Garbage disposals are used to grind up food waste into smaller pieces, making kitchen cleanups easier. But with regular use, these machines can fail, leaving you with clogged pipes and a bill for residential drain cleaning services. Pay attention to these red flags indicating you might have a problem with your garbage disposal.

How to Spot a Failing Garbage Disposal

1. Unusual Noises

Grinding sounds can be caused by a large chunk of food or utensil jamming the blades. A humming sound is an indicator of a jammed motor. If you hear either of these sounds, turn off the disposal and shine a flashlight down the drain to check for obstructions. If the drain is clogged, call a professional to do residential drain cleaning.

2. Unpleasant Odors

Given that your garbage disposal is used for handling food waste, there will be times when it may give off a foul odor. When this happens, try running a few citrus peels through the machine and give it a thorough cleaning with some bleach. If the odor persists, there could be waste trapped between the blades or crevices. This problem occurs when the blades are dull. If that’s the case, you’ll need to have them replaced by a technician.

3. Clogging

Another indicator is frequent jamming—even with small loads. Most garbage disposals are easy to open with a small wrench or Allen key, allowing you to dislodge whatever is causing the clog. But if after doing this your unit still has trouble getting rid of food waste, the motor could be going out.

4. Water Leaks

Leaks that appear under the sink or on the floor near the cabinets are typically caused by broken seals or worn out parts. In many cases, the repair costs are about the same as the cost of a whole new unit.

5. Frequent Resets

Garbage disposals turn off when they overheat from excessive loads. You’ll need to push the reset button to get it back up and running. Check the circuit breaker and see if it has tripped as well. If you find yourself pressing the reset button more frequently than usual, then you could have a failing unit.

 

If you need residential drain cleaning because of a broken garbage disposal system, rely on Wright’s Septic Service to get it done. Their team of professionals offers exceptional services, including septic tank maintenance and filter cleaning and replacement, to residents throughout the Tomah, WI, area. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 372-3615 or visit the website.