Is It Time for a New Garbage Disposal?

Is your garbage disposal letting you know it’s replacement time? If your disposal is on the fritz, there are some telltale signs that it’s damaged beyond the point of return. Trying to ignore the problem can lead to everything from foul odors to flooding. Take a look at the clues that your garbage disposal is on its way out.

Loud Grinding Noises

Odd sounds may be tipping you off to the fact that something is amiss with your garbage disposal. It can sometimes sound like silverware is stuck inside your disposal even when all is clear. In this case, you may have misaligned components that are grinding together.

Get this looked at as quickly as possible because you may be able to avoid a replacement with a proper realignment. However, ignoring strange noises coming from your garbage disposal will only make the problem worse.

Nothing Happens When You Flick the Switch

If your garbage disposal is no longer activating when you flick the switch, this is a sign that the unit is essentially dead. The disposal could also be on its way out if it’s shutting off while you’re using it. Both issues are typically caused by a blown motor.

A Foul Odor

A lingering foul odor can be one of the first signs that something is wrong with your garbage disposal. The reason why there’s a smell coming from your sink could be that food and moisture are pooling together in your drain. It’s possible that stringy, oily foods or greasy build-ups are tangled inside your garbage disposal.

While you may be able to get rid of the buildup using hot water and soap, you may need a replacement if the odor still lingers after thoroughly cleaning your sink.

Underpowered Performance

While your garbage disposal may technically be working, you may be noticing that it’s slower than usual. Your disposal could be struggling to break down food debris that it used to breeze through with ease. This is usually a sign that your blades have deteriorated.

Your Sink Is Slow to Drain

Have you noticed that your sink is taking longer to drain than usual? This could be a sign that there’s a clog in your garbage disposal. While plunging is the first step in troubleshooting, a clog that is serious enough to cause continuous drainage issues may require a replacement.

There’s a Leak

This is a big red flag that can lead to big trouble if it’s not addressed immediately. While a leak may start off small, it can quickly become a very noticeable problem that takes over your entire kitchen. Here are some telltale signs of a leaking garbage disposal:

• Puddles near the sink.
• Larger pools of water along your bottom cabinets.
• Water drips from under your sink.

If you’re seeing signs of water pooling near your sink, there’s a good chance that the problem is serious enough to require a disposal replacement already. It’s important to bring in a plumber if you notice leaking because the source of a leak is not always obvious.

You can potentially avoid a very messy, expensive problem if you get the leak assessed before you’re at the stage where you’re “capturing” or “wiping up” water.

Getting Your Garbage Disposal Replaced Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

While garbage disposals can sometimes be repaired, getting a new disposal is often the easiest choice. Of course, you may be looking for garbage disposal installation services in Chantilly because you’ve decided that a disposal is a must-have item when building your new kitchen.

Be sure to use a qualified, experienced plumber whenever you’re putting in a new garbage disposal. Give us a call today if you need help putting in a new garbage disposal!