Has Your Disposal Bitten More than it Can Chew?

Worrying about your garbage disposal is usually the last thing on your mind. The only time you acknowledge its existence is when you have to clean out a backup or wash food debris down the drain. You might even acknowledge it when you have to stick your hand down in the forbidding hole to fish out a dropped ring or earring. But overall, this isn’t one of your glamorous kitchen appliances so you typically don’t notice it much. However, you will notice when your garbage disposal starts to falter. Here are some signs that it’s time to get a new garbage disposal.

Frequent Clogging

If the drain pipe that is connected to the disposal starts to become clogged frequently, it could be a sign that it’s not effectively grinding down food waste. Your disposal should have the capability of breaking down food waste in seconds. So, if even small food items are causing the drain to clog it could be a sign that the disposal is in need of repair or replacement.

Leakage

Leaks can occur around the disposal and are usually easily repaired by a plumber. However, when leaks become significant it could mean that it’s time for a new disposal. The cost of fixing major leaks often outweighs the cost of buying a new disposal. Sometimes you can get away with fixing larger leaks without having to replace your whole device, but if the leak is coming from the device itself you will almost certainly need a new disposal. Pay attention where the leaks are coming from in order to assess if the damage is mild or major.

Frequently Hitting the Reset Button

A large clog can cut off the power to the disposal by causing the reset button to pop up. This is okay if it happens every once in a while. However, if you’re resetting it multiple times a week, it could be a sign that your disposal motor is running down. If you are having to press the reset button every time you use your disposal, it could be a sign that you either have insufficient wiring or that your disposal has started to age. If this is the case, you will probably have to get the whole disposal replaced.

Won’t Turn On

If you flip the switch and nothing happens, then your disposal has a problem. Before blaming your device, first, check the breaker connected to your disposal. If it’s still not working after this, this could be a sign that you need a new disposal. If no obstructions are visible and the circuit hasn’t blown, it means that your garbage disposal probably burned out. If it has burned out, you will need to replace the whole thing.

Garbage disposals may be out of sight and out of our minds most days, but when things go wrong, we tend to notice. If you are having frequent clogging, leakage, if you are frequently having to reset it, or it just won’t turn on, it could be a sign that you need a new garbage disposal. Let the professionals at Doc’s Appliance Service replace your device and ensure that the disposal is properly installed and functioning correctly. With over 30 years of experience, we are ready to help you with all your appliance repair needs. Contact us today.

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