Common Garbage Disposal Problems
A running garbage disposal saves time and effort in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what should and shouldn’t go in it, which results in clogs or damage. Here are a few problems we commonly handle:
- Garbage disposal won’t start.
- Disposal makes noise but won’t work correctly.
- Disposal is leaking.
- An unpleasant odor has formed.
- Water won’t drain or is draining at a slow rate through the disposal.
You should always run cold water into the disposal while it’s on—cold water solidifies any oil that’s present, making it easier for the blades to break waste down. Garbage disposals should also be used regularly to avoid the formation of rust.
Fixing a Leaky Garbage Disposal
A leaky garbage disposal is an easy fix if you can find the root cause. Check for problems with any inefficient or defective pieces, such as:
- Deteriorated seals
- Loose pipes
- Fractured flanges or gaskets
- Damage to the garbage disposal itself
- Possible leaky connection between the disposal and dishwasher, allowing for self-cleaning
Most leaks can be repaired. If the leak is in the body or interior lining of the disposal, you will need to replace it.
It can take a DIYer an entire afternoon to locate and complete simple repairs; you may be better off calling in the Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts Total Home Comfort to diagnose and repair your problem. We’ll also look for any other components that are about to fail and resolve all of it with one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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My garbage disposal smells. What do I do?
To remove the risk of your garbage disposal smelling, food scraps must be ground up right away with cold water. Thirty seconds is more than enough time. Avoid throwing coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels and banana peels into your disposal, because they frequently cause drainage issues and unpleasant smells. While bleach seems like a good idea for cleaning your garbage disposal, it hardens grease along with other food residue in your pipes, creating clogs.
Our plumbing Experts suggest using these cleaning solutions each week to keep your disposal smelling clean:
- Hot water and baking soda
- Hot water and dish soap
- Hot water and vinegar
You can also buy garbage disposal pods or grind up citrus peels to help clear out odors. If your garbage disposal still smells, you may be dealing with a leak (especially if the smell resembles a sewer). Contact us at 217-689-2469 for Expert plumbing service.