Garbage disposals are incredibly convenient appliances that grind up food waste before disposing of it. This protects your pipes and plumbing integrity by keeping any food waste you rinse down your sink small enough to not cause clogs.
Because garbage disposals are so ingrained in our daily lives, any malfunctions can be very disruptive, especially for people who love to cook. Covenant Plumbing is a family-owned company that provides local garbage disposal services to Bloomington, IL, and the surrounding areas. Reach out to our team today and learn more about how we can help you and your home.
Identifying Common Issues
The most common problems homeowners encounter with their garbage disposals are jamming, clogging, strange noises, and leaks. These issues can occur due to general wear and tear or improper use.
A broken or malfunctioning garbage disposal can be an inconvenience for you and your family members. More concerningly, however, it can also lead to a domino effect of further damage across your entire plumbing system: a minor disposal problem, left untreated, can lead to a completely broken disposal, which then causes major plumbing and sanitation issues in your kitchen. As soon as you notice an issue with your disposal, we recommend treating it promptly.
DIY Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
You may be able to address minor issues with your garbage disposal on your own. However, you must follow some simple safety measures if you are going to try and repair your disposal yourself. Always turn off your garbage disposal’s power before attempting any repairs — you can usually find its electrical cord under the sink and unplug it. This will help prevent accidents that can lead to serious injury.
- To clear a jam, use an Allen wrench and manually rotate the disposal’s motor.
- To restart your disposal, look for a “reset” button on the unit and press it.
- To remove debris, you can clean the disposal’s blades manually. Wear safety gloves and be extremely careful of the sharp edges.
Always read your disposal’s owner’s manual for instructions and tips specific to your unit. If you are ever concerned or not confident in your abilities to safely repair your unit by yourself, please do not hesitate to reach out to Covenant Plumbing for professional assistance.
When To Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, DIY fixes are not sufficient for a garbage disposal unit. Garbage disposals leverage sharp blades and electricity, making major repairs dangerous for people without professional training and safety measures in place.
Major issues you may not be able to solve on your own can include:
- Persistent leaks
- Motor failures
- Major clogs
A professional will have experience troubleshooting garbage disposal malfunctions and repairing them safely. Additionally, an expert can diagnose the root problem of the malfunction and address that as well, preventing future damage and the need for ongoing repairs. If you need a new unit, contact a professional for a garbage disposal installation.
Maintenance and Preventive Measures
Regular maintenance from a professional plumber can prevent problems in your garbage disposal. Additionally, the best way to prevent the need for repairs is to use your garbage disposal properly.
- Avoid putting fibrous or stringy items down your disposal, like celery, banana peels, and onion skins.
- Never put hard items, like bones or fruit pits, down your disposal.
- Don’t put pasta, rice, or bread down your garbage disposal. These items absorb water and expand, frequently leading to clogged drains.
- Use cold water while running the garbage disposal.
- Periodically clean your unit to prevent odors and buildup.
Simply committing to a couple of garbage disposal maintenance measures can increase your unit’s lifespan and decrease the number of repairs it needs.
Reach Out Today to a Local Team in Bloomington, IL
Whether you are looking for garbage disposal repair or installation, the team at Covenant Plumbing in Bloomington, IL, can help. We are experts in fixing garbage disposals and providing tips about how to best maintain your unit.
To learn more and schedule an appointment, call our team today at 309-340-1403. We look forward to hearing from you.
