Garbage Disposal Repair Aurora

Uncommon sounds coming from your garbage disposal, such as very loud grinding or very loud humming, can mean that your disposal is not functioning properly and may need repairing. If your disposal is clogging up frequently or struggling to grind waste down to the proper size (it should have no problem with things like chicken bones, for example), you may have a malfunctioning unit on your hands. And of course, if you're seeing water leaks under the sink or smelling truly disgusting odors that just won't go away no matter how much you clean, your disposal is likely in need of repair.

To start troubleshooting the problem, verify that the unit is plugged in securely underneath the sink. If it looks good, next check for an electrical reset—look for a button on the bottom of the disposal. Pushing that might clear up some minor electrical issue that could be stopping the unit from functioning. Also, take a look at the circuit breaker for the disposal; if it has tripped, reset it. If none of that works, you might have an electrical or mechanical failure that's going to require a pro to diagnose and fix.

To prevent any accidents, switch off the disposal and remove the plug. Next, use a flashlight to peer into the depths of the disposal to discern any possible obstructions. Thankfully, if the blockage is visible, it means that you've already successfully located the culprit. Using tongs or pliers, with delicate precision, remove the rascally obstruction that, until now, has been blocking your disposal from doing its job. If you can't see the blockage, or if you can see it but it's too deep for your brave little arms to reach, don't resort to force. Call in a pro who can safely and successfully clear the jam without damaging the unit.

Garbage disposal leaks are not normal and should be remedied right away. The leaks could come from various places, like the connection of the disposal to the drain, rotted seals, or even a broken disposal. A leak won't just drip on the floor and make a mess. It can lead to the growth of mold and damage to wood, especially in cabinets. And that part of fixtures like countertops is a prime area for mold because it's warm and humid. You could use a disposal and still have a mold problem in the cabinet below it. So if you've got a leaky disposal, you need to fix it!

If the disposal makes a humming noise but the unit does not grind, the waste might be stuck inside the disposal. Maybe a big piece of waste or something else that is not supposed to be ground up is jamming the impellers. This situation indicates that the motor is working too hard and could overheat and burn out if it is not turned off immediately. An inspection of the disposal revealed no easily visible jams. I think that working the unit for another minute or so might free whatever is caught in there.

Homeowners can take care of minor disposal problems, like resetting the unit or clearing small obstructions. Just be certain that the disposal is off, and the power is disconnected, before you attempt any repairs. But if you have a serious problem, like a disposal that's making strange noises or an electrically-challenged disposal that's not plugged into anything, call a pro. Yes, it's going to cost you. But working with a guy who's got the right tools and the right experience is a whole lot safer and a lot more reliable than working on your problem yourself.

Consistent upkeep extends the life of your garbage disposal and guarantees that it will work without a hitch. Every few weeks, you should clean the disposal using a combination of ice and either rock salt or vinegar. This will not only keep the disposal clean but will also ensure that the blades remain sharp. Of course, there are some things you should never put in a garbage disposal; if you do, you might as well sign up for a plumbing course, because you'll need one to tackle the inevitable clogs and backups.

To prevent accidents, always turn off the garbage disposal and disconnect power to the unit before beginning any repairs. Avoid visual inspection of the unit with the power turned on; instead, turn off all power and use a flashlight to check for obvious signs of trouble. Blindly reaching into a garbage disposal could result in injury from sharp blades. When handling the unit or any of its parts, wear protective gloves. If unsure of the disposition process, consult the manual or employ a service to check the unit.

You might be quite comfortable replacing a garbage disposal yourself, especially if you have plumbing and electrical experience. But the key word here is "might." And here's why: The performance and longevity of the appliance depend largely on how accurately you install it. One little boo-boo, and you could have it leaking all over the place—and that's just for starters. Or, you know, it could have electrical issues. Long story short, hiring a pro guarantees you a work site that meets all the safety codes and regulations one could possibly require.

An unpleasant smell emanating from your garbage disposal can usually be traced to food particles that have become lodged in the grinding chamber or drain pipes. Cleaning the disposal can eliminate the smell. Clear the rubbing odor by running a mixture of baking soda and vinegar through the disposal, or use your disposal to grind up some lemon or grapefruit peels and let the fresh scent fill your kitchen. While it's not necessary to clean your disposal every week, you should flush it with cold water during and after use to help wash away any food debris that may be left over.