You rely on your garbage disposal to get rid of leftover food when washing dishes, cooking, and more. When it stops functioning or starts leaking, schedule professional repairs quickly to avoid any inconveniences. Call Scott Plumbing for appointments in Huntsville, AL. Our trusted plumbers provide straightforward pricing and on-time services.
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Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Sometimes, the wrong foods can find their way down the garbage disposal. This can end up damaging the unit and causing common problems, including:
- Jamming: Too many hard substances, such as eggshells, bones, or other hard waste can cause jamming. Metal and other inorganic substances should be avoided at all costs. A jam may clear itself if you keep running water in the disposal, but you may also damage the motor.
- Failure to turn on: A system that fails to turn on despite a functioning battery and connection, likely needs to be inspected by a professional. Our techs can figure out why your garbage disposal isn’t working.
- Leaking: Leaking is another common problem that can occur, but this is often caused by loose screws or gaskets around the unit. A hole in the housing may also cause the disposal to leak. While a jam may clear itself, leaks usually require the help of one of our professionals.
If you notice any of these problems with your system, call Scott Plumbing to have our experts inspect the issue.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Garbage Disposal?
When your garbage disposal malfunctions, it can be difficult to determine if you should repair the unit or if it needs to be replaced.
Our plumbers can repair virtually any problem with your unit. However, a faulty unit may repeatedly jam, leak, or make excessive noise, and constant repairs may cost more than purchasing a new unit. Old systems, or units that have been misused, can develop problems that are even impossible to fix. If you have a faulty disposal unit, ask us for advice on which option is the most economical.
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Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
To keep your garbage disposal working properly, it’s important to perform regular maintenance tasks on it. Some tips you should follow include:
- Avoid putting hard food items like corn husks and chicken bones down the unit.
- Don’t put starchy foods, like potatoes, in the system.
- When using the system, run water into it and keep it running for a few seconds after the disposal has been turned off.
- To keep the blades sharp, grind ice in the unit once a week.
- Clean your system with baking soda, vinegar, and water.
- Freshen your unit with lemons.