Our homes are filled with a variety of appliances that are designed to make our lives easier. The garbage disposal is one we often take for granted, until that dreaded moment when we flip the switch and it no longer works the way it is supposed to. If you suspect a clogged garbage disposal, here are some tips that might keep it running.
A clogged disposal can definitely ruin your day. After all, this is where all the waste food and other junk goes. There's also the concern that beneath the drain hole is a dangerous environment that could easily hurt you if you aren't careful. Please read first, and if you don't feel comfortable with these steps, call a professional!
The first step would be in listening to your disposal. If your turn on your switch and the motor is still running, this is a good place to start in diagnosing a clog. A rough sound of something hard rattling around in the disposal might indicate some kind of blockage. If the disposal just hums and the blades aren't moving, this is an entirely different issue.
If water flows freely down the other side of the sink, this might be an indication of what is wrong, and where to locate the clog. Don't use liquid drain cleaner to clear the clog!
You can put a piece of paper underneath the disposal and drops directly underneath the unit indicate a leak from the unit itself, rather than the pipe. Leaks from the disposal unit itself and not the drain pipe usually mean internal gaskets have warn and the unit needs replacing.
If your disposal is leaking, no longer running, or doesn't perform the way it once did, you may consider an upgrade or replacement. Also, your disposal may be showing signs of its age if it suddenly becomes louder or no longer breaks waste down into manageable chunks. If you are constantly clearing clogs, you might consider a new unit. Call Kinnett plumbing to get your replacement today!
Kinnett plumbing has been helping our customers in Woodbridge, VA with their household plumbing needs for the last 15 years. Our team of full-service plumbers has the technical know-how and experience to tackle your plumbing repair or replacement. From showers and tubs to disposals and all your household plumbing needs, call Kinnett plumbing and book a service request today!