Hello, my name is Lelani O’Malley. Welcome to my website about keeping your plumbing system in great shape. When I bought my first home, I was shocked to learn that it was built in the early 1900s. Another shocking discovery awaited as I learned that the plumbing system remained from its original build. Upon learning those facts, I dedicated my time to learning how to keep that system in great condition. I developed this website to bring that knowledge to you as well. I want to help all my readers maintain their existing plumbing system for years to come. Thank you for coming by.
Stressed Over Your Disposal? 3 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is In Distress
Toilets, showerheads, faucets, and the septic system are all priorities when it comes to maintaining your home's plumbing. However, your garbage disposal will also deserve some understanding and care. Considering its job is to break down food and residue, the garbage disposal experiences a great deal of stress over time. Therefore, knowing when it is in distress is key to making repairs and restoring it back to a functional state. Here are a few signs your disposal may be in distress.
1. Clanking/Grinding Sounds
One of the most common issues your disposal may face is a clanking or loud grinding noise when it is running. Fortunately, this issue is a simple one to repair. If a hard piece of food, broken piece of a plate or container, or a utensil is stuck in your disposal, you may hear a loud clanking or hard grinding noise while it is running.
To repair, shut off the disposal switch and turn the power to the unit off. This will reduce the risk of the disposal coming on while you are removing the foreign object. Once the unit is completely powered off, reach your hand into the disposal to see if you can feel anything lodged in between the blades. Remove any chunks of food or broken objects carefully.
After removing the foreign object, turn the faucet on for a few seconds to rinse away any leftover debris. Then, reconnect power to your disposal. Power it on and listen for any unusual sounds.
2. Problems Powering On
Another common issue that occurs if the disposal is in distress is an inability to engage. Once you hit the switch, the disposal should begin working immediately. If the disposal does not turn on or it takes time powering on, there is an underlying issue that should be addressed. Check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped first. This can prevent the disposal from powering on. If this is not the case, you may need to reset the disposal.
Hit the internal reset button, which is located on the front or side of the unit under your sink. This will reset the motor, allowing it work. If you are constantly resetting the unit to get it to engage, it is time to consider replacing the disposal.
3. It's Aging Out
On average, experts believe garbage disposals have a lifespan of 12 years. While preventative maintenance and proper use can protect the disposal's lifespan, replacing the unit will be necessary at one point in time.
If the other above issues are problems constantly or it is reaching the expected lifespan age, it is time to invest in a new garbage disposal. While not an imperative part of your plumbing system, a garbage disposal is an excellent addition to have in your home. This guide will help you determine if it is in distress. For more information, contact your local plumber.