A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient appliances in any modern kitchen, simplifying the cleanup process by grinding up food waste. However, like any hardworking machine, it isn’t immune to problems. If your garbage disposal is jammed, making unusual noises, or even leaking, you’re not alone. These common issues can disrupt your daily routine and, if left unresolved, lead to costly repairs or even replacement.
At A1 Best Plumbing, our Long Beach plumbing experts have seen and fixed countless garbage disposal problems. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind a malfunctioning garbage disposal, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Jammed?
A jammed garbage disposal is one of the most frequent issues homeowners face. A jam occurs when something blocks the impellers (the rotating blades inside the disposal) from spinning freely. Here are the most common reasons for a jammed garbage disposal:
1. Foreign Objects
Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste, but non-food items such as silverware, bottle caps, or even small bones can accidentally fall into the unit and block the impellers.
What to Do:
- Turn Off the Power: Always disconnect the power to your disposal before attempting to clear a jam. This is crucial for your safety.
- Use a Hex Wrench: Many disposals come with a hex wrench that fits into a slot at the bottom of the unit. Turning the wrench can manually free up the impellers.
- Call a Professional: If you’re unable to remove the blockage, our Long Beach plumbing experts recommend contacting A1 Best Plumbing to safely resolve the issue.
2. Fibrous Foods
Certain types of food, like celery, potato peels, or corn husks, have fibrous textures that can wrap around the impellers and cause a jam.
What to Do:
- Avoid putting fibrous foods down the disposal altogether. Composting is a better solution for these items.
- If fibrous materials have already caused a jam, manually remove them after disconnecting the power.
3. Overloading the Disposal
Adding too much food waste at once can overwhelm your disposal, causing it to jam.
What to Do:
- Feed food waste into the disposal gradually, running cold water while the unit is operating to help flush debris.
- If you’ve already overloaded it, clear out any visible food waste and try manually turning the impellers using the hex wrench.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal So Noisy?
A noisy garbage disposal can be unsettling, especially if it’s making grinding, rattling, or humming sounds. Here’s what might be causing the commotion:
1. Foreign Objects
As mentioned earlier, non-food items can fall into the disposal. When the impellers hit these objects, they can create loud grinding or clanking noises.
What to Do:
- Inspect the disposal using a flashlight (after turning off the power) to check for foreign objects.
- Remove any debris using pliers or tongs—never use your hands.
2. Loose Components
Over time, components inside the disposal, such as mounting screws or the impellers themselves, can become loose.
What to Do:
- Tighten any loose screws or fittings if you have the appropriate tools and feel comfortable doing so.
- If the noise persists, our Long Beach plumbing experts recommend scheduling a professional inspection to avoid further damage.
3. Worn or Damaged Parts
If your disposal is older, certain parts may have worn out or become damaged, causing the unit to make unusual noises.
What to Do:
- A worn-out disposal may need replacement parts or, in some cases, a complete replacement. A1 Best Plumbing can assess the condition of your unit and recommend the best course of action.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?
A leaking garbage disposal is not only inconvenient but can also damage your cabinets, flooring, and other nearby areas. Here are some common causes:
1. Loose Connections
Leaks often occur at the connection points between the disposal and your sink, dishwasher, or drain pipes.
What to Do:
- Check all connections for looseness or signs of wear. Tighten any loose screws or fittings using a wrench.
- If the leak persists, it may be time to replace the gasket or sealing components. Our Long Beach plumbing experts can help with this.
2. Cracks in the Disposal Unit
Over time, the disposal’s casing can crack due to wear and tear, leading to leaks.
What to Do:
- Unfortunately, cracks in the unit itself are difficult to repair. In most cases, replacing the disposal is the best solution.
3. Worn-Out Sink Flange
The sink flange is the part that connects your disposal to the sink. If the flange’s seal deteriorates, it can allow water to leak out.
What to Do:
- Replacing the plumber’s putty or sealing ring around the flange can often resolve this issue. If you’re unsure how to do this, our Long Beach plumbing experts at A1 Best Plumbing can handle the repair for you.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems
Preventative maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your garbage disposal and avoiding common issues. Here are some tips from our Long Beach plumbing experts:
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water while the disposal is operating and for several seconds after turning it off. This helps flush debris and prevents clogs.
- Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods: Do not put hard items (like bones or fruit pits) or fibrous materials (like celery or onion skins) into the disposal.
- Clean Regularly: Periodically clean your disposal with a mixture of ice cubes and salt to remove grease buildup. You can also use a small amount of vinegar and baking soda to freshen it up.
- Don’t Overfill: Feed food waste gradually into the disposal rather than all at once.
When to Call a Professional
While some garbage disposal issues can be resolved with DIY efforts, others require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you’re dealing with persistent problems, strange noises, or leaks, it’s time to call in the experts at A1 Best Plumbing.
Our Long Beach plumbing experts offer fast, reliable service to diagnose and fix any garbage disposal issue. Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, we’ll ensure your disposal is running smoothly again in no time.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly
A jammed, noisy, or leaking garbage disposal can be frustrating, but with the right approach, most issues can be resolved quickly. By understanding the common causes of these problems and following proper maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and keep your kitchen functioning efficiently.
If you’re experiencing any garbage disposal issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Long Beach plumbing experts at A1 Best Plumbing. Our team is here to provide top-notch service and ensure your disposal operates seamlessly.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and get your garbage disposal back in working order!