Garbage Disposal Services

Expert Solutions for Your Garbage Disposal Troubles

When your garbage disposal encounters problems, the skilled technicians at Wizard Plumbing and Drain are here to help. A malfunctioning garbage disposal is more than just an inconvenience; it can impact the functionality of your kitchen sink and dishwasher, causing significant disruptions to your daily life.

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Do You Need a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal can significantly enhance your kitchen's efficiency and hygiene by simplifying food waste management and reducing environmental impact. Here are some of the primary advantages:

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Convenience

Makes handling food scraps easier, reducing the need to empty the trash frequently.

Sanitation

Helps prevent pest attraction and unpleasant odors by reducing food waste in trash bins.

Pipe Protection

This breaks down food particles, reducing the risk of clogged pipes.

Eco-Friendly

Reduces landfill waste by processing food through the sewage system.

Our Garbage Disposal Services

We provide expert garbage disposal services, including repair and installation, to ensure your kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

Repair

Our skilled technicians quickly diagnose and fix issues such as leaks, clogs, and other malfunctions, restoring your garbage disposal to optimal performance.

Installation

We offer professional installation of new garbage disposal units, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated with your existing plumbing system for hassle-free operation.

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Maintaining your garbage disposal is essential to ensure it functions properly and avoids disruptions in your kitchen routine. Here are some common issues you might encounter with your garbage disposal, along with their possible causes and symptoms:

Not Turning On

Possible Causes: Power issues, overheating, or a failed motor.
Symptoms: No noise or movement when switched on.
- Power Issues: Ensure the unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Check the reset button on the disposal unit.
- Overheating: If the motor overheats, it may need to cool down and be reset.
- Failed Motor: If neither of the above solves the problem, the motor may be burnt out and need replacement.

Humming But Not Grinding

Possible Causes: Jammed grinding chamber.
Symptoms: The motor makes a humming sound but the disposal doesn’t grind.
- Jammed Grinding Chamber: This often occurs when foreign objects like bones or silverware get stuck. Use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the grinding plate and dislodge any obstructions.

Leaking

Possible Causes: Loose connections, damaged gaskets, or cracks.
Symptoms: Water pooling under the sink.
- Loose Connections: Check the connections at the sink flange, dishwasher inlet, and discharge pipe for tightness.
- Damaged Gaskets: Replace worn or damaged gaskets to stop leaks.
- Cracks: Inspect the disposal unit for any cracks, which may require replacement of the unit.

Poor Grinding

Possible Causes: Dull blades or incorrect usage.
Symptoms: Disposal struggles to grind or leaves large particles behind.
- Dull Blades: Blades can dull over time and may need sharpening or replacement.
- Incorrect Usage: Avoid disposing of fibrous, starchy, or large hard items. Ensure you run plenty of water while operating the disposal.

Frequent Clogging

Possible Causes: Inappropriate items being disposed of or excess waste.
Symptoms: Regular backups and slow drainage.
- Inappropriate Items: Do not dispose of items like grease, potato peels, or coffee grounds.
- Excess Waste: Avoid overloading the disposal with too much food waste at once. Feed waste gradually.

Unpleasant Odors

Possible Causes: Trapped food particles and bacteria buildup.
Symptoms: Persistent bad smell emanating from the disposal.
- Trapped Food Particles: Clean the disposal by grinding ice cubes and citrus peels. Use a disposal cleaner or baking soda and vinegar solution to eliminate odors.

Noisy Operation

Possible Causes: Loose parts, damaged blades, or foreign objects.
Symptoms: Unusual or loud noises during operation.
- Loose Parts: Tighten any loose screws or mounting bolts.
- Damaged Blades: Inspect and replace damaged blades if necessary.
- Foreign Objects: Remove any non-food items that might have fallen into the disposal.

Vibrating Unit

Possible Causes: Unbalanced grinding components or loose mounting screws.
Symptoms: Excessive shaking and vibration during use.
- Unbalanced Grinding Components: Check for and remove any obstructions that could cause imbalance.
- Loose Mounting Screws: Tighten any loose screws to secure the unit.

Benefits of a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal offers several advantages for your kitchen:

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Less Plumbing Repairs

Prevents Clogs: Grinds food waste into small particles, reducing the risk of clogs. Improves Drainage: Ensures smoother flow through pipes, decreasing the need for plumbing services.

More Sanitary

Reduces Food Waste: Eliminates scraps immediately, minimizing organic waste in the trash. Minimizes Odors: Keeps the kitchen smelling fresh by preventing decomposing food.

Eco-Friendly

Reduces Landfill Waste: Less organic material in landfills lowers methane emissions. Supports Wastewater Treatment: Food particles can be converted into biogas or fertilizers.

Repair vs. Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Deciding whether to repair or replace your garbage disposal depends on several factors. Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice:

When to Repair

Minor Issues: Simple problems like jams, minor leaks, or dull blades can often be fixed easily and cost-effectively.
Cost-Effective: If the repair costs are significantly lower than the replacement, it might be worth fixing the unit.

When to Replace

Frequent Breakdowns: If your disposal requires frequent repairs, it may be more economical to replace it.
Major Failures: Severe issues like motor burnout or significant leaks often necessitate replacement.
Old Age: Disposals over 10 years old are likely to have worn out and should be replaced to ensure efficiency and reliability.
Upgrading: Newer models may offer improved efficiency, quieter operation, and better grinding capabilities.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your garbage disposal can extend its lifespan and ensure it runs efficiently. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods

No Hard Foods: Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, or other hard items down the disposal, as they can damage the blades.
No Fibrous Foods: Foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around the blades, causing jams and clogs.

What Not to Put Down the Drain

Grease and Oil: These can solidify and cause blockages.
Coffee Grounds: They can accumulate and create clogs.
Pasta and Rice: These expand with water and can lead to blockages.
Eggshells and Potato Peels: They can form a thick paste that clogs pipes.

Run Cold Water

Cold Water Use: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help solidify any grease or oils, making them easier to chop up and wash away.

Regular Cleanings

Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean your garbage disposal to prevent buildup and odors.
Cleaning Pouches: Consider using specially formulated cleaning pouches available in stores for easy maintenance.

DIY Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Homemade Solution: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water to clean and deodorize.