Know When Your Garbage Disposal Is in Need of Repairs

The kitchen in most homes today are filled with modern appliances that make food preparation convenient and clean. A fully functioning garbage disposal system makes sure that you get rid of all remnants of each meal. This way, your kitchen can remain clean all the time. But how can you achieve that if you have a malfunctioning garbage disposal equipment?

Having said that, here are some signs that will help you know that your garbage disposal system is in need of repairs:

Foul Smell Coming from Your Sink

If you notice a bad smell coming from the sink on a consistent basis, it may no longer be due to the dirty dishes – unless of course you allow your used dishes to pile up for a long time. Otherwise, it’s probably due to a garbage disposal problem.

Food waste may be getting trapped in the system’s disposal lines. This is sometimes difficult to address. Although flushing water into the lines may be helpful, it is not a permanent fix. To get rid of the problem once and for all, you’ll have to disassemble the equipment, remove the stuck food particles, and then put the unit back together. For a regular homeowner, this may be a difficult task. Thus, it is best to seek the help of pros like Spartan Plumbing.

Slow Draining Garbage Disposal Unit

If you have given the system enough time to run and get rid of the waste as usual, the drain line may be congested. Experts don’t recommend the use of chemical drain cleaners for your garbage disposal. For one, it will only cause damage to your equipment and you will be left with a sink filled with toxic chemicals. Instead, you can try using the time-tested vinegar and baking soda solution. If that doesn’t work, then you know it’s time to call in the experts for help.

Spartan Plumbing knows exactly how to remove the bolts, disassemble the drain trap, release the drain pipe, spot the clogs and obstructions, and clear the clog using the best and most advanced tools.

Recurrent Garbage Disposal Clogs

Modern garbage disposal systems are intended to work efficiently and smoothly. Thus, a clog can be quite frustrating, and it is a clear sign that your unit needs repairs. The extent of the necessary repairs depends on the frequency and severity of the clogging.

If clogs are only occasional, you may only need to disassemble the unit to remove the food waste. However, if you experience frequent clogging, you may need to replace your garbage disposal with a bigger unit. If your equipment is too small to handle heavy loads, this can put a stress on your unit, resulting in frequent clogs.

Constant Leaks in Your Garbage Disposal

A leak can produce disgusting and dirty puddles that can ruin your kitchen. Thus, you need to address the problem right away. Tightening the connection between your sink and appliance may solve some types of leaks. However, if the leak is serious, it may be costly to repair. Severe leaks may be beyond repair and may even require replacement.

Before buying a new unit, however, consult with Spartan Plumbing first to determine if you really need new equipment. In case you don’t need a replacement yet, they will recommend the proper solution to your problem.

Your garbage disposal system is designed to get rid of all types of messes in your kitchen but a broken garbage disposal will do the opposite. By being aware of the common garbage disposal issues, you will know when you can fix the problem on your own, and when you need to call the experts to do the job for you. Here are some additional tips to keep your disposal running efficiently.

Garbage Disposal Troubles and Common Problems

A garbage disposal device is one of the hardest-working appliances in the household. After all, it supports the most commonly used item in the house: the kitchen sink. It works in a simple manner: the motor system is equipped with rotating blades for grinding food particles and other waste that goes through the drain.

The motorized grinding machine, however, can get clogged over time. Thus, it is important that it is functioning well at all times. Having said that, here are some useful tips to keep in mind when it comes to garbage repair maintenance.

When Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair

Over time, your garbage disposal device will suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Various kinds of problems may happen, some of which are easy to fix, but some may require training and advanced skills.

To avoid making the problem worse, do not attempt to repair the equipment if you think you are not capable of doing so. This is best left to the hands of experienced professionals like Spartan Plumbing. Having said that, here are some of the more common problems your garbage disposal may pose:

Overheating

If you switch the garbage disposal on and it doesn’t start to hum, it is possible that it has overheated. Because of overfilling, the device could have tripped off on its own. The first thing you should do is check for the reset (usually red) button under the unit.

If nothing happens after you press the button, find the circuit box. Check if there is a tripped breaker. This is a simple problem you can do on your own. Calling a professional for this job will only make you spend money unnecessarily.

Jamming

If your unit is humming, but it’s still not working, then the culprit may be a jam. The impellers may be stuck. For your safety, do not place your hand in the grinding chamber down into the drain to check for jams. Like everyone else, your first instinct may be to fix the problem right away by trying to reach for the stuck item and dislodging it by hand. Thus, it is important to stay calm and control your actions.

First, turn the circuit breakers to your garbage disposal off. Remove the bottom part of the housing to dislodge the jammed item from the bottom. This is an easy fix, but if you have no idea how to do it, then you better give a professional a call. It is better to spend a little money for a simple repair job than risk incurring more expensive repairs in the future.

How to Avoid Costly Garbage Disposal Repair

Don’ts:

• Don’t grind bones, eggshells, fibrous foods, coffee grounds, metal, and rubber in the garbage disposal unit.
• Don’t overfill it.
• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners for unclogging. These chemicals don’t work. You’ll only be filling your sink with toxic liquids.

Do’s:

• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal.
• Have a drain strainer to prevent blockage.
• If some items are stuck in the device for a long time, and your sink starts to stink, grind small lemon peels with ice cubes as you run lukewarm water. This will make the smell better.

If the problem you are experiencing is neither overheating nor jamming, then it could be a more serious problem that may require replacing the unit with a new one. In this case, check the manufacturer’s warranty, and see if your unit is still covered.

While a garbage disposal unit may cost only a few hundred bucks, you also need to worry about installation. If you do not have previous experience with garbage disposal installation, it may be best for you to hire a plumbing professional for this job. Call Spartan Plumbing to schedule an appointment now.

Care Tips For Your Disposal To Keep It Running Properly

A garbage disposal can make your life much easier, though you do need to take good care of it in order for it to work efficiently. While all appliances need service from time to time, you can prevent a lot of headaches and expenses by following a few simple guidelines. To prolong the life of your garbage disposal, incorporate these suggestions into your regular kitchen routine:

1. Never attempt to unclog the garbage disposal while it is running. Turn the power off at the source if necessary to ensure your safety. Always use needle-nose pliers or another tool when attempting to dislodge stuck food. These are essential to ensure your safety when assessing a clog or similar malfunction.

2. When grinding up food waste, always use cold water. Hot water can liquefy oils and fats which will then clog the pipes later down the line. However, the cold water will solidify them, allowing them to be chopped into small pieces before going down the drain pipe.

3. Don’t shove big chunks of food down the disposal. If necessary, chop food scraps into smaller pieces before you put them in. Add them a few at a time, keeping the water flow strong and steady. Otherwise, you risk unnecessary wear and tear on the disposal.

4. Avoid starchy and expandable foods. For instance, potato peels, rice and pasta. Small particles can stick to the sides and become difficult to remove. Excessive amounts of these foods can cause clogs as well.

5. Fibrous food scraps should not be tossed into the disposal. For instance, corn husks and onion skins. The fibers will get tangled into the unit rather than get broken down.

6. To avoid unpleasant odors in your kitchen it is important to clean the disposal regularly. All you need for regular cleaning is a few drops of dish soap and cold water. Let it run for a minute or two and enjoy the fresh, clean disposal that results.

7. Of course, you will need to take additional measures from time to time. Rather than waiting for an off odor to appear, use a special citrus cleaning routine once per week. You can use the peel from lemons, grapefruits or virtually any citrus fruit to freshen up the disposal. Simply tear into rough pieces and grind for a minute or two. The citric acid helps to break down food remnants and freshen the unit.

8. Another way to eliminate odors while keeping the blades sharp is to use vinegar ice cubes. Simply fill an ice cube tray with plain white vinegar and freeze. Run them through it with plenty of cold water for a natural bacteria control. You might want to dedicate an ice tray to this to ensure your drinks don’t end up tasting like vinegar!

Make sure that you allow the disposal to completely grind all of the food before you turn the unit off. A good rule of thumb is to operate it fifteen to twenty seconds after you think the food is finished. Keep the water running for a few additional seconds to be sure that the lines are clear.

All of these measures will help to keep your garbage disposal in good shape. When you do need assistance, contact Spartan Plumbing in Tucson, Arizona. We provide all of the garbage disposal services you need, Spartan Plumbing can help with garbage disposal installation to maintenance and repairs. Our competitive rates and professional staff are just two of the reasons you can depend on us to take care of your plumbing needs.