A functioning garbage disposal system in your kitchen allows you to dispose of food waste properly and prevents you from having clogged kitchen sink drains. You won’t have to put the food scraps in a rubbish bin. You just need to drop in the food waste and run the disposal.
Although most garbage disposal models separate food waste from the pipes, they can eventually develop problems due to wear and tear. The good news is that you can easily detect these issues and resolve them by paying close attention to some signs. Here are some indicators you have faulty garbage disposal and should consider replacing it.
1. Unusual noises coming from the garbage disposal
If your garbage disposal makes unusual noises, like screeching, metallic rattling, or humming, it can be a significant red flag that you need a plumber right away. Humming can indicate a blockage stopping the blades, while the rattling sound can be caused by objects hitting the unit’s blades when in use.
Meanwhile, the screeching noise may be a sign that you need to have your entire unit replaced. This is because there are no available spares or replacements for the flywheel, bearing, and motor. To confirm whether you need repair or replacement, book a plumbing inspection.
2. Leaking
A puddle on the floor near your kitchen cabinets or sink may be a hint that your garbage disposal is leaking. This problem is usually caused by a cracked unit or issues with the connection or sealing to the areas of a plumbing system.
Once you confirmed that the leaking problem is due to a broken or cracked garbage disposal, you should opt to have the unit replaced instead of repaired. Since the price for repairs depends on the age of the system, how much time has passed since the leak started, and the plumbing fees, a replacement might be more cost-effective and convenient.
3. Slow draining
Fats can clog garbage disposal and lead to slow draining. Fortunately, you can quickly get rid of this blockage and fix the draining problem yourself if there is no severe damage in your disposal unit.
To solve the issue on your own, turn the power off your system, unplug it, and pour one-fourth cup of baking soda and one-half cup of vinegar into the drain. Run hot faucet water into it afterwards to clear away the clog and repeat these rinse sessions several times. Finally, reach inside the disposal, grab the foreign object that caused the clog, plug in the removal, and run it.
If you cannot remove the clogged objects, resolve the issue or replace the faulty garbage disposal with help from a skilled plumber. You can also consider replacing it with a model with a bigger disposal capacity.
4. Foul odours
Trapped food particles in the unit for a long time or stuck blades due to years of wear and tear can cause an unpleasant smell within the drain line or inside the company. If you smell foul odours around your garbage disposal, it may be time to replace it.
Conclusion
Garbage disposal problems might lead to significant inconveniences in your kitchen. Minor clogs, blockages, and other small issues might be easily remedied with DIY solutions, but some issues may require complete replacement. Take note of the signs listed above and pay attention to whether your unit has these indications.
If you need residential or commercial plumbing services on the Sunshine Coast, contact Sunny Coast Plumbing and Gas. We use the latest industry technology and offer exceptional services at fair rates. Get in touch with us for a free quote!
