Garbage disposals

While garbage disposals are designed to handle most food waste, some items can cause problems. Avoid putting hard objects like bones or fruit pits, fibrous foods like celery or corn husks, grease or oil, and starchy foods like pasta or rice down the disposal. These items can clog or damage the unit. Additionally, always run cold water while using the garbage disposal to help flush the waste down the drain.

If your garbage disposal is making a humming noise but not working, it's likely due to a jam. First, turn off the disposal and unplug it for safety. NEVER put tools or fingers in the garbage disposal unless you are certain it is unpluggled. Then, use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the disposal's flywheel in both directions to dislodge any obstructions. Once cleared, plug it back in and press the reset button. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional plumber for further assistance.

If your garbage disposal is leaking, it's essential to address the issue promptly. First, check if the leak is coming from the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, or the discharge drainpipe. Tighten the connections if they are loose. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the gasket or the entire unit. It's recommended to consult a professional plumber for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Deciding whether to repair or replace a garbage disposal depends on various factors. If your unit is older, constantly experiencing issues, or requires frequent repairs, it might be more cost-effective to replace it. Additionally, if the disposal has a significant motor or mechanical failure, it's often better to invest in a new unit. Consult with a professional plumber to assess the condition of your disposal and receive expert advice on the best course of action.

Yes, a garbage disposal can cause clogs if it becomes overloaded with too much food waste. To prevent this from happening, make sure to avoid putting fibrous materials such as celery stalks or potato skins down the disposal. Additionally, it’s important that you run cold water for at least 15 seconds after turning off the disposal to flush out any remaining waste.