Garbage Disposal Repair Arvada

The typical indicators that your garbage disposal might be in need of mending are anything but typical noises. If you hear your disposal making grinding or clunking sounds, don't be surprised if you also find it has stopped functioning altogether. That's because such noises—along with the absence of any noise that might indicate the disposal is actually doing something—very well may signify that your disposal has some jammed foreign materials inside or a problem with either its motor or its electrical connections.

To start, make sure that the unit is receiving power and that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If it has, reset it and see if this restores power to the unit. If some other issue hasn't caused the breaker to trip, it could be that the motor was overheating and is now reset and ready to run. If the disposal still doesn't work after these first few checks, inspect the power switch and wiring connections to ensure everything is tight and secure. If you get to this point and still have no working disposal, it might be time to call in a pro.

Most homeowners can take care of simple repairs, such as resetting the unit or clearing small clogs, but fixing the more complicated problems is taking a risk. The insides of a disposal are not made for safe access, and the blades are sharp. There's also the factor of electricity—a muffled hum may indicate that many parts, including electrical components, are working fine. If you are at all uneasy about making the disposal accessible or working on it, call a pro. There are many in Arvada, and they will take less risk than you might.

The first step to take when a leak is detected is to find out where it's coming from. The most typical spots for a leak to occur are the sink itself, the connection to the dishwasher, or the drain pipe. If the leak is coming from one of those areas, your first line of defense is to tighten any loose connections and to replace any gaskets that look too worn to continue doing the job they're supposed to do. But if you perform that plumbing triage and the problem still isn't fixed, it could be that the leak is due to bad internal seals, which isn't something that most handy homeowners try to tackle. Follow these steps to avoid using a professional.

The often troublesome disposal can frequently jam for a number of reasons. The first, of course, is that something has been fed into it that should not have been—like a fibrous vegetable. Or a non-food item. Or a child. You know what I mean. My son was not living his best life when I found him inside the disposal. More about that story in a moment. When the disposal does jam, it can sometimes be fixed by the handyman's friend, the hex wrench. But you can also try the method I used with unrealized success during my son's several moments of near-drowning. Use the wrench while gripping the disposal with your other hand to also grip it (the disposal, not your son) right-side-up.

The garbage disposal can be a long-lasting kitchen appliance, but it requires regular upkeep to deliver its optimal lifespan. Maintenance begins with common sense. You should avoid overwhelming the unit by feeding it too much food (or anything other than food) all at once. You should always use cold water during operation, as this helps "solidify" any fats or oils present for easier grinding. If you really want to ensure a clean and odor-free unit, you could try a monthly regimen of baking soda and vinegar; these harmless household items ought to do a decent job of cleaning the unit's innards.If you want to get fancier with disposal care, you could toss ice cubes down the disposal at intervals. They will "sharpen" the unit in much the same way that a pencil sharpener maintains the sharpenedness of a pencil lead.

If there are problems with your garbage disposal, the cost of repairs will depend on what the issue is. If the problem is something minor, like a jam or a simple leak, then the total cost of repair might just be around $50 to $150. If the problem is something major, like the disposal motor having died, then you're looking at a range of about $150 to $300. Of course, as with any home repair, it's wise to get a few estimates first. How do you know what problem you might have or whom you should trust?

On average, a home garbage disposal lasts between 8 to 15 years, but can live longer with proper use and maintenance. Its lifespan is influenced by how often it is used, the kinds of things put into it, and the unit's upkeep. If it starts needing a lot of attention, not to mention a significant amount of money, that might be a hint that it's time for a fresh disposal. And with fresh disposals come not just working parts, but working parts that are working together in an efficient manner—that is, an efficient motor churning away in a quiet manner.

Indeed, some very strong cleaning agents can be detrimental to your disposal's physical components. You should steer clear of highly acidic or caustic cleaners, as these can and will corrode various metal parts in your disposal over time. If you want to use a cleaning agent, use something that a human can safely handle—like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. That's strong enough to dislodge buildup but not hazardous to you or your disposal. Alternatively, flush the disposal with very cold water after every use to "clean" it without chemicals.

To ensure you're selecting a reputable provider, first find a service with enduring reviews and a solid reputation for reliable work. Second, determine whether the service technicians are licensed and insured. These certifications help protect you from liability and ensure the kind of expert, reliable service that's essential for appliance repair. Of course, no one wants to pay more for a service than necessary, so ask both before and after choosing a provider about pricing structure, warranties, and what exactly all those numbers entail. Finally, ask the provider for any maintenance tips you can use to help your appliance live a long and healthy life.