Things You Need to Know About Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation

Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Service in Bucks County PA

Garbage disposals are a popular and convenient kitchen appliance, but they can also be troublesome if they’re not working properly. This article covers some common problems and tips for getting your garbage disposal back up and running.

Leaks and Cracks

Over time, the sealing gasket on your garbage disposal can wear down or break, allowing water to seep through it. This is a good sign that your disposal needs to be replaced. The leak can be from the bottom of the unit or from the connection between it and the drainpipe. If it’s a leak from the bottom, you should first replace the gasket, then reconnect and tighten the connections to the sink and drainpipe. If it’s a crack in the unit, however, you will need to replace the entire unit.

Clogs and Slow Drains

If your garbage disposal is draining slowly, you can usually fix it by turning the unit on and off multiple times as the water runs through it. This will force water into the drainpipe and clear most small blockages.

The first step is to unplug the disposer and remove any items blocking access to the mounting bolts. Next, tighten the bolts until they are snug, and then plug it back in.

Noise Issues

A garbage disposal that makes a rattling or whirring noise when you turn it on may indicate that the motor is starting to break down. It’s a good idea to schedule a plumbing technician in Bucks County PA to inspect your disposal and let you know when it’s time to replace it.

Power Issues

If the garbage disposal isn’t working, it’s likely a wiring problem. You’ll need to check the circuit breaker that’s supplying power to your disposal (usually in your home’s electrical box) and reset it if necessary.

You should also take a flashlight into the disposal to see if there are any visible blockages or pieces of food stuck in the blades. If you see something like a stray utensil or a peach pit, cut the power to the disposal and use a long tool, such as tongs or a pair of pliers, to retrieve it.

Reset the Disposal

If you don’t have any other way to reset your garbage disposal, you can try using a hex key or wrench to manually rotate the disposal motor. Place the tool along the bottom of the unit, dead center, and turn it both clockwise and counterclockwise to loosen whatever’s jamming it.

Alternatively, you can use the red or black reset button underneath the sink to manually shut the unit off and then on again. This will reset the unit and allow it to work properly again.

If you’ve tried everything else and your disposal is still not working, it’s probably time to get it replaced. A new disposal will be much more effective and save you a lot of money in the long run. You can usually find replacement garbage disposals on the market for about $100-200 on average.