The garbage disposal is one of those small appliances that you rarely think about—until it breaks. Few plumbing issues are worse than Rinsing the whole family’s dishes only to realize the garbage disposal is not working is an inconvenient plumbing issue. Fortunately, there are some warning signs that this appliance may need repairs. In other words, if you act fast, you can fix it before it stops working entirely. 

Signs It’s Time to Repair the Garbage Disposal 

1. It Takes a While to Break Down Debris

The blades of a garbage disposal can wear down over time and eventually become too dull to work efficiently. If it takes more than a few seconds to flush waste through the appliance, call a plumber to diagnose the issue. Replacing the blades may be all that’s needed to get the garbage disposal up and running. If it’s the motor that has broken down, though, it may be necessary to replace the entire device. 

2. It Emits a Foul Odor

Because of their nature, garbage disposals can emit pungent smells from time to time. It should be fairly easy to eliminate any foul odors, though. If the device smells even after flushing a splash of bleach or a few citrus peels, it may have accumulated a considerable amount of debris. Fortunately, a plumber can determine precisely why it’s catching food particles—and how to put a stop to it.

3. It Makes a Screeching or Grinding Sound

A garbage disposal in good working order will never make a screeching or grinding sound. Such noises could be the result of a jam or misaligned grates. A worn motor will also make a distinctive grinding sound when in use. At the end of the day, any strange noises call for repairs of some kind. 

If you need to make plumbing repairs in La Crosse, WI, turn to Bernie Buchner. For more than 60 years, this plumbing and HVAC contractor has been serving both residential and commercial clients. Since plumbing emergencies can arise at any time, their knowledgeable technicians—who are fully licensed, bonded, and insured—are available 24/7. To get in touch with someone on their team immediately, call (608) 784-9000. You can also reach out to a plumber by filling out the form on their website.