Your garbage disposal should last at least five or ten years before showing any signs of needing repair or replacement — depending on how well you treat it. As a rule of thumb, you should never use your garbage disposal as a trashcan if you want to protect the blades from damage and prevent the motor from burning out. However, when the day comes that you think you need garbage disposal repair, Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air recommends inspecting the unit carefully to figure out the source of the problem.

How to Tell You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

1. Loud Noises

A garbage disposal should always operate quietly, especially if it’s a newer model. If you ever hear loud noises coming from your kitchen sink drain, then there’s a good chance that something’s stuck inside. First, check to see if a piece of silverware is lodged in the blades. If this doesn’t fix it, then contact a garbage disposal repair company.

2. Leaking 

Usually, a leaky garbage disposal can be fixed by replacing a loose seal; however, there are times when the entire unit can become cracked. This is when it may be necessary for a plumbing contractor to replace the disposal altogether.

3. No Power

The garbage disposal in your sink can sometimes cause your circuit breaker to trip, thus resulting in power being shut off in the kitchen. After checking to see if this is the issue, you may have to dismantle the device to dislodge something from the blades. Also, most garbage disposals have a reset button somewhere near the top of the unit. Look for this small button and push it. If this doesn’t work, you may have a bad motor.

Knowing what to look for when you need garbage disposal repair will ensure that food scraps are kept out of your septic tank. To learn more about the plumbing services from Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air, call (402) 466-8118 or visit them online for details.