you’re unsure of the cause of the leak, or if the issue is more complex than you anticipated, it’s best to call a professional plumber for leaking garbage disposal repair to avoid bigger issues such as water damage.
Garbage Disposal Repair: Maintenance Tips
So now you know how to repair a garbage disposal, saving yourself the garbage disposal repair costs of calling in a professional plumber. Now what? Here are our top tips to maintaining your garbage disposal:
Keep it clean. Regularly clean your garbage disposal by pouring a little dish soap and cold water into it and turning it on for a few seconds. You can also use ice cubes and rock salt to clean the blades.
Avoid hard or fibrous items. Do not put items like bones, fruit pits, or vegetable peels down your disposal as they can damage the blades.
Run cold water. Always run cold water while using your garbage disposal as it helps solidify any fats or oils, making it easier for the blades to grind them up.
Use it regularly. Use your garbage disposal regularly to prevent it from seizing up or getting rusty. You can turn it on every few days to keep it running smoothly.
Keep it clear. Do not overload your disposal with too much food waste at once. Instead, feed it in gradually to avoid clogging the pipes.
Don’t use harsh chemicals. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach or drain cleaners in your garbage disposal as they can damage the blades and cause leaks.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your garbage disposal lasts for a long time and operates smoothly.
Garbage Disposal Repair Near Me
Tried the above tips but they didn’t work, or just not comfortable with DIY garbage disposal repair? That’s okay! Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is here to help.
Proudly serving the Inland Empire, our team of residential and commercial plumbers has advanced education and training and uses state-of-the-art equipment to resolve all your plumbing issues. If you’re worried about garbage disposal repair costs, we always provide upfront estimates tailored to your needs, so there are never any surprises.
Contact Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today to schedule an appointment and get your plumbing issues resolved by an experienced, licensed plumber ASAP!